Halloween is just around the corner, and I was thinking of Halloween ideas for costumes, and realized that the one thing that has stood the test of time is the simple skeleton costume.

At first – it was about how well the skeleton costume was done – how detailed, how realistic etc. But then it extended out when you look at films such as Donnie Darko -  the Scream trilogy and The Karate Kid.  The costumes used in these movies were just as scary. Not so much for the realistic effect as for the anonymity (scream being a key example – the costume of the screaming man is so unrealistic and not scary – its just widely available and you keep thinking of the psycho underneath the skeleton).

I have to say – the fact that you never know who is under the skeleton costume is scary. I mean I know I’ll be thinking twice if I’m peering out my window and it’s an adult sized skeleton costume clad individual asking to be let in.  I might change my mind if they’re tiny – I mean I’ve seen some really cute kid Halloween costumes – including tiny little skeleton costumes, and one that includes sound and light, glow in the dark etc (also a great way to spot your child on a dark evening!). I also saw a skeleton costume for dogs with was truly adorable.

Actually I never realised the power of Halloween costumes – until I went on a pirate ship party. This one guy who was a teacher of ours turned up  and was actually truly scary. He was the same as everyone else – wearing a pirate outfit – which to be honest is not scary on it’s own. But he added skeleton to his pirate –so  his entire face was white skull and black sockets for eyes. I actually couldn’t look at him he was that scary looking – I don’t think I was the only one either!

Anyway, let’s hope that more people turn back to the icon that is Halloween instead  of seeing a million Harry Potter lookalikes roaming the streets.