Heading into college I had no idea that costumes would be a such a necessity to my life. After my first semester I think that it's safe to say that in my first two months of school I dressed up in a costume more than all of my previous Halloweens combined. From crush parties with my sorority, to fraternity parties, every occasion required some sort of costume to fit a specific theme. The best part of any dress up occasion is seeing who of your friend group can have the most creative costume. After two years of thrift store shopping, I finally have a costume box with just about anything I could ever need.
Though there isn't really a limit to what can go in your costume box, there are few essentials that you need.
1. The Fanny Pack
Fanny Packs are making a comeback. Your mother probably wore them to theme parks when you were a child, but now they're actually cool. They hold your phone and anything else you could ever need for a dress up occasion. Buy one in a solid color, and you're golden.
2. The Hawaiian Shirt
Every frat daddy male has a Hawaiian shirt, but girls should have one too. Throw on a lei, and you'll be set for any Hawaiian or beach themed event. Hawaiian shirts are also acceptable for just about any day party.
3. A Button Down Shirt and Boxers
Hello, Risky Business.
4. Neon everything
If it could glow under a blacklight, put it in your costume box.
5. Mardi Gras Beads
This is a MUST around Mardi Gras season.
6. A Basketball Jersey
I've never understood why guys can wear a basketball jersey for any themed party... but it's a thing.
7. A Sombrero or a Mexican dress
Cinco De Mayo necessities.
8. A Safari Hat/Animal Print everything
Bonus points for a live animal with your costume.
9. A Toga
A college classic.
10. Tall Sporty Socks
These could really go for any theme.
11. Athletic Clothes
Olympics, Tour de Franzia, Athletes and Mathletes, High School Heroes... Athletic clothes can actually be used for several different themes.
12. Skiing Clothes
This is the time to bring out your patterned Patagonias and ski goggles.
13. Hippie Clothes/Musical Festival Clothes
Woodstock all the way.
14. Red White and Blue Patriotic everything
Feel free to write USA all over your body. If it has a flag on it, wear it.
15. Coconut Bra and Grass skirt
Trust me, you'll need this.
16. Nerd attire
Or at least some glasses, suspenders and a pocket protector.
17. 90's attire
Bring out the overalls, solid colored shirts and scrunchies. Think Stephanie and DJ Tanner from Full House.
18. High School sports/activities clothing
Time to bring out the cheer uniform you swore you would never wear again. High School Hero to the max.
19. Disney
Bring your tiaras and Princess dresses.
20. Ugly Sweater
Christmas season isn't complete until you have an ugly sweater contest.
21. Yacht club/Golf attire
Think Caddyshack.
22. Cocktail Dress or blazer
You fancy, huh.
23. A Flannel shirt
Lumberjack life.
24. Camouflage
The more camo you have on, the better.
25. Cowboy Boots
You should probably have these anyways.
26. Redneck Clothes
Ripped jeans... plaid....overalls.
27. 80's Workout Clothes
Bring out the neons, the leggings, and once again the scrunchies.
