‘Tis the season to start thinking about your Halloween costume. “But it is weeks away,” you say. True, but the best costumes are often limited in size and sell quickly. Now is the time to start considering what you would like to wear and where you would like to purchase it to give you time to get it in your hot little hands and on your curvy bod.
Witches, Vampires, and Pirates, Oh My
Year after year the most popular costumes by far for women, not just plus size women, are witches, vampires, and pirates. Almost any online costume shop will carry a large assortment of styles to choose from.
Left to Right from Costume Super Center:
- Deluxe Magical Witch, $37
- Classic Witch Costume, $29
- Hooded Dress Plus Size Costume, $33
- Immortal Seductress, $34
- Deluxe Pirate Lady, $39
- Elite Rustic Pirate Lady, $110
Zombies, Warriors, and Goddesses
Do I really need to explain the increasing allure of zombies? Warriors and Goddesses have been getting more attention on TV and in the movies too which makes them more popular in the costume store.
Left to Right from Buy Costumes:
- Undead Teacher’s Pet, $55
- Putrid Prom Queen, $70
- Indian Maiden (think Pocahontas), $113
- Golden Warrior, $60
- Athena Adult Plus Costume, $60
- Olympic Goddess, $45
Super Heroes and Story Book Themes
Super heroes is a category in the regular sizes that has always been quite popular among men. Since women are becoming more and more geekified they are also popular for the opposite sex but it is only the last few years they have been available in plus size, and then only in the lower ones.
Left to Right from Halloween Costumes:
- Wonder Woman Plus Size Costume, $59
- Adult Plus Size Supergirl Costume, $58
- Sexy Ghostbusters Costume, $55
- Elite Queen of Hearts Costume, $99
- Plus Size Dorothy Costume, $43
- Plus Size Alice Costume, $32
How to Shop Online for Costumes
The most important factor for shopping online is sizing. You have to really be careful with “plus size” sizing. Sometimes plus size really is only “Queen Size”. If you are bigger than a 14/16 I would totally steer clear of costumes with this kind of sizing and looks for ones that are either in number increments i.e. 18 to 22, or that use the 1x/2x and 3x/4x sizing to get a more accurate fit
Shop around for a good price. The competition is stiff between costume sites. For the most part they will be within $5 to $10 of one another but if you are on a budget than can mean extra money for make-up or accessories. When considering price make sure you also consider shipping cost. A store could give you a great price on the costume but charge $15 or more for delivery while another store may charge $5 more but offer free shipping.
Consider your costume an investment. Expect to spend at least $35 to $60 for a costume that you will actually be able to get more than one wear out of. Cheap costumes have cheap materials and will not last (I am not referring to expensive costumes that go on sale). Do not fall for trendy costumes that will look outdated the following year. If you pick something like a goddess, the next year you could add wings and be a good fairy. If you pick a vampire costume, the next year you can change your makeup and be a witch. Some costumes are more versatile than others.
Read the product description to see what is included. What you see in the picture may or may not be in the complete price. Look at the cost of accessories and determine if they are things you could buy cheaper locally from the dollar store or even make on your own. For example, you do not need to buy a witch broom if you have one in your closet.
What do you think you would like to dress up as this year?
About Maureen Wood
Now I am going away to do my breakfast, after having my breakfast coming over again to read further news.