Dressing up in costume for Halloween is way up there on my list of “Things you’re never too old for”, somewhere between singing Happy Birthday and eating peanut butter straight from the jar. Like several of my friends, I’ve always been a fan of Halloween. The candy, the scary movies, the traditions, the candy—what’s not to like? (Sure, it’s also the one night a year when we encourage children to knock on strangers’ doors and ask for candy, but that’s a different article for a different day.)  

Unfortunately, there comes a time in all of our lives when we need to—sigh—grow up: graduate from trick-or-treating (usually when we graduate from junior year), trade in our candy-collecting buckets (or pillowcase, in my case), and purchase our own Kit-Kats (most likely from Target, when they go on sale November 1st). The magic is gone. Goodbye, Fantasy. Hello, Adulthood. Well, I say: no more! I say: let there be Halloween, and by golly, let there be costumes!

If someone were to ask me, I could recount every costume I’ve ever worn for every Halloween in the history of me, and make no mistake—I have worn a costume every year. In fact, there have been multiple years that included multiple costumes. I’ve been inspired by some of my favorite fictional characters, from Velma Kelly to The Wizard of Oz’s Scarecrow. I’ve made people laugh with the hilarity of silly puns: Deviled Egg, Basic Witch, and Dust Bunny, to name a few. And I’ve showcased my deep appreciation for the classic horror tropes by going as witches and clowns and zombies, oh my! Maybe it’s just the theatre geek in me, looking for any excuse to play dress-up—but as I see it, when it comes to Halloween, costumes never go out of style. Literally.

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Messed up make-up? Doesn’t matter.

Hand-sewn costume? Great!

Recycled outfit from last year? Who cares.

There’s no judgment when it comes to Halloween. In a world where we are constantly pressured, constantly judged/harassed/questioned, why not bask in the one day when you can wear anything you want and face zero consequences? Yes, that should be the case every day. Yes, we should feel safe and free and expressive every day of our lives, but that just isn’t the case, even in 2017 and especially for women.  

The beauty of Halloween—above every theatrical performance, dance recital, and badly themed frat party—is that you can be whatever or whoever you want to be. There is no wrong answer, and the possibilities are limitless. It’s a chance to express your imagination, creativity, and individuality, regardless of whether or not you buy your costume or make it yourself, dress as mummified remains or a sexy crayon. 

You do you. 

But me? 

I’ll do Halloween. In costume. Forever.