Deny it all you want, but every Halloween costume has an ulterior motive. While channeling Miley Cyrus proves that you pay attention to pop culture and sporting a comedic costume shows your amazing sense of humor, some Halloween getups are perfect for getting that guy’s attention—you know, the one who’s seductively standing across the room dressed up as Aladdin? Swoon. Though we may instantly think of wearing a sexy nurse costume or a French maid ensemble, do they really get a guy’s pulse racing? We asked a handful of collegents which Halloween costumes they think are hot.
1. A Roaring Twenties Flapper
Though dressing up as a flapper is nothing new, Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby revitalized this costume’s popularity. While you probably won’t be partying at an extravagant mansion this Halloween, channeling your inner Daisy Buchanan is all the rage this year. Luckily, collegents also like this idea.
“Cool, sassy and fun,” says Ben Bergstrom, a senior at SUNY Geneseo. “[It’s] a nice break from the usual.”
So how do you score this look? If you’re not looking to invest in a fringe frock, throw on your favorite mini dress and purchase inexpensive flapper accessories—a headband, a faux pearl necklace and a pair of fishnet tights, just to name a few—at your nearest costume store.
According to Ramsey Musk, a junior at Boston University, scoring flapper-approved hair will make you stand out from the rest of this year’s flappers. “You’ll be the coolest one if you can get that weird wavy hair down,” says Ramsey.
While there are so many ways to create those beautifully retro locks, we suggest following Lauren Conrad’s instructions — she even included pictures! If you can’t seem to perfect that Daisy Buchanan wave, opt for a low chignon. While we can’t promise you that all the guys who look your way will be as spectacular as Gatsby, we can assure you that you’ll look amazing.
2. Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones
Yes, you can have an outfit that is both nerdy and sultry! Exhibit A? Game of Thrones’s Daenerys Targaryen. We have a feeling that this costume will have tongues wagging.
“I love it!” says Ben. “Sexy, topical and kind of geeky—just my style!”
Don’t worry, collegiettes: you can still rock this outfit if you don’t have Daenerys’s platinum blonde locks. Not willing to splurge on a pre-packed Halloween costume? Give Daenerys’s ensemble a modern twist with a cropped top and pair of baggy pants. As for the beauty front, stick to natural makeup and score those awesome waves by braiding your hair the day of your Halloween extravaganza—just untie your hair and add loads of hairspray before you leave your dorm. For a finishing touch, add a pair of Birkenstocks or leather sandals. Sexy and nerdy? You’ll be the answer to all collegents’ prayers.
3. “I’m a mouse… duh.”
From reciting the movie’s classic one-liners to counting down the days until October 3rd (oh Aaron Samuels, we wish you were in our calc class), we’re still totally obsessed with Mean Girls. In fact, Mean Girls has inspired us to pull a Karen Smith and sport a little black dress and pair of animal ears to any relevant theme party as well as Halloween. It’s easy, affordable and sexy—don’t be surprised if you see several girls wearing this costume.
“Almost always really hot,” says Derek*, a senior at Washington University in St. Louis.
This getup is perfect for when you were so focused on your midterms that you didn’t begin to think of Halloween ensemble. The first part of this costume is as easy as throwing on your favorite LBD and high heels. If you’re hoping to give this traditional costume your own personal twist, opt for a different type of animal ears. “Get creative with the animal,” says Ramsey. “Maybe a badger? A hedgehog?” Snag a pair of ears at your local party store, and we promise you that even Regina George will be jealous of your modern take on this classic costume.
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4. A Grecian Goddess
Whether you’re in Delta Gamma, Sigma Delta Tau or you’re GDI, there’s something very alluring about sporting a toga and emulating a Grecian goddess. Like dressing up as Karen Smith, this outfit is both easy and affordable.
This costume is the perfect mix of sexy and sophisticated. “It can be a selectively revealing choice, but not exactly sl*tty,” says Peter Jasinski, a senior at Boston University. “Goddesses weren’t sl*tty because they were all busy being divine.”
While party stores always have an abundant supply of Grecian costumes, get your creative juices flowing by making a toga out of a clean white sheet. Luckily, there are many ways to create a toga. Don’t forget to wear a slip or camisole underneath your toga—a wardrobe malfunction isn’t what you’re shooting for this Halloween. Create goddess-worthy locks using a wide curling iron and volumizing spray. Complete this costume with gladiator sandals and a gold headband.
5. A Character From Orange is the New Black
Breaking news: Wearing revealing costumes isn’t the only way to a guy’s heart (cue the sigh of relief). Showing off your personality and amazing taste in television shows is a major turn-on. Relevant and easy, dressing up as an Orange is the New Black inmate is one of the hottest costumes of the year. While sporting a female prisoner getup may not be conventionally sexy, you will attract guys who are culture buffs.
“Yes,” says Ramsey. “This is the best show, and if I see any Taystees or Pousseys out there, then that means someone is doing something right, namely them.”
Say goodbye to that sultry jailbait costume you wore as a pre-collegiette and hello to a pair of orange scrubs—a lot comfier than your standard sexy ensemble! Since prisoners don’t spend hours primping (unless you’re one of Sophia Burset’s clients), opt for minimal makeup and give your hair that au naturel look with some texturizing spray. Finish this ensemble by throwing on a pair of TOMS and creating an inmate tag with a “Hello, My Name Is” label. Funny and cultured—how could guys not be into that?
6. A Sexy Tiger
Trying to unleash your animalistic instincts this year without looking like Karen Smith? Rock head-to-toe prints and spend this Halloween as a sexy tiger. Luckily, we know exactly what guys will be thinking: Lions and (sexy) tigers and bears… oh my!
“A sexy tiger [costume] never goes out of style,” says Derek.
Unlike wearing a little black dress and mouse ears, this ensemble is 100 percent fierce. While buying a tiger costume from your local party store sounds like the easiest option, it can be a little pricey. If you’re looking to save some money, purchase an orange shirt and a matching pair of leggings and draw ferocious stripes with a black fabric marker. Finish this ensemble with a pair of black boots and some tiger ears.
Looking to go the extra mile? Draw some jungle-approved stripes on your face with an eye pencil and create sexy locks with a curling iron and loads of hairspray. If tigers aren’t your spirit animal, feel free to dress up as a sexy lion, elephant—you name it!
No matter which costume you choose, there’s one thing that will always attract guys: having fun. “The only way you can really fall short with a Halloween costume is by not going all out,” says Ben. So as long as you’re confident in your costume and having fun, that campus cutie you’ve been eyeing will be dying to talk to you.
Want to be featured in our Halloween slideshow? Don’t forget to send your best Halloween costumes to halloween@hercampus.com. Since we love social media as much as you do, remember to tweet your pictures at @HerCampus and tag us on Instagram with #HCHalloween!
*Name has been changed.