A Halloween Love Affair: Reflections on Costumes and Community

Confidence in Disguise: Halloween's Empowering Allure - Where Costumes Meet Self-Expression

Oct 31, 2024

I've mentioned before that I'm not particularly fond of most holidays. They often feel like a whirlwind of obligations and stress. But there are a few that stand out, and Halloween is one of them.

I can't stress enough how much I ADORE Halloween, a love that has been with me since I was a child.I love the costumes and tricker treating (and would still go as an adult if people wouldn't give me shit for it).

The thrill of the creepy decorations, the excitement of going out after dark, and the joy of staying up late make Halloween one of my favorite holidays.

What about you? Do you have any fond memories of Halloween or costumes? I'd love to hear about them. I would love to hear your stories in the comments below.

Did I mention how much I LOVE costumes?

Child Lyric, dressed as a green and yellow pterodactyl

Costumes (for me) are not just outfits; they're a way to step into a different world, a different persona, and experience life as someone outside of oneself.

I have always been happy to have an excuse to wear an elaborate outfit, becoming a character I don't get to be in my day-to-day life.

Growing up, I often wore homemade costumes around the house (and in public occasionally) just for the heck of it. Sometimes, people would laugh, point, and give me funny looks, but not on Halloween.

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Lyric, hoop dancing in a pink and purple cat outfit in a city setting.

Eventually, as I grew older, I found other communities where I could dabble in my love of makeup and costume. I started participating in theatre groups, where I could transform into different characters with the help of costumes and makeup. I also spent my weekends at the local Renaissance festivals or LARPing (both havens for costumes and role-play).

Further along in my journey, I encountered Ravers, and eventually Burners, and then anime and comic book conventions, which all catered to my adoration for costuming.

Cartoony image of Lyric, dressed in their Princess Mononoke costume.

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Costume Confidence

There is something about covering my face with a mask, elaborate makeup, or face paint that makes me feel more confident. It is as if the energy from the character I'm trying to embody bleeds onto me, overshadowing the shyness I sometimes have with strangers.

In a physical disguise, I can lose myself in my character, worrying less than usual about who will judge me for my actions, especially if I feel I am playing a part (which I can put down later) or cannot be recognized behind my veil.

Lyric in purple and pink rave gear, with a cotton candy bob wig with matching glitter face makeup, taking a selfie.

Despite being one of my favorite holidays, I have no plans for this evening.

Today, I've been meaning to plan and put together an outfit, but despite this desire, I've not had the mental energy or time to creatively put something together (yet).

Since it's raining, I probably won't go walking to run my errands as planned and may stay home to work on my "Halloween look" instead of going out (once I'm done writing this piece).

I have a basic idea for my outfit and some makeup I'd like to try.

It's a work night. We don't "party" anymore, and since money is tight, we don't have any candy to hand out, so we won't see the trick-or-treaters.

If anything, we might watch a movie or some YouTube—nothing fancy. Hopefully, if I can get my act together, I will look hauntingly fabulous while we enjoy a casual, quiet evening at home.