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fter crossing the ever-elusive line of when it suddenly becomes inappropriate to trick-or-treat, one is left to ruminate in the confusion of stepping into the adult world of Halloween. 

Growing up designates walking to parties rather than greeting each of your neighbors for candy. 

It also designates a change of aisles in the costume department of Walmart. Instead of staring at the rows upon rows of bagged outfits labeled with designated age-ranges, the costumes on the other side of the passage become skimpier, sexier, more political and, at times, feature cultural appropriation. 

So my question to you is this: Will you subject yourself to one of these get-ups out of simplicity and ease or will you choose to get your creative juices flowing and think outside of the box? 

If you need a little help, I’ve created a list of potential personas for you. As for me, I will be dressing as one of my heroes, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She’s empowering, intimidating and fabulous! Happy costume hunting to all, and happy Halloween!

1. Eleven from Stranger Things

Nothing more than slicking back your hair (or shaving your head if you’re feeling extreme), a box of Eggo waffles and a bit of ketchup beneath your nose is required to complete this look. Plus, you’ll appear modern and on-trend with current television hits. Awesome!

2. A Snapchat filter

Use that free printing money Creighton graciously (finally) provided us with and put it to good use! Make a few copies of the dog ears, nose and tongue to plaster to your face, or face swap with a friend! 

Make your wildest snap-story dreams come true. Filters on filters on filters, sure, why not?

3. Ken Bone from the second presidential debate

Bone claims that the red sweater was not his first choice for the debate, but it is the source of his now iconic status among millions of viewers. Cozy up in red sweater, a dark mustache, ask your friends questions typically found in a town hall debate and wait for the love to pour in.

4. Harambe from the Cincinnati Zoo

May he rest in peace.

5. Crippling college debt

If you’re going for scary, honestly, this is the most frightening thing I can think of. A cane, a few ripped dollar bills and your college degree in tow should suffice (for now and the rest of your life).

6. The cast of “Hamilton”

Whenever I need some inspiration or motivation, I look immediately to Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton.” The greatest broadway of this decade, a group of friends can dress as the founding fathers (I’ve been begging my friends to do this for ages) and have rap battles over the Constitutional Convention.  

Whether you have been planning your costume for months or you are doing something last minute, remember that any inanimate object can become a Halloween classic with the right amount of spirit.