Halloween’s coming soon, and it’s time to pick the right costume for that Halloween party you go to every year. Halloween is that very special time of year when even the adults get to play dress-up, even a little bit of “make pretend” should the mood move them. For every Halloween party, passing out candy, or otherwise potentially spooky event, having an excellent costume makes the night all the more fun and all the more fantastic. Adults should not have to settle for whatever is left on the rack simply because they are a little bit older and a little bit bigger. Rather, adult costume stores have actually noticed an increase in adult costume demands over the last five years. While the popularity and origins of Halloween have come under intense scrutiny over the past ten years, adults who wish to partake of the ghoulish fun are seeking the right costume for just the right occasion.

So how do you go about picking something unique and different (because of course you want to stand out)?

It’s best to stay away from the top picks. Instead, check out the classic costumes, or the historical ones. Buy something that you can enhance with your own personal touches.

Once you’ve selected your costume, brainstorm ways you can personalize it to suit you. If you’ve decided to go as a witch, for example, think about adding a touch of color. Accessorize with something that’s unique. Or choose a theme, like a sea witch, and accessorize accordingly.

Don’t forget that makeup can also make a big difference. Glitter, glow in the dark or just plain dramatic are all options. If you’re wearing a costume that’s more on the horror side, go for realistic looking blood as a unique touch.

The key is to start with a basic costume and keep on the lookout for accessories that will set you apart. You’ll be guaranteed to show up in an unusual and unique costume that’s personalized to suit you!

A part of the Age of Renaissance was the reign of Queen Elizabeth. The clothing during that period spoke much about the social standing of the wearer. One could largely distinguish between aristocracy or nobility and the lower-downs. In fact what one wore was extremely important, as compared to the present day scenario.

The rich wore fabrics such as velvet, satin and cotton, whereas the poor wore flannel and other cheaply available fabrics. It may surprise some how cotton was regarded as a rich person’s clothing. In those days, cotton was not easily available as compared to today and was imported from India and America, levying a high taxation. Amongst the common fabrics were flax and wool. Wool was spun into a form know as tweed.

Men of the Renaissance Age commonly wore boots, pants, a shirt, a vest and a hat. Women would be seen wearing shoes, an over and under skirt, a shirt, a bodice, and a hat or snood. They generally braided their long hair. Curls were a mark of beauty. Children after the age of years would wear what the adults wore.

It is believed that during the Renaissance, clothes wore such an important treasure that those belonging to the upper classes of nobility and aristocracy would spend all their earnings on what they wore. The women finely decorated their dresses. Typical Renaissance clothing was not just limited to England, which was ruled by Queen Elizabeth, but its influence spread to other European countries such as Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Flanders, and Poland.

Today, Renaissance costumes are more about fun. While it is completely outdated, yet it forms a theme for costume parties and fancy dress balls. While the clothing of that age did have its own charm and class, yet it would be inconvenient and extremely expensive an option to wear today. Especially considering the layers of cloth required. Yet, Renaissance costumes remain a subject of intricate study amongst prospective fashion designers.

From the 11th through the 13th centuries, medieval clothing varied according to the social standing of the people. The clothing worn by nobility and upper classes was clearly different than that of the lower class.

The clothing of peasants during the Middle Ages was very simple, while the clothing of nobility was fitted with a distinct emphasis on the sleeves of the garments. Knights adorned themselves with sleeveless “surcoats” covered with a coat of arms. Barbarian nomads wore clothing made of fur, wool, and leather. They wore long trousers, some of which had attached feet. Fine leather shoes were also worn. Imports such as turbans and silks from the East were common for the more fortunate of society.

As with today, clothing styles of medieval men changed periodically. At the end of the 13th century, the once loose and flowing tunics became tighter fitting. Besides tunics, the men also wore undershirts and briefs covered by a sleeveless jacket and an additional tunic. Stockings completed the ensemble. Men’s medieval clothing also consisted of cloaks with a round opening that was slipped over the man’s head. Such cloaks were worn over other clothing as a type of “jacket”.

Early medieval women’s clothing consisted of “kirtles”, which were tunics worn to their ankles. These tunics were often worn over a shirt. When the women were in public, they often topped the tunics with an even shorter “kirtle.” Of course the more affluent women wore more luxurious clothing than those of the less affluent lifestyle. Women, especially those who were married, wore tight-fitting caps and nets over their hair, which was wound in a “bun” on their heads. Other women wore veils over their hair, which was left either hanging loosely, or braided tightly.