If you're looking for a great Halloween costume, but you never go shopping until a few days before the big day — well, maybe you'll get lucky digging through clearance bins or scrounging the racks at the Salvation Army. But if you like to make a splash with a fantastic get-up each year, start early with one of these costume ideas:
* Beetlejuice. With the long-awaited sequel to the classic 1988 horror comedy finally in theaters, you'll stand out as the misbehaving ghost or Lydia Deetz, his moody teenage foil.
* Deadpool or Wolverine. The foul-mouthed superhero hit the big screen again this past summer, this time with his new best friend — formerly deceased X-man Wolverine. Man's best friend also has a supporting role in the new flick, which means that doggy Deadpool costumes might be in a store near you.
* Raygun. The Australian breakdancer surprised and baffled the world at the Paris Olympics, and you can replicate her moves in your very own Raygun costume. Don't forget to wow the crowd with her signature kangaroo hop.
* Couples costumes. A good couples costume never goes unnoticed. You can try a classic pairing like Barbie and Ken, or choose a culinary duo like peanut butter and jelly. Looking for something a little darker? Try Dracula and Renfield.
* Ghost. You can't go wrong with a classic ghost costume – a sheet with a couple of holes gets the job done. Dress all in white and drape yourself in gauzy fabric for a more elaborate version. Paint your face with pale makeup (don't forget the dark circles around your eyes) and use gray temporary color on your hair.