Creative Humor for Guys

• Some of the funniest costumes revolve around current events, so consider all the news (big and small) of the past few years. Movies, TV shows, commercials and Internet fads offer possible funny costume ideas. If you're more low-key with your Halloween costume, try a visual pun. For instance, print out an oversize image of a quarter and tape it to your back; when people ask, say you're a quarterback. Though corny, pun-based Halloween costumes are convenient to assemble and sure to elicit a few chuckles.
  
  

Creative Humor for Girls

• Girls have plenty of options to choose from when drawing on popular culture and current events. If you're trying to think up a last-minute costume or one that won't break the bank, try a costume with a simple but humorous punch line. Wear a full slip (or try a slip dress for more coverage) and pin a sheet of paper saying "Freud" on the front or back, becoming a Freudian slip. This is especially funny for psychology majors.
  
  

Traditional Humor for Guys

• If you're going to a Halloween event where people know you well, playing against your everyday personality can be immediately humorous. If you're good-natured and friendly, dress as a werewolf or other monster. If you're an athlete, create a couch potato costume (complete with chips and a TV remote). Try a costume that can be assembled from thrift store finds, such as a tacky golfer, or mix up the seasons with a Santa Claus costume.
  
  

Traditional Humor for Girls

• Try a humorous take on stereotypes. If you have an old bridesmaid dress (or dresses), play on the idea of a zombie bridesmaid, or combine all your dresses to create one memorably ugly bridesmaid costume. Add overdone hair and makeup. If you own a white dress (or find a wedding gown at a thrift shop), pair it with running shoes and a sweatband for a runaway bride costume. These ideas work well with old prom dresses.