Last year, I could not believe how big of a deal Halloween was in college, but there was something so fun about watching a bunch of 20ish year olds running around playing make-believe for the night.
Growing up, I had a closet of costumes in my basement with a bin full of different identities I could don whenever I felt a pull toward the imaginary. Armed with a sheriff’s badge on my chest, chef’s hat on my head, princess’s gown down to my feet or a wild combination of all three, I could dive into a world of my own making.
This year, I could not think of what I wanted to be for Halloween, so I turned to my box of childhood pictures for some inspiration. I deputized my mom to send me some pictures of my most iconic looks from over the years.
Inspired by Aidan O’Malley’s power rankings, come along with me for a trip down my own memory lane.
- Princess
Pretty basic, but I mean, look at that face. She had to make the list.
- (Angsty) Angel
This is my era of refusing to smile with my teeth, so I was unintentionally an angel that “isn’t like other angels.” I definitely thought I was smiling, but, my goodness, why do I look so moody? I had a pillowcase full of chocolate next to me, I had nothing to be upset about.
- Minnie Maggie Mouse
Doesn’t this face scream: “Hot dog, hot dog, hot diggity dog!”
- *itch (The asterisk is a “W” — get your mind out of the gutter)
I was definitely going for a mysterious, spooky, sultry look here. My dress was velvet, my face was green (with a drawn-on mole) and my hair was popping OFF.
- If you believe, wherever you are, clap your hands, and she’ll hear you. Clap! Clap!
I think this was around the age where I became addicted to the Tinker Bell movies and the video game “Pixie Hollow Online.”
- Maggiebug
She looks cozy. I want one. Do they sell ladybug onesies this fluffy for adults?
- Klaers, Sherlock Klaers
If I suddenly disappear, I want her on the case. But also, check the trunk of Colin Shea’s car.
- Madeline
We’ve already established that I was a moody, difficult child, but in case you weren’t convinced, this picture is the final nail in the coffin. I loved anything French, so, naturally, I was obsessed with the daring little French girl of the book series “Madeline.”
If you told this little girl that her family would have a bunny when she turned 19, her tiny little bunny tail would be wagging so hard. Girly was obsessed with rabbits, and I suppose she still is.
- Fairy Princess Poker Chip
I’m pretty sure all of my cousins had a group costume that year that was poker-themed, but that wasn’t pretty enough for me. This was also the Halloween that I whacked my cousin (pictured on the left) over the head with my fairy wand because I wanted to ring the next doorbell and I thought that maybe if I concussed her I would have a head start. Ruthless.
You can contact Maggie at mklaers@nd.edu
