Best Halloween Costumes for 2010

The key to a great Halloween costume is to come up with something creative and identifiable. You make a much bigger bang at campus Halloween parties if you plan ahead–don’t be the eighth girl in skanky black “cat” outfit with eyeliner whiskers or another guy going as “ghost” in a sheet.
Here are our top picks for timely and trendy 2010 costumes.

Oil Spill-Inspired
The costume supplier Fun World has already whipped up this BP oil rigger costume, but we bet you can come up with your own creative variations. Petroleum piranha? Oil Otter?

Wolfman
Horror movies are always a great place to turn for Halloween costume inspiration. Benicio Del Toro’s transformation into the legendary monster is a great example of what can be done with makeup.
Burton-esque Alice in Wonderland
Look no furtler than Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland for a wide range of over-the-top costumes.

Sherlock Holmes and Watson
Holmes and Watson costumes à la Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law make for Victorian elegance with steam-punk edge. Plus, well-tailored jackets are always in style for men.
Avatar
With the success of Avatar, there will probably be lots of blue people running around this Halloween. Set your Na’vi costume apart by paying close attention to makeup details and consider picking up some props. You can pick up an Avatar makeup kit here.

Katy Perry and Elmo
The Lady Gaga costume is played out; it’s time to pick a new musical idol. Rock a Katy Perry costume with retro pin-up girl flair and maybe some gummy bears. For a touch of scandal, convince a friend to go as Elmo.
Janelle Monáe is another rising star with distinctive style that could be transformed into a hot costume. Pick up a slim tux and black and white wing-tips at a thrift store.
Tea Party Demonstrators
Wear red, white and blue, carry a flag and make yourself some illogical propaganda signs. You can have fun by staying in character all night and talking about how the government should stay out of public schools.
Sexy Bed Bug
Since you’re not going to be cat in that black body suit, we suggest you consider taking inspiration from the bug of the moment: the bed bug.
Vampires
There’s no escaping the vampire trend, so why not embrace it for the holiday that celebrates the undead? Update this Halloween staple by recruiting your friends and going at the cast of True Blood, Twilight or Vampire Diaries. Skip the ketchup, get some stage blood for the best effects.

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Scott Pligram and Ramona Flowers would make almost-too-cute costumes for a couple (who doesn’t want to wear a pink wig?), but Kim Pine, Knives Chau and the rest of the Sex Bob-omb band would also be fun with a group of friends.

Jersey Shore, Miami style
Another fun group costume idea. Just get some clubbing gear, spray tan, hair gel and maybe a BumpIt.
The Angry Flight Attendant
Get inspiration from former JetBlue flight attendant Steven Slater. While Ricky’s has already come up with a ready-made version (shown here), making your own version is pretty easy. Besides, how many other costumes include a bottle of beer?
Tell us what you think! What costumes do you think will be popular this year?