By Caroline Blevins ’18

As the Halloween season approaches, pressures rise to find the right costume. This year, avoid the tired and clichéd personas of princesses, athletes and cops, and instead follow one of these hot 2016 Halloween costume trends.

Puppy Dog Snapchat Filter

Snapchat is loved by many Staples students and became even more popular when they added filters. Everyone loves the puppy ears, throwing up rainbows and the big eyed deer effects. Snapchat filters are a great way to subtly dress up this Halloween if you’re not into the go-all-out idea. There isn’t much that needs to be worn, but it will take some handiwork. Here are the steps you’ll need to take in order to complete this costume:

Create felt cutouts of the ears.

Attach the ears to your headband.

Attach the puppy nose to your own nose using wardrobe tape.

Hold up a felt puppy tongue using a popsicle stick.

Harley Quinn from “Suicide Squad”

On Aug. 5, 2016, the popular movie “Suicide Squad” hit theaters. Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn will definitely dominate Halloween with her iconic super villain look.  The blue and red dip-dyed wig adds authenticity to the costume. Makeup-wise, all that is required is red lipstick with blue and red eyeshadow. To complete the look, pick up black shorts an dtights, Harley’s blue and red jacket and, of course, her “Daddy’s Little Monster” shirt.

Harambe

After the controversy over the shooting of Harambe, there are high expectations for an abundance of gorillas this Halloween, which is sure to keep Harambe’s spirit alive and well this Halloween. Make a statement by adding angel wings or a halo.  For those who are going for a more gory look, paint on fake blood. This unique costume will catch eyes and hearts as the memory of Harambe continues.

Pokemon Trainer

The app, Pokemon Go, was released on July 6, 2016 and instantly became a hit. Staples students traveled  all over Westport trying to catch different creatures for their collection. Well, gear up to catch some critters and candy this Halloween by dressing up as your favorite Pokemon Go character. Just wear leggings, an athletic jumpsuit, gloves, a belt, a baseball cap and sneakers. Pokemon trainers are frequently dressed in the colors yellow, orange, blue, purple, white and red.  Athletic jumpsuits, spandex and a long sleeve shirt can all do the trick. Regardless, this costume idea would be greatly appreciated by those who spent so many hours running around town for Pokemon.