Halloween is fast approaching, and if you haven’t gotten your costume together yet don’t fear. D.C. has seen some ICONIC halloween costumes through the years, like this D.C. parking sign costume, the viral farm bill one, or this Madam’s Organ mural costume.
Here are eight options that will have your neighbors saying “Wow! Not only are you hilarious, but you also read local news!” and out-of-towners saying, “huhhh...?”
Subway Sandwich Man
Well, let’s just get this one out of the way. I suspect there will be more than one Subway sandwich wielding, salmon shorts wearing Washingtonian stumbling through the bars this Halloweekend. The beauty in this costume is that if you get hungry while you’re out, you have a built-in snack.
Sexy Safeway
Go as your favorite D.C. Safeway. My pick would be the “Sexy Safeway” (aka the one in Mt. Vernon), because who doesn’t want to be a sexy grocery store? But you could also do the “Stroller Safeway,” “Senior Safeway,” or any of the other iconically nicknamed D.C. Safeway locations.
Lanternfly
Have a kink for being stepped on all night? Boy, have I got the costume for you. Dress up as the invasive spotted lanternfly that’s been terrorizing D.C. all year. Wear a brown jacket with black spots and a red t-shirt underneath which you can flash when appropriate.
Dress Up As Your Metro Station
I’m not talking literally, I’m talking vibes, a la this “dress your stop” Metro party on TikTok. L’Enfant better be wearing a red beret and Foggy Bottom best have swamp moss on their backside.
A Long Distance Relationship
Are you dating someone in Arlington? Make sure you let everyone know how much you're suffering for love. You wear a I ♥️ Arlington t-shirt, your partner wears a I ♥️ D.C. one. Cute, easy, and a subtle flex.
The Purple Line
Just don’t show up. But, if required, show up thirty minutes late wearing purple and homemade signs with several crossed-out opening dates. Bonus points if your costume nods to its history.
Your Undead Bus Line
Pay your respects to your old bus line by reviving it for the night. I’m picturing zombie makeup with paper cutouts for each stop. You could also do this for the D.C. streetcar being phased out, if you really want to go crazy.
Wonder Food Hall
Dig out the most boring, uninspired pieces in your wardrobe (ideally millennial green). Then, to really get into the character, appear at various parties or events within a few blocks and hand out 50+ flyers to everyone you meet. Carry a few limp lettuce leaves in your pocket.
Union Station Roman Legionnaires
Bring it back to your college toga party days and dress up as one of the famous Roman legionnaires overlooking Union Station. But just like their aghast commissioners, please be sure to properly cover up all the goodie bits (ideally with more than just a shield).
And if you’re trick-or-treating, here’s a list of some of our favorite spots in D.C.!
