Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

“It’s Halloween, everyone’s entitled to one good scare.” As established by the 1978 horror film classic “Halloween,” the holiday’s original goal was for one thing: instilling fright into others.

The easiest way to accomplish this task is by dressing the part. Scary Halloween costumes were an original trick-or-treater favorite. If your intent this All Hallows Eve is to don yourself in spooky attire, your options are countless. Horror icons are well known by most; dressing as one is an incredibly simple, yet crowd-pleasing way to strike terror in whomever you come across on Oct. 31.

Purchasing or creating masks will allow you to dress as several infamous horror movie characters: Michael Myers, Jason Vorhees, Freddy Krueger and even Ghostface are among the many widely known faces. However, if you want to go as a more modern role, look towards movies such as “Annabelle,”“The Purge,” “The Babadook” and even the newly reinvented Pennywise from “It”.

Being scary doesn’t mean having to portray a character that already exists; you have the freedom to create an entirely new character you’ve never seen before. Often, all it takes to make a costume scary is to add a little bit of fake blood, which can be purchased or easily made, and tear up your clothes a little.

While Halloween is known for being spooky, the costumes don’t always have to be. For some, the best costume is simply dressing as something you’ve always wanted to be, or something that will get a laugh out of others.

Taking this route is the perfect way to create your own costumes. Throwing on a flannel and cowboy hat will transport you into the Wild West; putting your creativity to work can morph you into your favorite Snapchat filter, and wearing a black and white striped shirt can turn you into a criminal — add white face paint and suddenly, you’re a mime. For more DIY inspiration, head to Pinterest for never-ending options.

However, if DIY isn’t your thing, you can always purchase a costume. Spirit Halloween in Salem is home to a large array of choices. Purchasing them brand new can be spendy though — for a cheaper option, look at secondhand stores, such as Goodwill.

If you have someone that you’re looking to team up with this Halloween, fear not. This often allows for the best dynamic duo costumes. Partners in crime — such as Batman and Robin, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Mario and Luigi or even everyone’s favorite television couple Jim and Pam from “The Office”  — can make perfect couple ensembles. Don’t be afraid to get creative with these.

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu