A fedora completes a preteen 1920s costume.
Ghosts and ghouls are not the scariest things on Halloween for the parents of tweens; preteens can feel pressured by peers and pop culture to wear overly sexualized costumes, making the holiday a frightening time for parents. Worried adults should offer age-appropriate costume suggestions to their sons and daughters, reassuring them that Halloween can be creative without being inappropriate.
Jazz-Age Costumes
The fashion of the 1920s makes for perfect preteen costumes that do not compromise the wearer's dignity for style. Flapper dresses for girls are long enough to make parents feel comfortable but still flattering and fun. Patterned stockings and cloche hats can add period-authentic style to the outfit, while pearls and a short haircut are finishing touches. Boys can wear suits and fedora hats for a Roaring Twenties look. Researching the details of this costume also provides an opportunity to give your preteen an impromptu history lesson on the fashion and culture of the 1920s.
"Punny" Costumes
A funny costume can be a great attention-grabber for a preteen who wants to be the center of a party, while pun costumes show a literal representation of a popular phrase: Bunny ears combined with a feather duster becomes a "dust bunny" costume. Preteens will have fun coming up with a pun-based costume created from items around the house. For example, a child can carry around a recycled cereal box with a fake knife stuck in it to dress as a "cereal killer."
Pop Star
Pop star costumes can be a great way for preteens to reflect their musical tastes. Most celebrities have distinctive styles that can be recreated in a more modest manner for preteens. Create Lady Gaga's iconic hair bow from a blonde wig or find a sequined glove for a classic Michael Jackson look. There are also plenty of preteen pop stars: "Hannah Montana," the Jonas Brothers and Miranda Cosgrove all sport age-appropriate styles that can be mimicked.
Animal Costumes
Animal costumes are not just for small children. Preteens can pair animal ears and masks with fashionable, age-appropriate clothing to create a stylish and adorable look. A beak mask paired with a matching feather boa turns a girl into a chic bird, while boys can wear a wolf mask with jeans and a T-shirt for an easy wolfman look. Since the mask or ears are the most important part of the costume, you can compromise with your preteen about the clothing worn with it.
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