Last Years Halloween Costumes

By Kim Moreau
No one wants to see the same costume year after year -- we're talking to you pregnant nun. But with a little creative thinking (and accessorizing), it's easy to give last year's most popular Halloween costumes a 2009 makeover. Whether you're trying to save money or you're just plain lazy, these recycled get-ups won't let you down.
2008: Candidate Barack Obama
2009: President Barack Obama
While last year's pre-election Obama was all about hope and promise, this year's Barack is deep in the throws of policy (and dealing with all those who disagree with it!). Dust off last year's Obama mask and update him for life inside a stressful oval office. That means playing up the gray hair and toting a pack of cigarettes in your pocket!

Taekwonweirdo, www.flickr.com/photos/alanchan/3004883039/

2008: Pirates of the Caribbean
2009: Somali Pirate
Last year, costumes inspired by Johnny Depp and his fellow swashbucklers were all the rage, but the pirates who made headlines in 2009 weren't quite so jolly. To transition your costume to Somali pirate, trade your sword for a plastic machine gun and grenade, strap a bandolier across your chest and pop on a pair of aviator sunglasses. Purists might insist on Army fatigues, but since we're recycling here, stick with your puffy shirt. You know you want to wear it again.


ginsnob, www.flickr.com/photos/ginsnob/2991652171/

2008: Juno's Paulie Bleeker
2009: Ed Swiderski from The Bachelorette
If you spent last Halloween in the tiny shorts of Juno's adorable cross-country crush, it's time to suit up again. Unfortunately for viewers, Ed Swiderski, the recipient of Bachelorette Jillian's final rose, spent most of the season in his own teeny tiny pair of shorts. While the color is different, most folks will be too blinded by your gorgeous gams to notice. Just slip on last year's shorts, add a plain navy tank top and tote around a red rose. Oh, and be sure to lose a bit of sleep the night before -- Swiderski looked permanently exhausted.


thelastminute, http://www.flickr.com/photos/thelastminute/2993943074/

2008: Troy from High School Musical
2009: Bruno
The gang has graduated from high school; don't you think it's time you did too? Turn sensitive jock Troy into Sasha Baron Cohen's latest outrageous character, Bruno. Simply flat iron last year's Zac Efron wig, cut those gym shorts really short and top it all off with a matching fedora and suspenders. Don't forget to carry a microphone and practice your fiercest runway walk.


RJizzle, www.flickr.com/photos/jangunit/1562726617/

2008: Britney Spears
2009: Kate Gosselin (Plus 8, Minus Jon)
Britney was last year's celeb mom du jour, but the mom-of-the-moment is a reality TV star with as many kids as Spears and Angelina Jolie combined. Don't even bother gathering up kids (or even dolls) as props -- there are too many to keep track of. Just concentrate on the hair: give last year's Brit wig a close crop (shorter in the back), or invest in one of the many Kate wigs on the market. Get some Lee press-on nails in French manicure, a pair of platform flip-flops (a Spears family wardrobe staple) and a Juicy Couture terry dress (another Spears fave). Most importantly, prepare to have an attitude with anyone who approaches you.




Bauer-Griffin

2008: The Joker
2009: Twilight's Edward Cullen
One of Halloween 2008's darkest characters can easily transition into this year's most lusted-after heartthrob with little more than a quick dye job. To turn the the Oscar-worthy villain into sexy vampire Edward, start by updating your outfit to a more modern style (Rob Pattinson's vampire tends to dress in black oxfords, and often frolics about shirtless, but more on that in a minute). Cover the wig with inexpensive hair color in a can, leaving the style as bushy as possible, and you're done. Want to go the extra mile to impress the Twihards? Cover your body in roll-on body glitter to mimic Edward's vampire sparkle.


melissaclark, www.flickr.com/photos/melissaclark/2989697805/

2008: Sarah Palin
2009: Britney Spears or Tina Fey
Last year you couldn't go three feet without running into the outspoken Alaskan governor. If you donned a red blazer for your 2008 Palin costume, you have the key ingredient for a Britney Spears Circus Tour costume. Cinch your blazer tighter -- much tighter -- with simple add-on loop clasps from any fabric store. Then cut a black boa in half and affix them onto opposite shoulders with Velcro. Then slip on a skimpy unitard and black boots -- it doesn't hurt to have a ringmaster's whip either. If you went the easy route last year -- glasses and a pulled-back do -- you can always go as Tina Fey.


ghwpix, www.flickr.com/photos/ghwpix/2993446931/

2008: Olympic Hero Michael Phelps
2009: Bad Boy Michael Phelps
After taking an astonishing eight gold medals in 2008, the Olympian has indulged in a little time off and a newly relaxed vibe that has included a good bit of partying, and some occasional swimming. For Halloween 2009, hang on to your gold medals but trade the swim cap for a backwards baseball hat, and switch the wetsuit and American flag for a pair of jeans, a Wheaties t-shirt, and some drug paraphernalia.


bugeaters, www.flickr.com/photos/bugeaters/3026842036/

2008: Lumberjack
2009: Zac Galifinakis in The Hangover
A good fake beard never goes out of style. If last year's costume had you chopping down trees with Babe the Blue Ox, this year give your facial-endowed fellow a vacation. Pick up an inexpensive pair of Blublocker sunglasses, the dirtiest t-shirt you've got, and a fake baby (preferably in a Baby Bjorn), and it's Vegas, Baby!


Fonzie's cousin, www.flickr.com/photos/89927155@N00/2136517521/

2008: Spaghetti Cat/LOL Cat
2009: Keyboard Cat
Internet fans will appreciate your attention to the major memes if you can finagle last year's feline frock into this year's must-forward video. While last year's viral video featured a crazy cat dining on a plate of marinara, this year's star was a cat jamming out on the keyboard whenever someone had a major FAIL. All you need is a blue shirt to slip over your usual feline garb and a small keyboard or toy piano (or you could opt for a poster board version). And of course you'll need to practice tickling the ivories with very stiff arms, er, paws.


stefanie says, www.flickr.com/photos/stefaniesays/1805459195/