Costume Clownery
Get ready for Halloween fun with some historical costumes from the Fred M. Mazzulla Collection!
Autumn has arrived in Colorado! The turning of the leaves, the brisk air returning, and Daylight Saving Time coming to an end all mean that Halloween is just around the corner, so it's time to plan your costume!
Costumes and disguises have been a part of holidays, rituals, and rites since ancient times. Like most holidays, Halloween is an amalgamation of cultural influences and religions throughout time. Today, the holiday and its costume customs bring people together in the spirit of something scary, spooky, or eerie. Some people celebrate by decorating their lawns and awaiting trick-or-treaters with a bowl of candy, while others attend costume parties or opt for a trip to a haunted house. Whether you are someone who goes all out for Halloween and makes your own costume, prefers store-bought costumes, or creatively thrifts your yearly outfit, it's time to consider your yearly disguise for All Hallows' Eve. Will you go with the trends of 2023, pull together your go-to costume from previous years, or land on something more traditional?
We’ve gathered together some images from the recently digitized Fred M. Mazzulla Collection to help inspire your costume plans. Will you be a pirate, a queen, a witch, a jester, or something in between? We hope these images will spark some creative inspiration, and help you get into the Halloween spirit!
Clowns and Dolls
Why not try your hand at the classic costume idea of a clown? Whether you prefer a cute carnival clown or something more sinister, that’s entirely up to you.
Plundering for the Best Candy
Will you be out and about trick-or-treating with your family or friends? Pirates are a time-honored classic costume idea. These two young women committed to the look with fake mustaches, scars, and even an eye patch.
A Whole Crew of Pirates
What's better than two pirates? A whole crew! There will be many costume contests around the state, and a cohesive pirate group is sure to steal the show.
Toil and Trouble
The witch is another classic costume that never fails to leave an impression. Grab a broom, a furry familiar, and brew up a tasty elixir.
Costumes for Royalty
Looking for ideas for a couples costume? Why not adorn a crown, cloak, and scepter and reveal your inner royalty. A royal couple is not only a classic look, but also a romantic pairing. These two women dressed as the King and Queen of the May Fete with crowns and fur-lined cloaks.
Crack a Few Jokes
More of a prankster? This university student jazzed up her jester-style outfit with a pointed hat.
Go Down the Rabbit Hole
Large group costumes are always a treat! Consider dressing up from your favorite popular media, like these eleven students in Alice in Wonderland costumes from 1919.
A Complete Pair
Are you and your best friend wanting to match this year for all of your Halloween shenanigans? “Twinning” has always been a popular choice for the holiday. These two young women are dressed as the classic twins, Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum from Alice in Wonderland.
Whether you decide to dress up as a ghoul, goblin, or ghost, may your Halloween be full of thrills, chills, and as much candy as you can eat!