Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.
It's nearly two weeks—two weeks!—until H-Day, a.k.a. Halloween 2012, a.k.a. the one night of the year to show off your creativity, pop-culture knowledge, style, and gameness for a good time all at the same time. Are you stressed yet? So were we... until we realized the internet has all the answers. Whether you're looking for something smart, sassy, chic, or politically significant, here are the six best internet round-ups for 'tume-spiration.
New York's "Beautiful Freaks"
While our sister site took thirty or so pictures from last year's Village Halloween Parade and thus they might be a little out of date, we like to think a human-sized tube of Kiehl's hand cream is forever applicable. (If you want something more current, however, see the most popular costumes this year as determined by NYC's Halloween store owners). [Racked NY]
Image via Fashionista
The Fashion-Literate Costume
Of course there's a special place in our hearts for every person in these round-ups of fashion icon Halloween inspiration (yes, even you, Terry Richardson and especially you, Magic Mike), but our favorites are definitely the inimitable Iris Apfel and Anna Dello Russo. We don't, however, suggest shopping on eBay for the latter. [Glamour and Fashionista]
Images via Elle
Celebrities Wore These Costumes and Now You Can Too
This one is the best if you are willing to spend a little on your costume then incorporate the pieces into your wardrobe, which seems totally doable thanks to Elle's spot-on recommendations. They even suggest pieces for Fergie's Honey Boo Boo costume that we could totally find a use for on a day of the year besides the one dedicated to looking as strange as possible. [Elle]
Images via SheFinds
The "This Year in Pop Culture" Costume
From mom-style Snooki to "Tan Mom," from Kimye to "TSM" (Totally Sorority Move: One Lilly Pulitzer dress and like eight Natty Lites), this round-up spans all the most pertinent of the impertinent 2012 cultural nods. [SheFinds]
Image via The Cut
The Questionably Political Costume
This Sex-Positive Big Bird says "I want to reflect the fact that I watch CNN but that doesn't mean I'm hiding my killer legs under Paul Ryan's ill-fitting pants." It's a one-two punch. [The Cut]
· Topshop's Bewitching Hour [Racked]
· Psy's Gangnam Style: A Brief Sartorial Analysis [Racked]