Trends and Entertainment

Get Your Recession Scare On

Looking for some timely Halloween costume ideas? Let the recession be your inspiration. Whether you’re dressing up as Bernie Madoff, the repo man, or a laid off CEO—now’s the time to get crafty and start planning your recession-ready party wear. And if you’ve recently been laid off, then consider it a blessing. After all, you’ll have more time to grab your glue gun and start making your own costume from scratch.

Here, some of our favorite recession-inspired costume ideas.

Bernie Madoff: Dressing up as America’s No. 1 Ponzi schemer is shaping up to be a popular option this Halloween. Just pick up a Madoff mask (available at costume stores across the country, as well as online), a suit, and you’re ready to go. Just don’t forget to stuff your pockets with cash to make the costume complete.

Pyramid Scheme: For Madoff enthusiasts who prefer to be a little less literal, why not try dressing up as a pyramid scheme? Create a wearable pyramid with cardboard and green paint, and turn the pointy top into your very own hat.

Bank CEO: You’ll need an expensive suit, for sure. But what will really make this costume pop is the golden parachute (i.e. a spray painted bed sheet) sticking out of a backpack on your back. Take our advice, though, and prepare to get soaked, since drinks may very well be getting tossed your way throughout the night.

Bear Market: There may be no better icon of the recession than the bear market. To get in the (admittedly, depressing) spirit, go big with a faux-fur bear costume for the night, and tape a red cardboard arrow—pointing downward—on your chest.

Job Seeker: If you’re unemployed or not, this costume ought to be easy. Get dressed up in your favorite suit, grab a brief case and a resume, and you’re ready to go. And hey, if you happen to see someone who’s looking to hire while you’re out at a party, you’ll be prepared.

Housing Bubble: For anyone who enjoys crafting and has plenty of free time (read: those of you who are currently unemployed) making a housing bubble from scratch could be a lot of fun. Make a clear bubble big enough to stand inside, cover parts of it with your local newspaper’s real estate section, and you’ve got yourself a housing bubble.

Repo Man: Nothing’s scarier to a person who’s behind on their car payments than a repo man. To get the look, go casual with jeans, a well-worn t-shirt, and a backwards cap. You can bring along a toy tow truck for an added kick, or add some chains to your getup—since you’ll need them to attach repossessed cars to your truck.

Mortgage-Backed Security: Finance whizzes need only a (lightweight) children’s dollhouse and some chains or ropes to make this costume work. Put on a business suit, grab your briefcase, and strap the dollhouse to your back. Paint your face black and blue, and you’re ready to go as a mortgage-backed security.

Tags: crafts, financial, Halloween, holidays