1. No store-bought costumes, ever.

First rule, no purchased costumes are allowed.

No matter how big of a time crunch you are in, you’ll definitely lose a few points when the crowd realizes you obviously didn’t make your costume.

Homemade outfits are much more endearing, so avoid the full costume sets and only pick up a few necessary pieces from the Halloween store.

The rest of your outfit should come from thrift stores or your closet.

2. Pop Culture, I hardly knew her!

There’s no easier way to be recognized than to base your outfit on something, or someone, in pop culture.

Connect on a few key points and you are on your way to being current and creative.

Lady Gaga may seem like she is always wearing a Halloween costume in her outlandish stage getups, but you can emulate her look easy enough.

All you need is a big pair of shades, a platinum blonde wig and a generous portion of makeup and you are in business.

You can craft one of her bizarre dresses using a few pieces of cardboard, glitter, mirrors and black spray paint to create her bizarre, geometrical garments.

For the guys, you are just a pair of Venetian blind shades and oversized ego away from becoming Kanye West. A bottle of Henney and an Etch-A-Sketch haircut only help.

Going in a group? Well, becoming the boys of The Hangover is all too simple.

Dressing as Phil is as easy as a button down shirt and aviators.

Stu merely needs a polo, glasses and a missing tooth.

Alan makes or breaks the ensemble, but with a wildlife tee, beard, potbelly and yes, the man purse, you’ll have it made. Add a little dirt and scratches and bruises to each of you to top it off.

3. All is fair in love and politics

You can get your political statement on by dressing as a political figure.

Sure, tons of people will go as Barack Obama or Sarah Palin, but dig a little deeper and you’ll have something much better.

Becoming Mark Sanford is relatively simple, all you need is a hiking outfit, a “map” of a woman’s torso and some strategically placed lipstick stains.

Be weary of dressing up as Glenn Beck though.

Replicating his behavior is a sure fire way to land yourself a public intoxication fine.