Cultural anthropologists take note: the start of “Sexy Anything Season”, aka Halloween, has begun! Be on the lookout for classics like the “sexy nurse”, newfound favourites like “sexy Medusa”, and something a bit more unusual like a “sexy avocado”.

The Oxford English Dictionary defines “sexy” as “appealing, stimulating; liable to excite interest”. And sure enough, one trip down the party aisle is all a classic costume needs to enter the realm of “sexy”. But how did Halloween become “Sexy Anything Season”?

Halloween originated with the Celtic festival, Samhain, which involved dressing up in order to fool spirits with malicious intents. Since then, the practice of dressing up has become less about concealing identities but about showing off a less quotidian, more whimsical side of ourselves, where we as individuals seek to dress differently in order to empower ourselves through costume for one night a year. And, with the dawn of polyester and nylon, came the dawn of a new type of costume, the “sexy” costume.

“Special shout-out to all the men who dress as shirtless fire-fighters or “sexy” cupids: thank you for breaking down gender barriers!”

The idea of “sexy” costuming raises controversy in puritanical corners of the world, where some mistakenly believe “sexy” equates to “sexual”. While this is a harmful, outdated and erroneous way of thinking, these misleading ideas have created a negative perception of the “sexy” costume. Additionally, “sexy” costumes are often manufactured for women, leaving the men out. (Special shout-out to all the men who dress as shirtless fire-fighters or “sexy” cupids: thank you for breaking down gender barriers!)

During the turn of the millennium, not only were “sexy” costumes almost exclusively for women, but many women could not find a non-sexy alternative. As claimed in the ever-popular classic, Mean Girls, Halloween is, “the one night of the year when you can dress like a slut and no other girls can say anything about it”. Popular feminist critiques of the “sexy” costume note this, recognising that these words, centred around women, are laden with gender dynamics that imply that “sexy” costumes are meant only to be worn by women. However, I must ask: if this is the wearer’s, whether male or female, intent, what is wrong with that?

“Sexy isn’t just about sex appeal”

What makes a costume “sexy”? Traditionally, something that shows some skin, hinting at one’s sexuality, like a mouse in a leotard with animal ears or a vampire in a tight corset with cleavage. Don’t get me wrong – I love a good corset! However, sexy isn’t just about sex appeal. It’s appealing, stimulating; liable to excite interest, and meant to be confidence-boosting and empowering! While some find empowerment in being able to show off a little midriff, that is not the case for everyone.

In the spirit of the “sexy” Halloween costume, I encourage everyone to step outside the everyday into empowerment this year. Here are my top choices for costumes that are “sexy” without necessarily being sexual:

Witches

Witchcraft has been rooted in ideas of feminine power for ages, suggesting something mystical, natural, and powerful in the built world. Dressed in a long, black dress, witches are symbols of feminine empowerment.

Princesses & queens (& other royalty)

A tiara is one of the most confidence-boosting things a little girl can wear and for good reason – even us grown folks feel pretty wearing something shiny on our heads! Any costume involving a crown or tiara is sure to boost your confidence! Bonus points if you dress like a member of the royal family!

Fairies and Elves and Sprites

Without spoiling too much, this might be what I do this Halloween! Mystical creatures, especially those traditionally seen wearing armbands or corsets with ethereal swirls, can be delicate and “sexy” without crossing into being overly sexual.

Superheroes

How can we talk about empowerment without showing off some actual power?! From Spiderman to Wonder Woman to our own, unique creations, superheroes can choose how much they reveal through the use of spandex, capes, and concealing or revealing their identity through a mask (or glasses. Looking at you, Clark Kent).

Judges & doctors

Professions are commonly seen in “sexy” Halloween costumes, but even as a non-sexy costume, doesn’t it just spark your confidence to bang a gavel or walk around with a giant stethoscope?

“No matter the reason, if a costume doesn’t make you feel ready to take on the world, it doesn’t empower – it hinders”

For some individuals, costumes, be they “sexy” or more traditional, are simply not confidence-boosting. Mass-produced Halloween costumes are often made of materials that are less breathable, itchier, and severely restrict movement (looking at you, polyester); it’s no wonder some people prefer a holiday-themed t-shirt or regular clothes! No matter the reason, if a costume doesn’t make you feel ready to take on the world, it doesn’t empower – it hinders.

So, as a word of advice to all cultural anthropologists, fancy dress observers, costume pros, and everyone in-between: when you see a confident judge, an empowering witch, or the late Queen of England, look out! You may have just found the not-so-spooky spirit of the original “sexy” costume.