The Globe and Mail

STEVE JOBS

Why: Because you want to pay tribute to a man who changed the world. (And you just love Apple stuff.)

Costume: black turtle neck, mom jeans, running shoes, an Apple device to carry as a prop. Frequent chin rubbing and an air of sagacity are also recommended.

(AFP / Getty Images)

BLACKBERRY'S COLLAPSE

Why: Because your friends in the MBA program are going to love it.

Costume: Black balloons taped to you, shoe polish to give yourself a black eye. (Don’t feel bad if everyone prefers to hang around the guy dressed as Steve Jobs. That’s just the way it is).

(J.P. Moczulski for The Globe and Mail)

CHARLIE SHEEN

Why: Because even though you know he’s a mess, you also know it would be fun to be him for one night.

Costume: A black wig, bowling shirt and slacks. You must also pepper every conversation with mentions of your tiger blood and that you are winning.

(J.P. Moczulski for The Globe and Mail)

MADONNA

Why: Because you’ve always admired the singer-turned-director’s chutzpah.

Costume: It really doesn’t matter what you wear, because you’ll demand that everyone keep their backs turned to you as you move through the party, and so no one will see your costume in the first place.

(Darren Calabrese / The Canadian Press)

RYAN GOSLING FROM DRIVE

Why: Because he was the coolest movie character this year you could think of.

Costume: A white satin jacket with a scorpion on its back (draw it in marker if you must), sunglass and leather driving gloves. Then cover yourself in fake blood – lots of it.

(Handout)

THE CAST OF BRIDESMAIDS

Why: Because you haven’t seen the girls in a while and tonight, it’s on!

Costume: Tacky bridesmaids dresses and one wedding gown. Bad attitudes and booze will also help. But please, stay away from food poisoning. No one needs to see that again.

(Handout)

WILL AND KATE

Why: Because you’ve been waiting to re-live the royal wedding.

Costume: Wedding dress for her, and a mock military suit for him. Say hello to everyone at the party with that prim-and-proper Queen wave. Grab another dress and throw in Pippa, if there’s three of you.

(Chris Jackson / Getty Images)

GRAVY TRAIN CONDUCTOR

Why: Because you live in Toronto and need a reason to smile, if only just for tonight.

Costume: Overalls, a conductors hat, multiple packets of instant gravy. Avoid the temptation to push through crowds by hollering, “Toot! Toot! Gravy train, coming through.” Seriously, don’t do that.

(Fred Lum / The Globe and Mail)

OCCUPY WALL STREET PROTESTER

Why: Because you use the news as Halloween inspiration.

Costume: A bandana to cover your face, a flannel shirt and a piece of cardboard with a protest slogan written on it. “Hey Wall Street, where’s our treats? We’re tired of your tricks!” is one option.

(Timothy A. Clark / AFP / Getty Images)

SERENA WILLIAMS

Why: Because the only thing more powerful than your forehand is your desire to scream whenever possible.

Costume: A tennis dresses, racquet and a willingness to harangue people. Also, punctuate your every action with a high-volume grunt. Finished your drink? Grunt! Reaching in to the chip bowl? Grunt!

(Timothy A. Clark / AFP / Getty Images)