Balloon Boy, MJ and Lady Gaga: 2009's coolest costumes

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THE SEXPOT

Defining characteristic Seizing on the opportunity Halloween affords to be as uninhibited as you want, the Sexpot is out to make men's eyes shoot out of their heads like cartoon dogs.

Costume Lady Gaga

Why Sure, the Sexpot could go with the generic range of flirty costumes: sexy nurse, sexy maid, sexy you-name-it. But deep down she wants you to want her as much for her mind as for her body, which means a bit of creativity when it comes to costume choice. The sultry singer is the perfect choice because, while she's not a completely obvious costume selection, she's also not afraid to show some skin. Trick or treat? You know the answer.

Getting the look A costume shop is the best place to find the Gaga essentials of blonde wig and weird glasses. A big-shouldered bodysuit and tights (not pants!) is the standard Gaga look, but any head-scratching ensemble from your local Goodwill should do the trick as well.

THE CULTURE VULTURE

Defining characteristic The Culture Vulture preys on the most famous people who have died during the year to create a costumed homage to their passing.

Costume Michael Jackson

Why The King of Pop is gone, sure, but he has left behind a perfectly iconic look for Halloween revellers: The glove. The hat. That Thriller jacket! And considering all of Michael's moves, going as Wacko Jacko means the Culture Vulture can hit the dance floor and show off her crotch-grabbing, moonwalking smoothness. Those who run costume shops say Jacko is expected to be one of the most popular costumes this year. He's running neck and neck - no pun intended - with vampires.

Getting the look Unless you've been hoarding your stuff from the eighties for just this moment, a costume store is probably your best bet to get the essential elements, including the sequined glove and wig. The jacket is a good score too, but even without it the white shirt is classic Michael.

THE NEWS JUNKIE

Defining characteristic A desire to embody the media story that most captivated our hearts and minds this year.

Costume Balloon Boy

Why The brief saga of Falcon Heene floating through the skies in a homemade balloon was as mesmerizing as anything seen on CNN. The fact that it all turned out to be a hoax also plays perfectly into the News Junkie's hand, since his/her costume choice usually has a subtext of insouciance if not downright mockery.

Getting the look Head to American Apparel to load up on silver lamé leggings and a silver jacket, stop at a dollar store for balloons and, ta-da, you're Balloon Boy. (Barfing under pressure is optional.)

THE FASHIONISTA

Defining characteristic The Fashionista wants to look good, and Halloween provides the perfect venue for indulging the kind of glamour that is rarely part of everyday life (for those of us who aren't haute-couture models anyway).

Costume Coco Chanel

Why Is there any better example of gorgeous elegance than Gabrielle Bonheur (Coco) Chanel? Add the fact that the French fashion designer has been a ubiquitous film subject this year and what you've got is a perfect costume for clothes horses.

Getting the look Pile on the pearls and get girly with a classic tweed suit. Bonus points for gloves, hats and that special extra: a cigarette holder.

THE TV FAN

Defining characteristic An abiding love of television. We're talking an ability to cite every line from his favourite show.

Costume Don Draper

Why First off, the guy looks good, and, with those form-fitting grey suits and skinny ties, he's iconic enough to be instantly recognizable. Throw in the chance to get into character - sipping whisky, smoking too much, directing smouldering glances at women - and it's no wonder TV's hottest anti-hero will be as attractive to couch potatoes as he usually is to the secretarial pool at Sterling Cooper.

Getting the look Dig around vintage clothing stores (or even Dad's closet) for the essentials: fedora, slim grey suit, skinny tie. And don't forget your pomade, cigarette and cocktail glass.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PETER POWER/THE GLOBE AND MAIL; FASHION DIRECTION, TIYANA GRULOVIC; STYLING BY ALON FREEMAN (JUDY INC.); STYLING ASSISTANT, HILARY HATT; HAIR AND MAKEUP BY DAVID GOVEIA FOR TRESEMME (JUDY INC.).