Step out of the box to wear something wild, funny, outrageous. Halloween is special to Generation X because when Xer’s were kids what had been exclusively a children’s holiday became one for adults too. Some X kids resented their boomer parents horning in on Halloween. Now that Xers are parents, they are buying costumes for both themselves and their offspring.

Women who want to look sexy rather than scary can find in cyberspace anything from slinky to kinky, from cutesy to campy, from coy-like to toy-like, from pert to flirt. On Halloween Street, couples will find the perfect outfit in which to be a hilarious duo.

For creative types who want to make their own unique costume, here are some smart suggestions both innovative and practical.

–Toss out any clichés immediately. Forget anything related to traditional Halloween costumes, such as witches, werewolves and monsters.

–Play off common words, titles or phrases in unexpected ways. For example, a doctor’s outfit with chili peppers pinned to it is ‘Dr. Pepper.’ A surfer costume covered with fake spider webbing is a ‘Web surfer.’

–Make a list of themes that are unique to you. Play off your name, a nickname, a personal legend or an unusual physical attribute.

–Shop at thrift stores. These treasure troves are home to some of the most unusual and utilitarian clothes and accessories.

–Use common household items to transform your look. Burn a piece of cork and rub it on your face for a 5 o’clock shadow, or use eyelash glue to attach fake fur to your face for a beard.

Also see the Halloween makeup tips.