This Is Halloween?

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

I've been wanting to write about this for years but never knew quite what to say and how to say it tactfully. This year I've decided to just say it. 

Halloween. I don't really love it anymore. I loved the holiday as a child when it was all about decorating the house with all the fun crafts you made at school and dressing up and going trick-or-treating. I am sure I will love it once again when I am a parent taking my kids trick or treating. 
As an adult without kids I feel like the holiday is something completely different.

I have never understood why people feel the need to dress up as a "Adult" version of anything.  I am definitely not just calling out women because men are just as guilty as men are. 

In my own opinion I feel that I am a strong capable woman who doesn't want to be objectified. I also understand that what you wear doesn't completely define who you are. In my opinion I just feel that clothing can be an outward reflection of you and I always want to show that I respect myself. I also feel like I would feel extremely uncomfortable wearing hardly anything. Whether it is Halloween or not.   I think costumes can be fun and creative and tasteful without being degrading.

What are your thoughts? 
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33 comments:

  1. AnonymousOctober 30, 2013 at 11:28 AM

    I just don't see the point in it. Would you dress that way any other day? I much prefer fun, creative, clever costumes over slutty mcsluttersons any day!

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  2. Diary of a Brown Eyed GirlOctober 30, 2013 at 11:35 AM

    I am SO glad that you wrote this post. I was thinking of writing the same thing tomorrow!

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  3. Miranda | Slashedbeauty.comOctober 30, 2013 at 11:38 AM

    I agree with you, the evolution of a girl's costume to a woman's costume is really sad.

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  4. Rachel Sayumi PorterOctober 30, 2013 at 11:47 AM

    ya it's just not classy! And those are the kinds of girls who complain they can't get a decent man. WELL I WONDER WHY!!! hahaha. Plus, don't they freeze their half exposed buns off!?

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  5. Kenzie SmithOctober 30, 2013 at 11:54 AM

    Does it help that I tried to de-sluttify my costume? Ha ha! It is pretty difficult to find a costume that isn't slutty, but thankfully there are ways to help cover yourself up :D

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  6. Amanda SchroederOctober 30, 2013 at 11:54 AM

    Couldn't have said it better.

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  7. Fairy Princess JordOctober 30, 2013 at 11:59 AM

    I think it is a 100% personal decision to be honest. I don't feel like I have had any trouble finding a "decent man" because I have worn revealing costumes...sorry that's just about using judgement! That being said I would never try and get someone to wear anything they aren't comfortable with ("slutty" or not). I don't feel objectified if I show my stomach or my legs, I do feel objectified when anyone I don't know tries to tell me what I should or shouldn't be wearing. I don't understand the human need to project our morals onto others, I just don't. That being said I think you did a great job of thoughtfully and tactfully staying your opinion which is what the internet is all about right?!

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    1. Fairy Princess JordOctober 30, 2013 at 12:02 PM

      Oh and one more point...why does what someone wears make them a slut? I hate hate hate the word slut because it implies that what we wear determines out actions, morals and desires. Clothing is used to express ourselves however I've met some "slutty girls" who do not dress provocatively as well as some kind people with strong morals who wear revealing costumes. It's a silly judgement in my eyes.

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    2. JessieOctober 30, 2013 at 12:21 PM

      Thank you, Fairy Princess Jord.

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slut-shaming

      To "hate" a holiday because some women decide to dress more scantily than usual? I don't understand how that even affects you, or why you'd let it. It's one thing to choose not to dress that way yourself, it's another to shame others for making a different decision.

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    3. Kelsey EatonOctober 30, 2013 at 12:46 PM

      I should have thought about my word choice a little better. It certainly did not mean to shame anybody. I have since changed the wording.

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  8. KellyOctober 30, 2013 at 12:15 PM

    I agree! Why can't costumes involve more clothes!

    xx
    Kelly
    Sparkles and Shoes

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  9. Laurie @ Stylin SavannaOctober 30, 2013 at 12:50 PM

    GIRL. I wish I could love this post a thousand times!! I totally one thousand percent agree with you. It's so embarrassing! I can't believe girls step outside of the house in some of those outfits. Guess I was just taught to respect myself growing up. Thank goodness for that!

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  10. CaraOctober 30, 2013 at 1:05 PM

    I think we were all thinking this exact same thing! Halloween shouldn't be an excuse to come out on this one night in something completely out of character and slutty (I'm sorry, there is no better word for it). Of course, to each their own, but there is a reason that after college, it just isn't cute anymore. Just like binge drinking every weekend at 28 is not cute either. Halloween can be about fun and crafts and decorating, but for others it is just an excuse to wear something like that and I just don't understand the logic behind doing that when one does not normally dress that way. Great post!

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    1. JessieOctober 30, 2013 at 6:53 PM

      There's no better word than slutty? How about sexy, revealing, scantily-clad, provocative, risque, suggestive...? "Slut" is a harsh word even when applied to someone who actually has sex for money. I'm not sure if you, personally, are Christian, so I'm addressing everyone on this thread: I'm 100% certain that Jesus would never call even a *prostitute* a slut, let alone a girl wearing a midriff-baring costume. And I'm pretty sure he cares a lot less about what we wear on Halloween than the content of our characters.

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  11. UnknownOctober 30, 2013 at 1:09 PM

    i hate halloween now. in college i always felt pressured to dress up in some slutty looking outfit to go out with my friends. i always hated my outfit and felt insecure. not something i want to do again. this year the boy and i are staying in and watching scary movies. more of my cup of tea. as you said though, i can't wait to have kids and dress them up in cute outfits and take them trick or treating. that's what's fun for me.

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  12. TamaraOctober 30, 2013 at 1:15 PM

    I read this earlier when you had the word 'slut' instead of 'adult' and I felt along the lines of Fairy Princess Jord but couldn't quite word what I was feeling. I do appreciate you changing to adult, it feels less critical that way. I completely understand what you're trying to say - and a few years ago I would have been right there with you. And then I had a kid. You'd probably think that because I had a kid I'd be more apt to say no to adult costumes but I've worked really hard on my fitness/health since having her (she's almost 3) and it's been a battle. I am not insecure any more and am proud of what I have worked for. If I want to use Halloween as an excuse to show a little stomach, I will - because it's my prerogative. Just like it's someone else's to dress up in a fully covered potato sack costume.

    The one thing I DO NOT agree with is how 'adult' children's costumes are becoming. Some things are just over the line. They have a naughty leopard costume for toddlers - like 4 year olds - being sold at Wal-Mart. Not cool.

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  13. AnonymousOctober 30, 2013 at 2:05 PM

    I have not dressed up in years for Halloween and highly avoid Halloween parties.It's like the biggest self esteem ruining holiday ever.
    I am really over it.

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  14. MeganOctober 30, 2013 at 2:36 PM

    YES! THIS!! I especially don't like when I see people who I know usually dress more modestly.. (as in they are LDS and wear garments) but wear costumes that are not modest just because of the holiday. I know it doesn't affect me directly and I shouldn't judge (as the people said above) but the fact it, it still bugs me. Call me a brat but whatever. I just think it's dumb.

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  15. AnonymousOctober 30, 2013 at 2:39 PM

    im not a huge fan of it anymore being out of college, married and now expecting our little on in feb. i'm so glad you posted about it ha!

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  16. Jessie LarsonOctober 30, 2013 at 3:02 PM

    Love your post and I totally agree with you. My favorite part of Halloween is passing out candy to little kids and loving how creative some of their costumes are. For me, it's a kids holiday. Hopefully you'll be able to enjoy it again. It can be really fun and magical through the eyes of a child.

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  17. Ginny WilliamsOctober 30, 2013 at 3:32 PM

    I totally agree. When you are married, this just should never happen. EVER! I haven't dressed up in years. I think when you get older, Halloween is the best when you just sit at home with your guy, eat candy, drink cider, and watch Halloween movies. That's ALL I need.

    Ginny
    www.buttergirldiaries.com

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  18. RachelOctober 30, 2013 at 4:57 PM

    I don't celebrate Halloween, never have, though I still like costume parties at any time of year--and yeah, I don't understand the "necessity" of sexy versions of costumes. They just look cheap and typically not very pretty--how fun or comfortable could that be? To some people it may be fun--but for me, I can be confident and know I have a nice, fit body without freezing to death and revealing it to everyone in sight. :)

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  19. AmberlyOctober 30, 2013 at 6:49 PM

    What Megan said up there ^ that's exactly how I feel about it. And I completely support this post!!! You are an awesome example!!! Love you girl!!! :)

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  20. GennaOctober 30, 2013 at 11:14 PM

    I trruly don't know what else to say other than amen.

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  21. Charlene MaugeriOctober 31, 2013 at 7:14 AM

    I totally agree. No, your clothing doesn't define you, but it sure gives people an idea of what does define you. Whatever kind of person you are on the inside is what shows on the outside. Wearing next to nothing shows that you don't respect yourself. Simple as that. I love Halloween because I love to dress up (tastefully) and have fun with kids, candy, and make-believe. Don't ruin that with slutty costumes!

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  22. UnknownOctober 31, 2013 at 7:49 AM

    Most defiantly not! You can't find me any other way these days but mama and mini style!

    Mamaplusmini.blogspot.com

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  23. UnknownOctober 31, 2013 at 8:09 AM

    Ugh I've been there. I end up spending the whole night trying to hide from everyone instead of being able to enjoy the night! To top it off the best costume turned out to be a guy & girl who dressed up like a grandma and grandpa on a mobile scooter. Moral of the story... creativity > sluttiness!

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  24. KateNovember 1, 2013 at 1:46 PM

    one of my favorite parts of halloween in provo was seeing all of the BYU students show their true colors. it was definitely the scariest part of holiday. i have never aimed for sexy in my halloween costume. mostly because that's weird. it's a costume, not a role-play outfit. i have bought the "sexy" version of costumes before but because i'm so short and petite, they've never been sexy. and i always make sure to layer so no unnecessary skin is showing. but mostly i just like my costumes to focus on the makeup i get to do with it. that's the funnest part of halloween for me. if i hadn't been totally sick and on bed rest this halloween, i was going to be a monkey. and not a sexy monkey. not an adult monkey. a fuzzy, full body, onesie monkey suit with a tail and a monkey ear hat and monkey feet. i'm super upset i didn't get to wear it.

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  25. KT @ OneOrganicMamaNovember 2, 2013 at 4:25 AM

    As a high school teacher... you see LOTS of barely there, ridiculous, and wildly inappropriate outfits... I have to say that this year... for the first time (I have been a teacher for 10 years... in a pretty big high school) I did NOT SEE ONE inappropriate outfit! MOST of them were creative and clever. It was a refreshing change!

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  26. Boots and Yoga PantsNovember 2, 2013 at 12:51 PM

    I think Halloween was sooo much better when we were younger!

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  27. UnknownNovember 3, 2013 at 5:59 PM

    I'm sorry you got attacked on here. that's happened to me on a few blog posts. I think it needed to be said. I went to my brother in laws halloween party last weekend and bless their hearts I was the only girl still in my garments. It just doesn't make sense to me, and it makes me sad. They took sexy pictures by a mustang and I was the party pooper who didn't want to take part. I'm glad I wasn't embarrassed by facebook pics like they were. I actually love being modest! :)

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