Dressing Up Doesn’t Have to Be Painful

Despite the fact that more adults are wearing costumes at Halloween and other times of the year, there are still many who cringe at the mere thought of having to dress up. Some find it downright silly, others embarrassing.

“It makes people vulnerable,” says Dr. Thomas Ciesla, director of mental-health programs at Saint John’s Hospital in Santa Monica. Some people find dressing up to be great fun. Others, however, find it a little scary.

If the latter is true for you (before finding you suddenly must be out of town the date of the masquerade party, or are tempted to feign illness at the last minute), here are a few tips from Ciesla.

Should Be Fun

First, keep in mind that dressing up is supposed to be fun. Although nobody should do anything that makes him or her feel uncomfortable, Ciesla says, if one wants to join in, there are ways to minimize the anguish.

Start thinking about what sort of costume to wear as soon as the invitation arrives. Talk to friends going to the same party. Find out what they plan to wear and ask for ideas. You might also visit a costume-rental or sales shop. However, Ciesla warns that it’s important you choose the costume. Letting someone else make the decision may add to any discomfort you are already experiencing.

If the invitation is for a theme party, everyone will be dressed similarly and you don’t need to worry about sticking out like a sore thumb. For other occasions, select something that won’t make you feel conspicuous.

Once you decide what to wear, try on your costume a few times before the party. This will help you get used to the way it feels, and you will be more comfortable at the actual event.

Another sure-fire safeguard is to go to the party with a few friends already dressed in costume. There’s nothing worse than arriving at the door thinking it will open and you’ll be standing there looking like a court jester while everyone else is dressed normally.