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You don't have to be living in the plot of an actual horror movie to feel some very real All Hallows’ Eve anxiety (if the pressure to snap influencer-level pics all through October doesn’t have you at least a little pressed, please teach us the secret to staying zen). Turns out though, some of the most clichéd rules for surviving a fictional fright fest can actually apply to getting through scary szn IRL, too.

RULE 1: Choose your costume carefully, in case your town is cursed and everyone literally *becomes* their costume

In movies and TV shows, Halloween and magic go hand-in-hand, which means that even something as innocuous as your costume choice can be game-changing. Case in point: that time on Buffy the Vampire Slayer when Buffy transforms into a scared 18th-century woman thanks to a costume curse. Srsly a struggle.
The IRL Lesson: An uncomfy costume can throw a dagger into your evening, so pick one that’s easy to move around in (and, most importantly, makes you feel confident).

RULE 2: Don’t open any creepy, old spell books—and *definitely* don’t read from them.

Does any good ever come from trying to dabble in the dark arts? The OG Hocus Pocus heroes had to learn this lesson the hard way over and over again, even after being warned about the dangers, well, over and over again.
The IRL Lesson: Making mischief is a key part of Halloween, but sometimes breaking rules is actually dangerous (although, sadly, the wise older person warning you about said danger will not be a 300-year-old talking cat).

RULE 3: That creepy, haunted-looking house is almost definitely actually haunted.

One of the most common clichés in scary movies is the “dare you to go to that haunted house” moment. You know what we’re talking about—a character is challenged to visit a clearly creepy, often abandoned building. They decide to go to prove they’re *not* scared of something that, um, it turns out they should 100% be scared of.
The IRL Lesson: Trust your instincts. Don’t let the fear of butterflies that can come with the safe scares of Halloween distract you from genuine gut feelings about potentially bad situations.

RULE 4: If you come across a nice monster, ghost or other usually scary thing, become BFFs immediately.

Ghosts, ghouls and other monsters have a long history of being cast as the villains (with good reason), but the real heroes of Halloween tales have a history of being open-minded enough to become fam with a friendly ghost or a nice mummy.
The IRL Lesson: Things aren’t always as scary as they seem (which, tbh, is solid advice year-round).

RULE 5: The key to being the main character of any Halloween party = a niche costume.

From Ross’ super nerdy Sputnik costume on Friends to Cady’s “ex-wife” zombie bride in Mean Girls, pop culture has taught us time and again that showing up at a Halloween party in an ironic or clever costume is a guaranteed way to have your own leading lady moment.
The IRL Lesson: This one is obvious. Be unapologetically you, even when you’re in costume. Fitting in feels safe, but standing out and embracing what makes you unique is better. You do you, boo.

Want more spooky season? Check out these articles:
🎃  6 easy (and cute) Halloween costumes for you and your besties
🎃  9 non-scary Halloween flicks anyone can enjoy
🎃  Quiz! Plan your perf Halloween party and we’ll tell you what spooky movie to watch

Hey, girl! Just wanted to let you know that this story originally ran in our October/November 2022 issue. Want more? Read the print mag for free *today* when you click HERE.

Slider image: @lifestyleinfocus

by Kayleigh Roberts | 10/31/2022