Halloween is just around the corner and the one thing that seems to be on everyone’s minds is costumes. Going as a sexy gypsy, sexy geisha, stereotypical Mexican or even a member of ISIS sounds really cool in retrospect, but those costumes are a prime example of cultural appropriation and that is not cute. Since some of your costume ideas have been ruined, here are some others that won’t enforce any stereotypes this Halloween.

1.) Fire Hydrant

This costume will be really easy to pull off.  First, you need to dress in all red from head-to-toe.  Since fire hydrants contain water in them, occasionally take a sip of your drink and spray it out like you’re leaking.  Let’s just hope that you don’t run into any dogs during your night out.

2.) House

Odds are you have a random box lying around your house somewhere.  If you don’t, then take that one that’s lurking in the corner at your work (your boss won’t notice and it won’t be missed).  First, you’re going to have to actually draw the outline of the house on the box.  Place windows where you want your eyes to be and cut those suckers out.  Add some fun details like balloons to make you look like the house from Up or some spooky bats so that it fits in with the season.

3.) Lawn and Flamingo

This could be a really fun couple’s costume.  One person dresses up as a flamingo.  All you need is pink clothes and some feathers. Balance on one leg for the rest of the night and you are good to go.  Your partner just has to dress in all green and never leave the flamingo’s side.  You’ll win all the contests for sure!

4.) Snail

This costume is going to be one of the hardest ones to put together.  You’re going to need a belt, towel, headband and some paper.  First, cut out some eyes and tape them to the headband.  All cartoon snails have some wonky eyes at the top of their head, so forgive yourself if you make them two different sizes.  Once you do that you already have half of your costume finished!  Now it’s time for the tricky part, fold your towel the hot dog way and then roll it towards you so that you make a big spiral.  After that, use the belt to attach the towel (your shell) to your back.  Now that your costume is finished, move around the party like a snail, hopefully you’ll still have some tears saved up from that midterm you failed and you can use that to help you move across the floor.

5.) Pioneer Pete

It is always a great day to be a Pioneer, so why not honor the university in the best way possible and dress up as the mascot.  Make yourself as pale as humanly possible, a good way to do that is probably be close to death. Grab your trusty old baseball cap, find a pair of overalls from Goodwill or your dad’s closet and wear an orange shirt underneath.  Odds are you’re probably a farmer or an engineer so you’ll already have steel toed boots.  If you plan on carrying around a real pickaxe just don’t try to swing it around a lot.  Murder isn’t cute!

These alternatives are super fun and not at all offensive to different cultures, so please consider them for your costume needs.  Just remember, appropriation is not cute, but being funny is.