I had the distinct pleasure of trying to find a Hallowe’en costume for my kids just two days before the actual day. It also happened to be the day before my daughter’s first Hallowe’en class party, so I didn’t futz around in the crap stores, or bother going the DIY route. This mama had to get shit done, and fast.
So there I was, lined up at the local Party City, about 40 people ahead of me, looking at a wall of photos of ready-made costumes I could purchase.
Those photos on the wall were divided up by age and gender. There was a baby/toddler section, an sections for ages 3-6, 7-16, Teens, and Adults. I desperately searched the wall for the Girls 3-6 section. I was pretty confused, though, because all I saw were photos like this:
I don’t know, guys. These “costumes” make me pretty uncomfortable. I realize some of them are ballerina-bee and ballerina-bug, but what happened to dressing up like an actual bug? That “Totally Bumble Bee” looks like an excuse to wear wings, a choker and, umm, fingerless gloves. Really? Also, am I the only one who feels awkward and gross imagining a 4-year-old in that “Midnight Mischief” costume?
But this is nothing compared to what I saw just a few squares down. Especially when compared to the adult costumes.
Last time I checked, cops didn’t wear skirts. Or fingerless gloves. Also, why the fuck is this little girl wearing tall boots with a heel? I used to call those types of boots “Fuck Me” boots, and seeing them on a 5-year-old makes me want to throw up, a little. Also, why the sultry hand-on-hip, dangling-handcuffs pose? And the low-cut shirt?
I don’t know. Is it possible I’m just a stodgy, old-fashioned woman? Because I’m willing to admit that’s the case. I mean, I won’t be dressing my daughter up in this shit any time soon, but perhaps most parents are okay with these looks.
I find it all terribly disturbing, though.
I have heard people complain about the sexualization of women’s Hallowe’en costumes in general, and I am absolutely on board. When I looked at the women’s costume section at the store, I felt like I was in a sex shop, getting ready to pick out a fetish outfit. Sexy everything. Sexy fucking wizard, à la Harry Potter? Give me a break.
But doing this to costumes that are being sold to 4-year-old girls? As far as I’m concerned, you guys win Assholes of the Year awards.
What do you think? Am I off my rocker or on point? Please share, if you agree!
~g
I think that if there was no demand, they wouldn’t be selling it/renting… Like who signs up their kid or watches Toddlers & Tiaras..
I guess…?? You have a point. Sigh.
You’re not the only one. I searched desperately for a costume the other night, I didn’t want to be the trampy mom taking my son to trick or treat. It’s cold. And IT’S AWKWARD.
As we were trick or treating, I saw a little girl no older than 12 in thigh highs and a little shorty SHORT skirt. I wasn’t upset with the girl or her parents because I saw their options. All the costumes were sexualized, especially ones geared to pre-teens. These aren’t costumes. And for a parent just wanting to get a costume & get it over with, these are their choices.
Thank you for taking pictures of the cop outfit. It’s gross but it needs attention drawn to it, and someone saying “hell to the no.” Thank you.
Thanks, hon. Yeah, it really blows my mind. I was also in that line for so goddamn long that I had lots of time to think about it, haha.
Definitely Assholes of the year!
Glad I’m not the only one!
I have a pre teen daughter. Every year I have made her costume myself. Either an animal or a princess. Jumpsuits or a lovely long dress. This year she wanted a ready made costume. We had the hardest time finding something appropriate for her age (11). We finally found something that I could allow her to wear but not without a lot of tears and temper as I vetoed almost every single costume she picked. I had to sell her the appropriate one with accessories, earrings and a necklace, so she would wear it. I also have the problem that my 11 year old is too big for children’s costumes and needs to wear adult sizes. It is crazy that everything in the stores is a sexy this or sexy that. I’m sorry, as a 40 year old mother, I do NOT want to be a sexy anything not to mention my young daughter. Last time I bought myself a costume, I bought one from the men’s section.
Ugh. Yes, my 14 year old step daughter has luckily always wanted home made outfits. I completely feel for you, though!
This makes me nervous for when my daughter gets older. This year she’s two and wanted to be Yoda. You know though, maybe it’s a good thing I live in Wisconsin, little girls can’t show too much skin because it’s too damn cold here on Halloween!
Yes, the colder the better, although we’re in Toronto and I have a friend who had 3 girls come trick or treating last night in that exact cop outfit. Between 3-6 years old! I think as long as we remain the people in charge of our daughters’ costumes, our own children will be safe from this kind of smut. DIY all the way, from now on!
Yeah, many of them seem a bit burlesque to me. So far I’ve been lucky with my daughter (knock on wood) and she has wanted homemade or dresses that were appropriate. One year she did wear a cheerleading outfit, but she agreed to wear longsleeves and tights with it. I think you’ll love her costume from this year…she was a maple leaf.
Yes, burlesque is exactly the right description! And a maple leaf? That’s awesome!