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Dress Up As The U.S. Women's Soccer Team This Year
It's finally Halloween Month — I mean, October — so it's officially time to start planning your costume. Unfortunately, 13 Nights of Halloween doesn't mean we get to wear 13 costumes, so it can be a challenge to narrow down the infinite possibilities to just a couple. But if you're looking for a timely group costume for your squad, look no further! Costumes about big news stories are always a huge hit, and one of the biggest feminist news stories of the year was the women's soccer team's domination at July's World Cup — so why not go as the U.S. Women's World Cup Soccer Team this Halloween?
This summer, the U.S. won the tournament for the first time since 1999, and many of the new champions say the '99ers inspired them to play soccer as kids. So really, the team's epic defeat over Japan during the final game in Vancouver is a testament to the power of representation. Carli Lloyd's incredible hat trick, Abby Wambach's 25th World Cup game, and new stars Kelley O'Hara and Julie Johnston making their names known on the world soccer stage are historic events that will surely serve as motivation for a new generation of soccer girls.
These accomplishments deserve to be commemorated in our Halloween costumes! The magic of the Internet means that this costume is super easy and tons of fun for you and the girls, and you can splurge on some great athletic gear for future workouts.
Step 1: Have The Squad Pick The Aesthetic
You can go for this lovely blue ensemble...
Or maybe y'all are feeling the post-win look.
Whichever one you pick, be consistent! If half of the group shows up in white and the other half rolls through in blue it'll be #awkward.
Step 2: Decide Who's Who
Six is the perfect number to include in this group costume. If you can pull off the full 23-woman roster, more power to you — if not, six will do just fine. Matching your squad members to their soccer team look-alikes is a great strategy, but if you want to dress up as the biggest names from the team, here are some easy solutions.
You absolutely need an Abby Wambach. Every Golden Trio needs a Harry Potter, every Scooby Gang needs a Buffy Summers, every team needs an Abby Wambach.
Here's a good wig to order from Amazon to impersonate the veteran hero of the U.S. Women's Team.
Short Straight Platinum Blonde Wig, $14, Amazon
Buy two if one of the gang wants to dress up as Megan Rapinoe. (You'll want to trim the wig a little.)
Next, choose a Carli Lloyd.
Grab a wig with straight brown hair and tie it up in Lloyd's signature bun — and don't forget the dark blue headband!
Sidebang Long Straight Wig, $10, Amazon | Cotton Headband, $7, Amazon
Nobody has hair quite as luxurious as Sydney Leroux.
You might want to purchase a wig like this one from Amazon for $14.
Full Length Wavy Wig, $14, Amazon
Alex Morgan always has her skinny pink headband.
You can buy your own here.
Nike Sport Hairbands, $15, Amazon
Finally, don't forget your goalie!
Rock the Hope Solo look with a long black wig like this one to emulate the soccer super star.
Step 3: Complete The Outfit
This 6-pack of Hanes plain t-shirts is perfect for your purposes.
6 Pack Hanes Shirts, $13, Amazon
And these soccer shorts are crazy cheap!
Sports Shorts With Piping, $9, Amazon
Pick up two or three of these fabric paints from Jo-Ann Stores.
Make sure you have enough to write each player's name and number on the front and back of the shirt.
Splurge on these Nike soccer socks.
Nike Socks, $14, Amazon
They double as boot socks for winter, so they're definitely worth it.
Making everyone in the group get soccer cleats is going a little overboard, so substituting with your favorite tennis shoes is just fine. If you want to get real creative, tape some bubble wrap to the bottom of your shoes and it'll make the exact same sound.
Step 4: Accessorize
Pick up these first place medals to show everyone you're #winning.
First Place Gold Medals, $15, Amazon
Next, add a couple of soccer balls to your cart.
Wilson Soccer Ball, $11, Amazon
Write "Men's Egos" or "Society's Expectations" on the front and give them a good solid kick to remind people how awesome our USWNT is.
The secret to this group costume is coordination and timing. Get the squad together ASAP to buy all the necessities, and make sure you do bulk orders to save dough.
Images: Amazon (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11); Jo-Ann Stores
