DIY Halloween costumes: It's easy to go Gaga

One might argue that Angelenos are by nature always in costume, but the pressure of outward appearance is never greater than on Halloween. Although many have been crafting their costumes since July, others among us will scramble around the house with mere hours to spare, trying to piece together something passable. In the event that you've procrastinated -- or are barely making the rent -- here are some free, last-minute get-ups that will, if nothing else, get you past a "costumes mandatory" policy.

Lady Gaga

Although pop star-fashion maniac Lady Gaga has a reputation for nonsensical outfits involving everything from bird nests on her face to gyroscopes around her waist, a Halloween impersonation of her is not out of reach. Simply wear what you would normally wear, but remove your pants. This act of daring instantly sets you apart from the pants-wearing population, and a smear of fuchsia lipstick and sunglasses seal the deal.

 
Kimberley Vlaminck

Though her parents may still call her Kimberley (if they're on speaking terms), the rest of the world knows  this Belgian teenager as "That Chick Who Had 56 Stars Tattooed on Her Face." She initially lied and said she fell asleep in the chair, and was suing her inker for the equivalent of tens of thousands of dollars, but later she fessed up to being cognizant during the procedure. Her bad judgment skills can be your personal gain, as a liquid eyeliner pen and a little dexterity can replicate both her look and shame.

Adam Lambert

Just as Halloween gives the universal green light for ladies to dress like tramps,  it's the silent nod to males to experiment with cosmetics. For a relatively fuss-free costume, gather any articles of clothing that are black and put them on in layers. Black pants, black shirt, possibly a vest if you're feeling fancy. Then raid your roommate's or girlfriend's bathroom cabinet and raccoon your eyes with some eyeliner. Next, gloss the lips and run a lump of gel in your hair for a casual fauxhawk. Grab a hairbrush to sing into, and you now have a free Adam Lambert ensemble.

Swine flu

Assuming you're not actually saddled with the H1N1 flu virus this Halloween, go for the timely option of dressing as the most feared flu virus in modern history. All you'll need is an outfit in pink, a thermometer, a box of tissues and some rouge to give your nose a raw, ruddy look. If you want to get extravagant, affix a curled-up pipe cleaner to your posterior and cram a pillow under your shirt. Oh, and don't forget to sneeze on people. Great conversation starter.

Sexual harassment suit

Litigious proceedings seem like a hard thing to personify, but a sexual harassment suit is surprisingly easy to pull off. Don a jacket and slacks, pin lascivious notes to your body and call it a day. If you're headed to a soiree and are shy around the opposite sex, you can always point leeringly at a note and let your costume do the talking. (Note: Consult a lawyer first if you're attending a work party.)

Leftovers

If there's one household go-to for Halloween, it's that industrious, flexible roll of aluminum foil in the kitchen. Although most people will be fashioning some sort of Balloon Boy get-up (yawn), we advise you to wrap your body head to toe in foil and crinkle into a party as a shiny enigma. When asked, tell people that you're leftover pizza, and -- if you want to come off as particularly creepy -- that you're even better the next morning.

Pajama-clad blogger

If you've got a pair of pajamas, you've got a costume. Simply dress down, don't bother washing your hair, and shuffle into a party looking like you haven't left the house yet. When onlookers try to guess your intention, just look somewhat irritated and tell them you're a blogger. This outfit is made even more effective if you are Twittering from your cellphone while answering the question and administer a snarky jab about the inquirer's Balloon Boy costume being totally played out.

-- Alie Ward

Photos: Top, Lady Gaga. Credit: Stephen Lovekin / Getty Images. Bottom, Alie Ward as "Kimberley Vlaminck." Credit: Tara Godvin / Los Angeles Times