Halloween comes with howls in the news and and shivers in social media over costume ideas that somebody finds to be shockingly incorrect.
Considering that ghosts, ghouls and walking skeletons are commonplace, it takes something extra to stand out as bad taste. But some do-it-yourself costumers go for it by dressing up as real-life criminals, terrorists and figures of various headline-making uproars and tragedies.
The hazmat body suit and mask, for example, can be assembled in a hurry from a trip to the hardware store, but might not be welcomed at the buffet table.
This year's leading look for the possibly ill-advised is Caitlyn Jenner, available as a ready-made costume or last-minute grab from the underwear drawer. The white corset from the cover of Vanity Fair is "potentially transphobic" as a Halloween getup, according to Entertainment Tonight. Potentially too form-fitting is another risk.
The Hollywood Reporter summed up the controversy in a story headlined: "Caitlyn Jenner laughs off Halloween costume."
Beware, too, of these other bigwigs in wigs who are apt to crash and abash the party this year:
Bill Cosby. Fox News commentator Megyn Kelly in a mean mood. New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and his flabby football. The lion-killing dentist.
Family on 10/21/2015