The week leading up to Peddie-Blair Day is one filled with school spirit, endless Ala Viva’s and last-minute costumes. If you’re still aimlessly scrolling on social media for ideas or just now realizing how late Amazon deliveries can be, don’t fret — we’ve all been there. In fact, every single one of my spirit week costumes was created using only items that I already had — sometimes by choice, sometimes by default. Point being: No one does last minute costumes like I do. Let me take you through this year’s spirit week as I brainstorm some easy costume ideas for both you and me.
Monday: Pajama Day. Even on the laziest day of possibly the entire year, the options are endless. Of course, you could simply roll out of bed and get to class without changing anything about your outfit — highly recommended. Spice it up with accessories you would normally never leave the house with: an eye mask, bonnet, hair rollers, funny slippers, teddy bear. We’ll also be well into fall weather by Peddie-Blair Week, so you could bring a blanket or a robe for layers.
Tuesday: Jersey vs. Jersey. This is a new theme for everyone, especially for non-New Jersey natives like myself. The idea behind this one is sports jerseys versus “Jersey Shore” outfits. If you choose to go the sports jersey route, you could wear a jersey from a team you support or your Peddie sports jersey. Accessorize it with a baseball cap or sports equipment. If you don’t have either, I’d recommend getting a striped t-shirt or tank then taping on paper cutouts of numbers.
If you choose to go the “Jersey Shore” route, think bold, flashy and over-the-top. Wear bright colors, animal prints, sunglasses, cut-up oversized shirts and fake tan (or bronzer) to finish it off. Hair should have volume and accessories should be loud: chunky jewelry, hoop earrings, a bedazzled belt if you have one. The goal is to look like you just stepped off the Seaside Heights boardwalk ready for a night out at Karma.
Wednesday: Decades Day. Freshmen: think “Grease.” For girls, Pink Ladies jackets are always a favorite. Think denim jackets, slicked back hair, high-waisted skirts or cuffed jeans.
Sophomores: Think tie-dye shirts, fringe vests, bell-bottoms, and flowy skirts. Accessorize with round sunglasses, headbands, and peace-sign jewelry. The bolder the colors and patterns, the better — embrace good vibes and spread some peace and love!
Juniors: Disco! Think flared pants, bold patterns, metallic fabrics, and platform shoes. Bright colors, shiny accessories, and funky prints are your best friends. Don’t forget the big hair, glitter, and statement sunglasses to complete your Studio 54 look. Time to light up the dance floor!
Seniors: 80’s: Need I say more? Neon jumpsuits, leg warmers, headbands, graphic tees, leather jackets. If you want to be creative with Decades Day, though, I’d recommend dressing up as a singer from your decade: David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen, Freddie Mercury and so on.
Thursday: Farmer’s Day. There are so many ways to go about this one. Pull up in flannels, overalls or straw hats. Maybe be farm produce, or a farm animal. Embrace your inner Peddie farmer.
Friday: Blue and Gold Day. Wear Peddie gear and colors from head to toe. Accessorize with anything blue and gold you own — bandanas, face paint, tutus, ribbons, pom-poms or headbands.
If you’ve made it this far, congratulations! You’re one step closer to surviving another, or maybe your first, Peddie-Blair Week. I have some general tips before I leave you. First, if you don’t have something you want for a costume, someone else probably does. Ask your friends, roommates, classmates before you spend money on something you’ll never wear again. Second, if you want more ideas, go on social media. The amount of costume ideas I’ve stolen from TikTok are endless. Finally, be creative and have fun. Try to do something no one else does — it’s more fun that way!
