A costume can be a color scheme rather than a complete outfit. Choose only something your dog is comfortable wearing, keep movement, breathing, vision and hearing unrestricted, avoid loose pieces, and supervise. Joining the photograph without a costume is always an option.
These ideas revisit AP’s original collection as a written planning list. The original inspiration credits are retained below.
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Dorothy and the Scarecrow
Coordinate a blue-and-white outfit for the person with a simple autumn-colored accessory for the dog.
Original inspiration: Mike McCune via Flickr
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Frankenweenie
Use a black-and-white theme for a Sparky-inspired pairing.
Original inspiration: Pets Adviser
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Rainy-day dancer
A yellow raincoat look can provide the theme without adding an umbrella to the dog’s outfit.
Original inspiration: Instagram.com/3bulldogges
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Pup-tini
Put the cocktail joke on a sign held by a person; a prop does not need to surround the dog’s head.
Original inspiration: The Daily Grind
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Elvis
Let the person wear the wig and jumpsuit, with a matching white accessory for the dog.
Original inspiration: Some Pets
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Batman and Robin
Choose complementary superhero colors for a coordinated pair.
Original inspiration: Celebrity Dachshund
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Doctor
The person can carry the toy medical bag while the dog wears a simple matching accessory.
Original inspiration: Baggy Bulldogs
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Pirate
Pair the person’s pirate outfit with a red-and-black theme for the dog.
Original inspiration: The Daily Corgi
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Sherlock Bones
A checked fabric accessory can suggest a detective without a pipe or magnifying glass.
Original inspiration: Costume Works
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Clown
Use cheerful colors rather than a wig or painted face.
Original inspiration: Preston Speaks
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Game day
Coordinate your team’s colors with the dog’s usual comfortable gear.
Original inspiration: Houston Press
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Strawberry
Red fabric with a printed seed pattern gives the idea without dangling decorations.
Original inspiration: Professor Pincushion
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Winnie the Pooh
A red-and-gold color combination can be enough to suggest the character.
Original inspiration: Daily Dawdle
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Flower power
Put a floral pattern on a comfortable accessory instead of arranging petals around the dog’s face.
Original inspiration: Doggie Vogue via Flickr
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Police dog
A matching blue outfit for the person and dog creates the theme without equipment props.
Original inspiration: A Place to Love Dogs
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Harry Potter
Let the person carry the wand and glasses; house colors can identify the dog’s part.
Original inspiration: Sleepy Howell
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Pupcake
A cupcake print offers the joke without a bulky cake-shaped frame.
Original inspiration: Shelterness
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Minion
Use yellow and blue while keeping goggles on the person.
Original inspiration: Tom Dwyer
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Vacation wear
A tropical print can supply the holiday mood without a lei or flower garland.
Original inspiration: Pet Shop Diva
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Lady Liberty
Let the person carry the torch and crown, with a coordinating green accessory for the dog.
Original inspiration: Costumei
From the original collection
Photo Credit: The Daily Corgi
For a practical plan around doorbells, visitors and costumes, read How to Halloween with a service dog or your pet.