As a kid I adored Halloween. Mostly, for the candy.
As a woman I adore Halloween, mostly for the eye candy.
There is just something about a man in costume. My theory? This why we read and write historicals-- to see and appreciate men in tights and armor and heavy, padded doublets and elegant frock coats and cloaks and knee-high boots that make their legs look scrumptious.
Yeah, I'll admit. . . my favorites were always the guys with big boots. Pirates, soldiers, musketeers, cowboys. Give me a man in a pair big glossy hessians and I'm butter.
But I'm also a sucker for form-fitting wear. . . tights, super-hero spandex, snug 19th century trousers, form-fitting leathers of all descriptions. Probably came from watching Erroll Flynn in the old "afternoon movies" when I was young. And I have to acknowledge the thrill I get from seeing a man in a kilt.
Did I ever tell you about my trip to Scotland and that little incident at the changing of the guard at Edinborough Castle? No? Good. You won't hear it from me. But really, who could blame me? I'm sure they have to remove and sedate women all the time. . .
My theory is that contemporary heroes still wear costumes. . . which we modern women find just as appealing as the historical ones. It's just that they're deadly serious about their costumes and tend to call them "uniforms." It doesn't matter what they call them; they have the same effect. They set they guys apart, they accentuate the positives, and give them a sexy air of purpose and authority. Potency deluxe.
Case in point:
Would this guy be anything special without the SWAT tactical vest? It makes him look beefier, more capable, and slightly more. . . dangerous.
Or this guy:
Okay, I admit. . . without his "costume" he'd still be a LITTLE hunky. But that axe and the lowered suspenders. . . they pretty much make him irresistible, right?Men in costumes. sigh. This is my time of year. Oh, and as a glimpse of things to come I found this little gem of what soldier uniforms are expected to look like in 2025. A sort of ninja meets Navy SEAL design. Uniforms are a big part of the psychology of the military and of the bonding that takes place in fighting units. The equipment and helmets and gear all add to a sense of invincibility and purpose. Is that what draws us to them-- the fact that they think of themselves and even carry themselves differently?
What do you think? Does the "future guy" do it for you?So, what's your favorite "guy" costumefor Halloween? Favorite non-Halloween uniform? Or manly accoutrement? Ever been in a uniform yourself-- okay, OTHER than high school band? How did it make you feel?
21 comments:
What is Kurt Russell doing in a pirate costume anyway?
Well, Alex. . . Kurt's a versatile guy. I personally think he's never gotten that eye patch business out of his system from his "Snake" days in "Escape from New York." heh.
I hadn't noticed that the guy looked so much like Kurt Russell. . . but he does. In spades.
What about you? Drawn to the pirate gear this fall?
Nothing I like better than a man in a diaper. I'm standing over him with a whip. Wait, that was just a dream. Or WAS it?
But really.... Hmmm. This is going to take some thought.
Betina-- One of the best form fitting, boot-sporting, slightly pirate costumes of contemporary time is Snake Pliskin from ESCAPE FROM NY. My only complaint about that movie was that we didn't get a great romance along with the thrills, danger, and Kurt.
Other than that one of my favorite contemporary costumes would be blue jeans that are so soft and worn they had to have been round the world, no shirt, and bare feet.
Wow, Deb. Jeans and bare feet. I'll go with you on the worn-soft jeans, but I think I'd have to have my boots to complete the picture.
V&C. . . I believe you have us all thinking.
:) Betina
Hmmm. I'm not much of a costume gal, but seeing as how you're forcing me ... I admit there's something about a gun and hip holster on a guy with a cowboy hat that sets my heart all aflutter. Mmmm!
Betina, after your comments about Edinborough castle, I'm thinking dress-up night at your house might involve a kilt! Maybe bagpipes? You naughty girl.
And Vodka and Cigs is taking naughty to an entirely new level!
Oh, give me a musketeer or 18th C fop any day! Yeah, I know, not quite as macho as a fireman, but a nice frock really does it for me.
And for anyone interested in seeing some excellent 18th C costumes, you must go see Marie Antoinette. It's all about the clothes, baby!
M
Yeah, what Loralee said!
Loralee, how great to hear from you! You're so right about those cowboys. The hats and the slight swagger in those jeans and boots. Two-stepping is one of the most romantic dances around. . . such a nice, easy rhythm.
And Michele, I kinda figured you for a "musketeer" girl. I love the 18th century fashions and the wonderful excesses of masculine dress. There was such sweet illusion in the draping and lace and velvets. . . with hard bodied determination beneath it all. And of course, the boots!
:) B
What about "future guy?" Anybody think he looks cool? Intimidating? How about like a motorcycle cop?
Most of the important parts are covered in Kevlar. Sounds kinda hot to me. And not in the sexy sense.
Future guys looks too much like a droid to me to be sexy. I wanna see at least his face, if not more!
Betina--
Future guy just doesn't do it for me at all. I'm with Helen. We need a face. Expression. Lips.
Yep. Gotta have those.
Gotcha. Manly features must show. Makes perfect sense. As is, he looks like he could just be a droid. Which may be a good thing if you're going into combat. . . striking fear into enemy hearts and all that.
Interesting.
What was your favorite Halloween costume to wear? Ever rented one? I confess most of mine were homemade. Never have done much adult Halloween partying.
Bueller? Anyone? Anyone?
I've never been to an adult Halloween party. Boo-hoo-hoo! The last time I dressed up I was 13 and Pippy Long Stocking. Remember her? I put hangar wires in my piggy tails and wore an orange plaid dress.
I think I'm going to have an party at my house one of these years. I think I'll buy a sexy nurse costume, have a couple glasses of wine, and play "doctor" all night.
On second thought, that sounds like a private party.
Hey, maybe we should have a Happy Hour on Halloween?
Oooooh... Halloween Happy Hour-- sounds like fun! Maybe we can get some non-commenting readers to come out and play!
What kind of drinks do you serve at a Halloween Happy Hour? Besides Bloody Mary's.
:) Betina
I'll bring lady fingers to nibble. ;)
Couldn't we have some fun?
I'm really psyched for this. . . we ought to publicize it!
Strictly BYOL.
(Bring Your Own Ladyfingers!)
haha!
sounds like fun to me!!
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