SAN DIEGO (NEWS 8) — Olympic snowboarder Shaun White is apologizing for a controversial Halloween costume. The Carlsbad native drew backlash for dressing up as a developmentally disabled character.
Finding the right costume isn't always easy; but some looks are like a breath of fresh air at Buffalo Breath Costumes in Kearny Mesa.
"Beetlejuice is always popular, superheroes are always popular,” said store employee Siri Elena.
Celebrities like San Diegan pro-snowboarder Shaun White have landed in hot water after wearing certain costumers; for White it was a "Simple Jack" costume from the movie Tropic Thunder, which some found offensive to the special needs community.
Then there was the 2005 Prince Harry Nazi costume and even costumes from “I Dream of Jeannie" have been flagged as inappropriate.
“Everyone knows the character, but it is underwear with completely see-through pants pant,” said Elena.
With outfits often posted and shared on social media, many are thinking of more work-appropriate options.
"I think it has influenced me in the way that I dress up for Halloween because I don't really wear those skimpy outfits,” said costume shopper Mary Hernandez. “I feel like that's not really fair because it is Halloween, and it's kind of just a day to dress how you want to dress up, so it really shouldn't have any repercussions on your daily life."
"I tend to steer people away from the international section in general,” said Elena.
For couples, superheroes and villains can be a safe bet with masks to cover your face.
There’s also classics like witches or a simple wig and era-specific costumes like a sock-hop ready outfit complete with a poodle skirt.
But whatever you decide, think before you dress.
"Adjust your privacy settings, if you don't want your boss seeing you in your underwear, you can then select 'show to everyone, except my boss,’” said Elena.
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