So, it's that time of the year once again when ghouls, pumpkins and eerie creatures decorate stores and restaurants. Halloween is here with all the promise of Trick or Treats, costume parties and Jack O' Lanterns. But who says Halloween is just for kids? Grown ups can have fun during this season too!

Thinking about hosting a costume party for your friends? Or perhaps you got invited to a Halloween party yourself and need help looking for the right costume. Don't be a party pooper (party poopers go as themselves or slightly different versions of themselves)! Here are some adult Halloween costume ideas that will surely bring the fun back into playing dress-up. And you'll wow all your friends as well!

1. Literary Me

Who says you have to dress up as a ghost or the usual vampire for Halloween? The main thing is to come in a smashing costume, no matter what it is. So, instead of going as Catwoman once again or something equally cliché, why don't you go as one of Literature's best heroes or heroines?

Fancy detective novels? Why don't you dress up as Sherlock Holmes? In love with Jane Austen? Try going as Elizabeth Bennet - complete with the Victorian era gown and hat. You can even ask your special someone to go as your Mr. Darcy. Ride along the Harry Potter craze and go as Dumbledore or Hermione Granger. You can even be creative and go as a Dementor. The possibilities are endless when you get your creative juices running.

2. Mask it up

Want to wear a costume but still look somewhat dignified? Not to keen on putting face paint or winning the "Most Hysterical Costume" award? Well, wearing a mask might be the best way to go. There are a variety of masks available in party stores or even antique shops, so take your pick. You can go ultra-glam and choose one with peacock feathers or glitters on it. You can also opt to be theatrical by getting a Phantom of the Opera, black and white mask. Just slick your hair back with loads of gel, wear a tux and a cape and you're set to go.

3. Cartoon Copy

If you want to be original, there's nothing like taking a walk down memory lane and recalling the heroes of your past: cartoons! Why don't you dress up as Popeye or Olive Oil? For those who were children during the rocking eighties, how about a Rainbow Brite costume for the ladies and a Star Boy costume for the boys? A group of friends can even go as The Flinstones: Fred, Wilma, Barney and Betty! If you're going as a family, your kids can even go as Pebbles and Bambam!

As you can see, planning a costume to wear for Halloween can be great fun indeed. All you need are fresh ideas and a willingness to go back to your childhood and have a swell old time. Good luck with the party planning and happy Halloween, folks!