Here's the usual scenario every Halloween: you walk into a party in your Frankenstein costume, feeling hip and original. But as soon as you step through the door, you realize the inevitable: there are about ten other Frankenstein's like you, dressed in the exact same tattered clothing and green mask!

Nothing drains the life out of a costume party more than having people wear the exact same costume. Tired of being the seventh ghoul in the room? Is seeing one more Wicked Witch stroll by enough to make you cry? Are you looking for fresh costume ideas for your next Halloween ball? Well, you've come to the right place. This article will give you ideas for the freshest, most original Halloween costumes for adults.

First things first. Just because it's Halloween, it doesn't mean you have to dress up as a monster, ghost or witch. For grown-ups, especially, Halloween is just another fun excuse to throw a party - and a costume party at that! So, that means you can come as virtually anyone or anything in the world! Yes, some people even opt to go as gadgets, like Ipods or TV screens.

Inspiration for costumes can be found everywhere. Sometimes, all you have to do is think about stuff that you like: favorite TV shows, favorite books, favorite pop icons, movies, etc. Or think about what you fancy you would be in an alternate universe or in a so-called "past life." Think you could've been Cleopatra? Well, go as her! You think you ought to have been born in pre-revolution France? Well, try going as Marie Antoinette. It would be hilarious if you could lug a cake around with you too.

Some people find inspiration in food. Especially for the men, why don't you try going as a can of coke or a slice of pizza? You can even dress up as a keg of beer. All you'll need is a barrel.

It would also be great to go as a TV personality, like Ugly Betty for example. All you'll need are a big pair of glasses and some mismatched clothing. Ladies can also opt to make their fairytale dreams come true by going as a Disney Princess. There are so many of them to choose from: Ariel the Little Mermaid, Belle, Cinderella, Pocahontas, Mulan - the list could go on forever! For the Audrey Hepburn enthusiast, why don't you go as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's?

Another idea is dressing up as your alter-ego, as the exact opposite of who you are in real life. Are you quiet and bookish? Go as a rock star! Are you athletic and sporty? Go as a typical nerd (glasses, gelled hair, etc.).

There are many, many ideas you can choose from when thinking about costumes for Halloween. The important thing is to find something that you'll be comfortable in and will express your personality. And of course, don't forget to be original! Leave the witch costume to those with no creativity.