This Is the New Fitness Brand for the Prep in Us All

Take your pick of these inspiring ladies for your Halloween costume. Or bookmark a few and make it a group costume! (via Brit + Co)

One of the leading faces from the kooky '80s TV series can surely help bring back the nostalgia this Halloween. It's sure to put a BIG muppet-style smile on your face in this getup. (via Brit + Co)

Remember this chick? This nine-year-old had superhuman strength, and completely insane pig tails. (via Brit + Co)

This intercontinental style icon will always be relevant. To create the look, it's all about making sure you've got a few key elements (like that red hat with yellow trim!) covered. (via Brit + Co)

We kind of think of this one as a hybrid between Lisa Turtle and Kelly Kapowski — the volume and sunny attitude is all Kelly, and the incredible vest and gold lame mini dress has Lisa written all over it. (via Brit + Co)

Go goth with this adorable Wednesday Addams get up. This costume calls for the most layers — black tights, a collared shirt, and a tight cardigan — which will certainly help keep you cozy. Channel your inner troublemaker and start perfecting that straight-faced, vapid stare. (via Brit + Co)

An all-time classic and the best possible outfit for the gal who wants to have an excuse to pretty much wear a snuggie out for the evening. (via Brit + Co)

How awesome are those leggings? (via Brit + Co)

Inspired by our girl Misty's Halloween costume, this is probably our favorite maternity costume idea EVER but takes a bold pregnant mama to pull it off. (Thanks for being willing to humor us all, Brit!) (via Brit + Co)

Next, we've got everyone's favorite pregnant teen, Juno! Channel a little bit of attitude and apathy, grab an empty Slurpee cup, and you are well on your way. (via Brit + Co)

The '20s are back, and so is our favorite hair hack: the Faux Bob! (via Brit + Co)

And I said, what about, Breakfast at Tiffany's? #deepbluesomethingFTW (via Brit + Co)

Best. Buns. EVER. (via Brit + Co)

Clearly, we are as obsessed with our '80s cartoon characters as we are with wig costumes. For bright pink tresses, Jem is an absolute must! (via Brit + Co)

Bring the energy to your next Halloween party because this bunny’s got ups. (via Brit + Co)

If you have a bucket hat and an old flannel lying around, all this costume requires are a few popsicle sticks from the craft store (or a sneaky trip to the doctor's office) and a little bit of glue. Folks may get confused if you swap the makeshift fence for a drink, but pop it up in front of your face and all those JTT lovers will instantly recognize/adore you. (via Uproxx)

A Christmas Story, anyone? Now you can be THAT lamp. (via Amazon)

Tie a red ribbon around your neck and grab a red belt or corset for a simple and classy costume option. Even if it doesn’t look like rain, grab an umbrella for extra character. (via Brit + Co)

This isn’t exactly the easiest of costumes to pull together, but if you’ve got the time it sure does look great. Make Bill Murray proud as a ghost-busting hunk. (via Costume Works)

Ace Ventura

This dude is nailing it as Miami’s finest pet detective. Rock this look in a Hawaiian shirt, high-rise pants and combat boots, or opt for his memorable tutu ensemble instead. (via Marie Marie)

Piece together a pair of suspenders, some nerd glasses and high-rise pants for this costume. It’ll look so good when you sneak a peak in the mirror. Don’t be surprised if your first thought is, “Did I do that?” (via Reddit)

Complete with an accurate 1st grader smile, this girl knows how to stay in character. She also knows her way around a laser backdrop. (via Moth)

What? Yes. This is probably our favorite costume of the bunch! (via Costume Works)

Bjork at the 2001 Academy Awards

Pretend you’re at the Oscars with this fanciest of costumes. Take advantage of Halloween and use it as an excuse to wear heaps of tulle to work. (via A Beautiful Mess)

Or go for a couples costume and dress your partner up as Netscape Navigator! (vianayukim on Flickr)

Chucky

You’re welcome for all the nightmares. (via All That’s Epic)

Hanson Teen Beat Cover

Our former Editorial Director Lisa gets DOUBLE the points for this throwback — it’s her costume from 1997! (via @lraptweets)

Hide your cats because Alf has entered the building. (via Dos Family)

Who doesn’t love Lucy? Pull your hair up in a retro bun and then top off the look with a bandana and a solid red lipstick. (via Freckled Fox)

Hot Cheetos

katy perry dressed as a hot cheeto for halloween never gets old pic.twitter.com/0OHnH612EH

— . (@likeathornrose) September 18, 2020

Is there anything more nostalgic than your favorite childhood snacks? (via X)

Why be a ‘buster when you can be the ghost? Haunting is so much more fun. (via College Humor)

Group Throwback Costumes

Hocus Pocus

What's better than a wicked AF sisterhood?! Don't forget the brooms. (via Brit + Co)

Wet Hot American Summer

What do you want to bet you and your friends own everything you need to pull this one off together?(via Brit + Co)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turles

Cowbunga! (via Brit + Co)

Ghostbusters

Throw back to the Ghostbuster girl gang (via Brit + Co)

Baywatch

Prepare to save the shoreline with your amazing team AND whistleblowing skills. (via Brit + Co)

Though we're all about bringing back Sporty, Scary, Baby, Posh and Ginger, go the clever route and simply dress up as your favorite spices. (via Brit + Co)

Gilmore Girls

Who's the Lorelai to your Rory? Choose carefully and then pick your main men too. (via Brit + Co)

Saved by the Bell

Channel your inner Slater, Kelly, Zach, and Jessie with some sweet threads straight out of the late '80s. Just don't forget the old-school cell phone with an antenna bigger than your head. (via Brit + Co)

This unlikely crew of five is one of the most celebrated high school groups in movie history. A few key accessories and some '80s outfits will make this one a cinch. (via Brit + Co)

Mini skirts? Check! Long locks? Check! Pink, pink and more pink? Check! With your outfits put together, you'll just need a Burn Book to complete the costume. (via Brit + Co)

What about your friends? Going for early TLC style, this trio of besties knows what's up in the neon style department. (via Brit + Co)

Cast of Grease

Rydell High never looked so good. (via Brit + Co)

Who doesn't have pioneer garb laying around the house? (via Brit + Co)

Our very own Miss Misty has the perfect hair and makeup tutorials for you to master the Mad Men look. All you need is a '50s or '60s vintage frock. (via Brit + Co)

Rule the school by dressing as the colorful clique from the ’80s cult classic Heathers. (via Found Item Clothing)

Don’t forget the most colorful ’80s costume of them all — Rainbow Brite and the Color Kids will never go out of style. (via AC Paradise)

Mario Kart

The race is on! Mario costumes can be a little tired, but this group punches it up with an amazing Mario Kart version. Or you could try a Dr. Mario or Mario Tennis angle, too! (via Flickr)

Those jackets are incredibly accurate — where can we get them?! (via Refinery29)

We used to run around our backyard pretending to be the Princess of Power… so dibs on this one. (via He Man)

Addams Family

Get the whole family together for a super sweet group costume or go solo as Wednesday Addams. (via Brian Jackson/Flickr)

Go small and do a Tetris screen on a T-shirt, or go big like these guys and craft huge game pieces. Follow their instructions and you’ll be boxed up in no time. (via Instructables)

Clue

Clue is one of the all-time best group costumes, period. Camille Styles threw a Clue-themed, whodunnit dinner party where everyone dressed to the nines, but you could also go authentic and model your characters after the hilarious ’80s film. (via Camille Styles/She N He)

Cast of Ferris Bueller's Day Off

You guys. This group costume is too good for words. Whether you’re looking for a couples costume, a besties costume or a group getup, this legendary ’80s movie has fantastic options (and gives you a perfectly good excuse to play hooky). (via Pinterest + Ten:Thirteen Design)

The Golden Girls

The Golden Girls are absolutely timeless, and dressing like them is a total blast. Load up on the blush, ladies! (via Instagram)

Couples Throwback Costumes

Wait, what? Yep. We went there. You really do make our dreams come true. (via Brit + Co)

Army Toy Soldiers

"Don't worry, boy. I've got your back." (via Brit + Co)

Can you say…. schwiiiing? Leave it to former Brit + Co editor Kate Puhala to make dressing up as Wayne Campbell actually look chic. The underbite-based smile that Garth is sporting really seals the deal. (via Brit + Co)

David Bowie and Prince

It wasn't enough to simply be a rock star or a musician — both Bowie and Prince took the role of artist VERY seriously. (via Brit + Co)

Aw, those poor ghosts. P.S. What happened to Pacman’s shoes? (via Brooklyn College Anime)

Channel your inner rockstars by becoming these two this Halloween. (via Brit + Co)

'The Shining' Twins

"Come and play with us Danny!" (via Brit + Co)

Cruella De Vil and a Dalmatian

Who doesn't love Cruella and her 100 Dalmatians? Grab your favorite black dress and old white clothes that you don't need anymore to create this couple's costume. (via Brit + Co)

Journey with us back to 1988, when a world accepted the idea that Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito could be… twins? Wait, WHAT? Khakis, penny loafers (or moccasins) and matching blazers make this look, but it's those '80s patterned short sleeve button downs on the inside that take it to the next level. Oh, and I happen to be playing the role of Danny DeVito in this costume ;) (via Brit + Co)

One of our favorite couples costumes eve. (via Brit + Co)

The Simple Life

Have you ever wanted to do an early 2000s costume so badly?! The real question is, who will dress as Tink? (via Brit + Co)

To aspire to their coolness, just go super glam/prep '90s. (via Brit + Co)

Finn and Rey from 'Star Wars'

Ham it up all night pretending to fight off Stormtroopers with Adam from Girls (errr… Kylo Ren). May the force be with you! (via Brit + Co)

Lizzie McGuire and Miranda Sanchez

"You'll never figure out who you really are if you're trying to be someone else." (via Brit + Co)

Our '90s hearts have gone all aflutter. Become everyone's favorite football head with just a little construction paper and a pair of scissors. (via Twisted Sifter)

If you grew up with painting pro Bob Ross telling you how to paint “happy little trees,” then you’ll probably feel a bit nostalgic with this one. The costume can be a solo act or a group effort if you have a happy little tree or two. (via C.R.A.F.T.)

The Bundys

The shoe salesman and the crimson-haired bombshell were the ’90s answer to Lucy and Ricky, and we loved their love-hate relationship. (via On The Blog Bandwagon)

This is a story all about how… two guys had totally amazing Fresh Prince costumes. Okay, so maybe that’s not actually how the song goes, but we like that version better. (via Imgur)

We had to serve up the side by side for this one — that strapless dress with giant white bow and black gloves is just too good. In true 90210 fashion, this is definitely one of the more angsty, volatile couples of the ’90s. (via I Am Not a Stalker)

Sonny and Cher

This pop star pair are a favorite for costume season, but Rachel Zoe and her hubby Roger Berman look nearly unidentifiable! Their attention to detail is stellar. (via @rachelzoe)

Serena + Blair

It would be pretty tough to copy Blair Waldorf and Serena van der Woodsen’s actual looks from the hit show Gossip Girl, but you can still channel these Upper East Side school girls with some classic accessories — pearls and a headband for B and a short skirt and loose tie for S. (via Warner Bros.)

Whoa. When is the last time you thought about the movie The Mask? Like… not since 1994, right? (via Buzzfeed)

OMG. How perfect is this? Especially if you rig your helmets so that they double as beer holders. (via Buzzfeed)

Scooby Doo

Add more characters to your Mystery Incorporated crew. Shaggy Rogers, anyone? (via Instagram)

These two = YES. And is it weird that we would rock that polka dot sweater on the reg? (via SheKnows / Pinterest)

Whether the dog represents Frances Bean is still TBD, but this is one of our all-time favorite costumes. And guess what? It was actually one of the entries to our costume contest way back in 2012! (via Brit + Co)

Baby & Kid Throwback Costumes

Amelia Earhart

Surely you can find some goggles and a hat at the last minute. (viaBrit + Co)

What's better than paying homage to one of the most beloved Disney movies of all time, The Lion King? (via Brit+Co)

Lana del Rey

Grab a summer dress and add a dramatic and colorful flower crown. (via Brit + Co)

Morton Salt Girl

All you need for this one is a trip to the grocery store for a cheap umbrella and some salt. (via Brit + Co)

Sandy + Danny

Looking to match your little man while you hit the 'hood going door to door? Jeans and Converse will save the day, and the jacket is likely needed anyway. (via Brit + Co)

You can totally be a couple with your mini! This throwback is the best. (via Brit + Co)

Rosie the Riveter

Yes she can! #girlpower (via Brit + Co)

From Lebowski to little Lebowski! Your little dude might not know that his costume is based on one of the best movie characters ever, but he'll enjoy all the attention from the other cool parents. (via Skirt As Top)

If you don’t like this costume, you’ve got some ‘splaining to do! (via Coolest Homemade Costumes)

This one is so great you’ll definitely want to phone home about it. (via Bicycle Store)

It’s tough to choose a fave, but this one definitely makes our top five baby costumes ever. (via Little Frills)

Well, allllrighty then! Your kid will hate you for this one day or think you’re a complete genius — either way they’ll have a great #TBT in a few years. (via Costume Works)

Mini Jersey Shore

This could only be made better if all the parents dressed up as Jersey Shore 50 Years from Now. (via Imgur)

Party on, babies. (via Geek Parenting)

This. Is. Genius. Doves will most definitely cry tears of joy the moment they see this costume. (via Twisted Sifter)

Seriously? This is the best homemade costume we’ve ever seen. Ok, maybe that’s too extreme, but it is incredible. And the kid’s expression? Perfection. (via Costume Works)

Risky Business

Grab some shades and a button-down shirt and you're in business! (via Instagram)

Return of the Jedi Ewok

Turn your furry scraps into a fuzzy costume. (via Brit + Co)

The best part of this? The costume was made from an actual Care Bear stuffed animal. Brilliant. (via Instructables)

Follow us on Pinterest for more creative costume ideas!

This article has been updated from a previous post.

Why Your Flexibility Stalls

As though going through puberty weren’t enough of a struggle, it’s also the time when you start to lose your natural flexibility. “No one is more flexible in their life than they are as a child,” says Dr. Leython Williams, a doctor of physical therapy at Athletico Physical Therapy. “However, during puberty, children often become temporarily less flexible. Some children have slow growth spurts, while others grow very quickly. This temporary decrease in muscle length/flexibility is a result of their bones growing faster than their muscles and tendons can stretch.”

Note that Dr. Williams refers to this particular loss of flexibility as temporary — meaning we can’t blame puberty for the fact our toes seem to be getting farther away every time we try to touch them.

“There is no specific age when we wake up and our flexibility has ‘officially declined.’ However, it is a fact that as we age our flexibility decreases, which leads to decreased functional ability and mobility,” he explains. “As our bodies get older, we lose a small amount of flexibility as a result of the normal aging processes. There is loss of water in our tissues and intervertebral discs, increased stiffness in our joints, and a loss of elasticity in muscles and tendons. In our 20s and 30s, it is important that we develop a consistent static and dynamic stretching regimen to establish and maintain flexibility and range of motion more easily into our older years.”

That’s right: What you do now matters later. And this isn’t just about keeping up in yoga, Dr. Williams cautions. “It becomes imperative that we stretch regularly to decrease our likelihood of various injuries.” Jill Belland, co-founder of Barre Belle, agrees. “It’s easy to feel invincible if you’re young and injury free! Flexibility will reduce your risk of injury: What doesn’t bend will break. Increased range of motion, balance, and mobility are all linked to flexibility and contribute to overall strength and fitness.”

How to Get It Back

When you’re a kid, flexibility comes naturally; when you’re an adult, you have to take responsibility for improving and maintaining it. “Peak flexibility age for adults can differ person to person and depends largely on their physical activity habits,” says Dr. Rachelle Reed, PhD, Pure Barre’s manager of training development and barre kinesiologist. “Notably, flexibility can be improved at any age when flexibility training is incorporated into a regular exercise routine. It’s important for adults to be strategic about including flexibility training into their workouts, because maintaining flexibility and physical function as we move into middle and older adulthood is associated with better quality of life and independent living.”

There’s no one flexibility standard everyone has to meet, Belland reassures: “There is no golden rule for what perfect flexibility is person to person, but there are simple markers such as touching your toes from a forward fold for hamstrings/lower back, or reaching for your hands behind your back, with one hand behind the head and the other behind the waist, for shoulder mobility. You don’t need to be a contortionist; moving around with fluidity in your everyday life and having good range of motion in your favorite activities without feeling pain or tension is a better way to gauge your own personal goals.”

But where do you start if you want to improve your flexibility? Dr. Reed explains, “There are two main types of flexibility training that you should aim to incorporate into your routine: Dynamic stretching, where a stretch is performed by moving through a challenging but attainable range of motion several times in a row, and static stretching, where a stretch is held in a challenging but attainable position for a longer period of time (at least 10-30 seconds).”

How do you know how far to go? “Our muscles have a natural stretch reflex that prevents us from going too far into a stretch, which can also cause injury,” Belland tells us. “Aim to gently stretch through this reflex. The key to increasing flexibility is about time under tension: It takes around 20 seconds to ease through the stretch reflex. Reintroduce the stretch and hold it for 10 seconds longer, working up to one minute. The second time you introduce a stretch, the stretch reflex will diminish, allowing your body to get deeper into your stretch and also building better muscle memory.”

If you’re still worried about injuring yourself — especially if you’ve been injured in the past — Dr. Williams recommends seeing a physical therapist for guided stretches. Belland reminds us that you don’t have to go to the gym or spend hours on stretching. “Stretch a little bit every day when you can fit it in after a workout or in front of the TV. If you just don’t think you’ll stretch on your own, getting to a yoga or a barre class is helpful if you need the accountability of a dedicated time and space.”

Speaking of the gym, just as your phys ed teacher told you, stretching is especially important before and after a workout. “Far too often active individuals begin their workouts without a dynamic stretch,” Dr. Williams says. “Dynamic stretching increases one’s range of movement and blood flow to soft tissues prior to physical exertion and/or sport performance. This type of stretching is vital in improving performance and reducing the risk for injury.”

But you don’t have to be an athlete to benefit — in fact, stretching is an important antidote to all that sitting those of us with desk-based jobs tend to do. “Sitting at your desk all day can lead to decreased flexibility in hip flexors and hamstrings by keeping them in a shortened position for a prolonged period of time,” Dr. Williams warns. “Consider a standing desk or work station or taking several breaks throughout your work day to stand up and stretch.”

The Best Polka Dot Tops

Abercrombie & Fitch Short-Sleeve Tie-Front Top

Not only are polka dots popular, but tie-front tops are also trending! Putting both together has to be the work of a marketing genius who knows we're looking for the least complicated tops to wear during spring.

LOFT Dotted Everyday Relaxed Shirt

If you'll be logging more hours at work and want to participate in this trend, LOFT's relaxed polka dot shirt help you avoid FOMO. It's lightweight and breathable, so you won't have to worry about sweat stains ruining your business casual OOTD.

Old Navy V-Neck Button-Down Crepe Top

Give your crew neck tops a break and reach for Old Navy's take on polka dots. Though it's hard to tell, they're actually navy instead of black so you can almost treat it like a neutral that pairs well with a bright red or butter yellow bag!

MAJORELLE Joy Bodysuit

Have dinner plans with your girls or that sexy guy you bumped into at Trader Joe's? We suggest you wear this off-shoulder polk dot bodysuit that shows the right amount of skin. Think of it as a peek-a-boo piece that gives you the freedom to add your favorite fragrances near your neck without ruining your top.

ELOQUII Satin Bubble Top

Say yes to that party invite you just received because we've found the most breathtaking top for you to wear! This satin bubble top feels as flirty as it looks and is guaranteed to have all eyes on you most of the night.

P.S. Don't be surprised if you get a hot stranger's number while wearing this!

Ashley Stewart Polka Dot Poplin Blouse

If you need another workwear top that aligns with the polka dot trend, reach for Ashley's Stewart's poplin design. It features elasticized cuffs that sit perfectly on the wrist and the overall top has enough stretch in it to keep you comfortable all day.

The Best Mini Polka Dot Dresses

The Reformation x Devon Lee Carlson Cher Dress

In need of a cute, but uncomplicated spring dress? Reach for this mini polka dot dress that can be worn with flats or sneakers. Besides being pretty, it's also made of organic cotton, lyocell, and other fabrics that cut back on waste.

P.S. Of course it's possible to be stylish and sustainable!

Ghospell Ruched Asymmetric Polka Dot Mini Dress

Where are you going to wear this mini dress? The choice is yours, but we have a few solo date ideas geared towards inspiring you to romanticize your life.

If you want our honest opinion, we think it's the perfect dress to wear to an art gallery followed by dinner at your favorite restaurant.

Hollister Crepe Mini Dress

Not a fan of a brown or deep tan polka dot piece? We understand which is why we came prepared with Hollister's mini dress. All you need is a slightly oversized denim jacket, a pair of Adidas Samba, and your favorite clutch.

The Best Midi Polka Dot Dresses

Abercrombie & Fitch Women's Dipped-Waist Midi Dress

Slip into a similar, yet longer version of the above mini dress if you're worried about the back of what you're wearing rising up every time you sit or bend over. You'll be saved from accidental exposures should the wind decide to blow strongly the day you decide to wear something that has a shorter hemline.

ASTR The Label Eirene Polka Dot Midi Dress

Do we spell wedding bells for someone you know? It's only right you wear this polka dot midi dress that has a lace bodice and shoulder straps. It won't take away from the bride's gorgeous gown, but you'll nice and stylish!

Lulu's Black Polka Dot Satin Midi Dress

On the contrary, this contrasting polk dot dress is another great date night option. Though it seems simple, we know that your outfits don't always have to be over-the-top. Just slide into a great pair of black heels and grab a clutch that has a black strap or gold hardware clasp on it!

The Best Maxi Polka Dot Dresses 

Pretty Little Thing White Polka Dot Corseted Dress

We can totally imagine someone taking their proposal pictures in this polka dot corseted dress! It's more structured than most bandeau tops, so your "girls" won't spill out when you bend over slightly to pretend you're fixing your shoe in your pictures!

Princess Polly Marguerite Halter Maxi Dress

You don't need a reason to wear a polka dot maxi dress during vacation, so we won't give you one. The only thing we'll say is you'll be able to adjust the halter so that it doesn't unravel at the worst possible moment.

Reformation Naira Dress

Someone may look at this dress and worry it'll make them look like a "trad wife," but not all traditions are bad. You can pretend you're living in a modern version of Breakfast at Tiffany's whenever you wear it because you are the main character.

The Best Polka Dot Swimsuits

Club L London Sheer Bliss Black Polka Dot Swimsuit

This has retro Betty Boop all over it! From the perfect polka dot print to the organza shoulder ties, we just know you're going to enjoy wearing this. It doesn't matter if you're taking a dip in the ocean or in your own background, we know you'll look amazing in this.

For Love & Lemons Denim Dot One Piece Swimsuit

While you're at it, give this denim polka dot swimsuit a chance. It's equally as gorgeous as the above option and exudes the kind of "vintage" appeal that someone is bound to appreciate.

J. Crew Gemma Ruched Bandeau One-Piece

Take the biggest risk ever and wear this bandeau one-piece swimsuit. The polk dots are slightly bigger, but it works because they give the illusion of a longer torso if you don't have one. Plus, you'll look similar to the 1950s swim Barbie!