Dressing a group of friends? Consider divvying up the roles of the Lion, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Wicked Witch. Any of these perennially popular costumes can be purchased online at a site like www.anniescostumes.com or at your local costume store. They can also be recreated at home with a little creativity.

For a do-it-yourself Dorothy costume, dress in a knee-length white dress topped with a blue-and-white checked apron. Add white socks and, of course, a pair of glittering ruby slippers. Finally, if you have long hair, pull it into two low ponytails and tie each with a blue or white ribbon. Instead of a trick-or-treat bag, carry a woven basket. That'll get you noticed, my pretty!