With these factors in mind, it's time to judge some celebrity Halloween costumes.
Straight off the bat, we already knew that Neil Patrick Harris and family would choose some of the best costumes on the market. Harris and his husband David Burtka always make an effort for Halloween, taking a different themed family portrait every year. This time round, it was Star Wars.
Then there's Heidi Klum, whose joint Halloween parties with ex-husband Seal were downright iconic. This year she hosted the party solo, dressed as a terrifyingly realistic Jessica Rabbit.
Justin Bieber's costume choice was a little more obscure: Will Ferrell's '70s basketball player character from the movie Semi-Pro. Sure...?We're loving Gerard Way's decision to go as Captain Phasma from The Force Awakens.
Jessica Alba and her friend Kelly Sawyer went for an awesome two-person costume: Romy and Michele from the underrated '90s classic Romy and Michele's High School Reunion.Ryan Reynolds dug out his Deadpool costume, but let's face it: He probably wears that thing around the house.Superheroes were a popular theme, to the surprise of absolutely no one. Alyssa Milano threw back to her Wonder Woman costume, while Kourtney Kardashian cosplayed Captain America with a team of superhero kids as backup.Orphan Black's Tatiana Maslany went for the Arrested Development reference.
LeBron James fully embraced his inner Prince.
Beyoncé and Jay Z made Coming to America a family affair.
Finally, we've got to hand it to Taylor Swift for staying on-brand for Halloween. She dressed as Olaf from Frozen and brought Idina Menzel (dressed as Elsa) onstage to join her in singing "Let It Go." Swift never passes up an opportunity for a concert cameo.Photo via NPH/Instagram