I walked into my fourth Halloween party of the season this week and saw the same, very familiar sight: A group of eight donning yellow knee and elbow pads, bike helmets, and “Legends of the Hidden Temple” T-shirts. Sitting next to them was Snow White, wearing an outfit that would make the 1937 crowd blush. Next to her was Pauly D.

I get it. Halloween is the one time of year you can dress up as something you aren’t, so it makes sense to go all out. But there is just something missing, something that has been overdone.

The point is, there is no more creativity out there. Guys cop out on Halloween, and girls are in search for the chance to be the sexy version of all of our favorite Halloween costumes. Sexy firefighters and sexy Disney princesses walk in and out of weekend Halloween parties. If I see one Casey Anthony mask or another group of “Double Dare” contestants I am going to scream.

Where are the two-person horse costumes, the people portraying the “extra sock” in the laundry, or zombie-anythings? I long for the day when the question “What are you?” was met with an answer that induced laughter and awe.

The inventive nature of Halloween is the best part to highlight. This is about showing your personality. Go with a play on words — be a ball with money taped to it and an A’s hat. My grandfather once went out to an eight-hour marathon party dressed as a branch of grapes. The costume was 60 pounds of purple goodness, but he was the topic of conversation.

It’s time for the 20-somethings to take back our Halloween creativity. Stick pipe-cleaners to your head, stand straight and still and call yourself a toothbrush. Put on your best basketball jersey, get some chain and a lock and be the NBA lockout. If you’re from around here, dress yourself in camouflage and pretend you’re invisible. Whatever it is, be unique and make it yours.

Contact Corianne Egan, a Paducah Sun staff writer, at 270-575-8652.