Pimp costumes are the year-in, year-out favorite Halloween costumes for a lot of men. And it seems that the more respectable the man in real life, the more they love the outrageousness. Look closely under that huge pink hat with the ermine trim at your next party, and you might find your accountant, your lawyer or that shy UPS guy.

Pimp Costumes: the More Outrageous the Better!

A long time ago, when I was in college (better make that a loooong time ago), we had a pimps 'n' prostitutes party for Valentine's Day. My date came wearing a pink shirt, white pants and a pink-and-black striped tie. He sprayed his blond hair black and greased it back, penciled on a tiny mustache, and put on his darkest glasses. He looked so loathsome that I could barely go near him, but the point is, he could have walked the streets like that.

Not so with today's pimp costumes. The genre has evolved, becoming more flamboyant every year. Full-on pimp costumes these days include zoot suits in neon green, flamingo pink or electric blue. A humongous hat is absolutely essential, and really, both the hat and the coat should be trimmed with fur. Lots of bling-bling and some narrow shades complete the look.

I think there are two basic reasons why men like pimp costumes so much. The first is that they enjoy the chance to cut loose, to be outrageous, without having their sexuality called into question. And the second is even more compelling: when a man dresses like a pimp, chances are good that his woman is gonna dress like a ho.