Epic kid Halloween costumes: Little RBG, Hall and Oates, and more

The Chronicle’s homemade Halloween costume contest began more than a decade ago with the assumption that the costumes would be horrible, and the resulting images would be a “Pinterest fails” kind of thing.

We’d laugh at ourselves, then move on.

I remember the tone changed when an email arrived with a girl dressed in a Converse Chuck Taylor sneaker. And from there, it only got more cool and creative and epic.

The Chronicle’s homemade Halloween costume contest began more than a decade ago with the assumption that the costumes would be horrible, and the resulting images would be a “Pinterest fails” kind of thing.

We’d laugh at ourselves, then move on.

I remember the tone changed when an email arrived with a girl dressed in a Converse Chuck Taylor sneaker. And from there, it only got more cool and creative and epic.

This year, the contest returns as the Total SF Halloween Costume Contest. The Chronicle will be giving cash prizes this year, including $250 to the child with the best S.F.-themed costume. Send your entries to phartlaub@sfchronicle.com with the subject line “Total SF Halloween.”

Below are my 10 favorite costumes in contest history:

SPACE SHUTTLE ENDEAVOR (and jet …)

Longtime reader Rhean submitted this topical costume in 2012, after the Space Shuttle Endeavor went on a tour through the Bay Area.

The costumes included Rhean’s 4-year-old daughter as the jet that gave the Space Shuttle Endeavor (her 1-year-old brother) a victory tour ride across the state. There are great details here, but the girl’s smile is the best.

LITTLE RED CORVETTE PRINCE

Dearly beloved … we are gathered here today to make a homemade costume …

Sarah P. writes: “Jonah, the Baby Formerly Known As Prince, loves the Little Red Corvette at the Presidio Heights Playground.”

Baby you’re much too crafty!

View them all on Curbed