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Forget Lady Gaga. In Salt Lake City, one of this year's most popular last-minute Halloween costume ideas for adults has been around for years. Think Jesus.

And if you're aiming for the trendiness factor, consider pairing the religious figure with a Halloween ghoul. Such as a Jesus zombie costume or maybe a Jesus vampire.

"We bought 10 pre-made Jesus costumes and they're all gone, but people keep asking for them," said Nagalah Garza, Halloween manager at Pib's Exchange in the Sugar House neighborhood of Salt Lake City. "Every year, someone buys one Jesus costume, but this year was crazy. It's just an off-white robe and a rope [as a belt]."

The beauty of such a costume is that it's easy to re-create, even after your neighborhood costume shop is sold out. Garza recommends finding a white-ish robe or sheet, some rope, hemp or other earthy belt. Sandals could be optional depending on the weather; embellish as desired.

Other big sellers this year are pop star Katy Perry, complete with a blue wig, and Snooki from the reality TV show "Jersey Shore," who has her own distinctive look.

"I've seen lots of girls build their own costumes [for Snooki] by grabbing a leopard-print dress, large, brass hoop earrings and high heels," Garza said. "You gotta make sure to get the big hair bump, too."

According to the National Retail Federation, an estimated 148 million Americans will fall under Halloween's spell. We're expected to spend some $5.8 billion this year, or about $66 on costumes, candy and decorations, up from last year's $56. "In recent years, Halloween has provided a welcome break from reality, allowing many Americans a chance to escape from the stress the economy has put on their family and incomes," said Federation President and CEO Matthew Shay. This year, he's expecting an even bigger response. "We'll have an entire weekend to celebrate since the holiday falls on a Sunday."

At Salt Lake City's McGrew Costume Studio on Pierpont Avenue, you can expect to find in stock elaborate costumes that are ordered in advance. But this year, owner Jennifer McGrew said, she's noticed a trend with requests for Viking helmets, whips and medieval armor, as well as a resurgence of television characters from the 1970s and '80s, such as Cat Woman and Wonder Woman.

"I think people get in their minds that they want something specific and then flail around frantically trying to put it together at the last minute," McGrew said.

It's best to think of a nub of an idea that interests you, and shopkeepers can help with the rest. "One of the best things about my job is helping people come up with costume ideas," Garza said. "If you only want to spend [a few] bucks, the easiest thing you can do is just to grab some stuff like petticoats or corsets or a piece of clothing you find interesting, and we can help you come up with a look."

Of course, there's always the fallback of pre-made costumes or kits, such as the classic cat, devil or angel. Garza also said dressing up like the singer Cher is easy because all you need is a long, black wig and lots of makeup. Black leggings and boots will help the look as well.

Often, costumes can be created around accessories. Masks, wigs, jewelry or scarves can easily be turned into a pirate costume, belly dancer or Victorian performer.

"This whole week before Halloween is always busy, but you can definitely still find something fun to wear," Garza said.

agreenleigh@sltrib.com; with additional information from the New York Times News service. —

Costumes galore

Pib's Exchange • 1147 Ashton Ave., Salt Lake City; 801-939-3226

McGrew Costume Studio • 333 W. Pierpont Ave, Salt Lake City; 801-596-2210

Decades • 627 S. State St., Salt Lake City; 801-537-1357

Farina's Costumes • 25 E. Kensington Ave., Salt Lake City; 801-466-3006

Hale Centre Theatre (Rentals) • 2200 W. Alexander St., West Valley City; 801-984-9001 —

Top costumes

In a National Retail Federation survey of more than 8,000 consumers predicting this year's most popular adult Halloween costumes, the results were frighteningly boring. That's even after oddsmakers (OK, wire service journalists) bet two fistfuls of bite-size Milky Way bars that Lady Gaga would top this year's list.

Adults

1 • Witch

2 • Vampire

3 • Pirate

4 • Nurse

5 • Wench

6 • Cat

7 • Zombie

8 • Fairy

9 • Athlete/Batman (tie)

10 • Dracula

Source • Houston Chronicle