Now that Halloween is over, it seems a shame to put away those perfectly good costumes, stuffing them in a closet for another year and just forgetting about them. –

It’s such a waste, really, to have Lara Croft, the naughty nurse and maybe that hot Dracula all hibernating until the next time they are needed.-

The alternative is liberating them. Of course, people might look cross-eyed at Lara Croft strutting her stuff around the quadrangle, but what they don’t see can’t hurt them. The best way to continue enjoying those sexy alter-egos is in the bedroom. –

The recent teen comedy “Mean Girls” alluded to the real reason for Halloween costumes — it’s a chance for women to look as sexy as possible without being considered sluttish. I think an added benefit is being able to lose some inhibitions, sans alcohol.-

Hitting on a guy as Elvira or one of Charlie’s Angels can be liberating, even easier than usual. For the guys, approaching a woman in a gorilla suit or looking like Tarzan or Aragorn from “The Lord of the Rings” might inspire a little more confidence than the usual jeans and a T-shirt gig. –

Once the novelty of Halloween is gone, a private showing is more in order. It’s better, too, because your partner can’t be distracted by a host of other saucy-looking women — he’s only concentrating on the one in front of him. –

If you didn’t get a chance to dress all sexy and provocatively for Halloween, there’s still a chance. Costumes are probably all on sale now, too — an added benefit. Or, if you were a nurse or a sexy cheerleader, trade costumes with a friend for added variety. –

The first step is to chat the perspective guy or woman up, and find out how interested they are in role playing. Next, find out their particular fantasy. If it’s something doable, like when Rachel from “Friends” dressed up as Princess Leia in the gold bikini for Ross, then assemble your outfit. Then, lure the person back to your lair of seduction with promises of a good show. Reveal your inner cat woman and the game is on. –

Costumes and role-playing can serve as a way to break out of the old routine for couples, as well. On television’s “The O.C.,” sexy Summer bagged Seth by donning a Wonder Woman ensemble underneath her clothes, and then revealed it to him as a Christmas present, leaving him panting and drooling. It’s just a new take on the old reliable, sexy lingerie. Sure, it only stays on for about three milliseconds, but ripping it off is the best part. –

Costumes aren’t only for women either — the song doesn’t lie when it says every girl’s crazy “bout a sharp-dressed man.” Although women aren’t as easily visually stimulated as men (read: we’re just difficult that way), a costume can lead to a Casanova-like confidence that’s killer. –

Women usually enjoy the seduction, the finesse and the tactile romance of being literally swept off their feet by D’Artagnan or similar. For some reason, men in uniform also seem to do the trick, so I’ve heard. An earthier take and personal favorite is definitely the sexy construction worker or firefighter, complete with tool belt or hose. –