Halloween Costumes on a Budget

Halloween is lurking around the corner, and odds are you will take the kids trick or treating or will be heading to a costume party — or both!

For many of us, Halloween is like Christmas. We cannot wait to go all out, both in our attire and in home decorations. The anticipation is agonizing. For many others, Halloween is a dreaded time, when we are forced to participate and spend money. The planning is agonizing

Whatever category you fall into, we can agree Halloween prep gets expensive fast, especially the costume part. For something you will wear once for entertainment, spending more than $100 is not ideal. 

There’s an easy solution: Don’t let money be the dictator on how elaborate and well executed your costume is. 

Wearing a costume that is original and/or authentic can be done on a budget and here is how:

1. Have an open mind

If you are set on one costume idea, completing your outfit on a budget can be difficult. Instead work the other way. Go into your search without a planned costume. This way as you start looking for materials, whether at a costume shop or a resale store, a variety of ideas will come to mind. Then you can choose the most inexpensive option. 

2. Thrift stores are your friend

A thrift store is any shop that sells secondhand items, most of which is clothing. They are a great place to find just about anything for your outfit and at a low price. At thrift stores you can find things that are gently used, and even things you didn’t know you needed for your costume. Plus, since this is not standard retail shop, you are guaranteed to have an original look.

Thrift stores are also a great place to find low-priced jewelry for costumes, such as watches, earrings, necklaces, pins, a string of pearls and more. Props for your costumes can also be found at thrift stores for a cheap price. 

3. DIY

Fun plus cheap? Yes, please. You may not realize it, but you might have everything you need for your costume in your home.

Put your creativity to the test here and take a good look through your closets and storage areas for unique items that may make a good costume. Put together a variety of odds and ends, such as old sheets, jewelry and T-shirts; then, grab a marker and draw on them or use boxes to cut things out for your costume. Sometimes the simple route is the best and most impressive route.

Or, if you have sewing skills, sew your own costume by patching together old fabric and clothes.

This is another way to have a truly original look.

 4. Costume swap

Putting together your own costume can be a lot of work and maybe that is the exact opposite of what you want to do this Halloween. So, like in “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?”, phone a friend. You probably have that friend who enjoys dressing up and also does not throw things away. If so, see if you can borrow one. You can also swap and pass on one of yours.

Not only will this save you money, but now the costume can get used twice.

5. Buy pieces you can use again

Another way to save money on Halloween is to think ahead. If you are creating your own costume, consider buying pieces that you can use again. Incorporate clothing items that you would wear again in real life or for other costumes. Items like pearls, jackets, umbrellas, hats and so on can be used in many costumes and during everyday wear. This way you get more use out of things you buy and are not wasting money on items you will use once. 

 

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