Dressing up for Halloween is fun for all ages. But unfortunately, purchasing Halloween costumes has just gotten more and more expensive over the years. Now, the options seem to be a poorly made costume that doesn’t look like you want it to, or an incredibly expensive one. Luckily, there are some ways to lessen the cost.
In order to figure out what you can make for yourself and what you need to purchase, you’ll need a sketch or photograph of the outfit or costume you want to wear. If it is an object or an animal rather than a character, you’ll need to decide what type of clothing you want to use. For instance, a dog costume can easily be made using a fake fur suit, a painted or dyed pair of sweatpants and shirt, or even a leotard and tights. The weather, where you will be wearing the costume and more can help you determine the right choice.
After raiding your closet and those of your friends and family, the next stop should be a thrift store. Clothing obtained from a thrift store for cheap can be altered by cutting, sewing, patching and more without having to worry about ruining an expensive item. Many outfits worn by characters can be emulated, at least in part, with thrift store clothes.
Making your own pieces of the costume might seem beyond you, but there are some things that anyone can do. If you are dressing up as a dog, you’ll need to have big floppy ears. These ears are easily and cheaply made by cutting shapes out of felt from the fabric store, and using hair pins to stick them to your head. Accomplished sewers can do much more, and shopping in the fabric store’s bargain bin will help keep costs low.
If there is a signature part of your costume that you cannot imitate easily, look for it online. Start looking early so that all the cheapest options aren’t sold out. This is usually the best way to find character-specific items such as insignia, false weapons, and more, without paying the exorbitant prices of local shops.
Shoes are expensive, and buying new ones for a costume can really break the bank. Instead, consider shopping at thrift stores. However, you will probably need to go early and often in order to find the right option in the right size. Super clearance sales at discount shoe stores can also be an option. If your character wears boots, boot covers on a pair you already own are a great and inexpensive choice.
If you are going to be wearing a significant amount of makeup, buy stage makeup or face paint. This is generally cheaper than Halloween face painting kits, and works just as well. Face painting kits are sold at craft stores, art supply shops, and also online. Characters in less makeup can get away with cheap drugstore options.
Using materials that will only barely survive the night is fine, since sexy halloween costumes are typically worn only once. If some part of your costume is easier to make with paper, cardboard or other less than sturdy materials, just assume it will be thrown out after the big night. However, if you choose to make a stronger, more long-lasting costume, it can be worn again in subsequent years.
For a great selection of womens halloween costumes including sexy, funny, glam, and plus sized costumes.
