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Surviving Halloweekend: 5 Last-Minute Costumes From Items You Already Own

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at OR State chapter.

Don’t feel like braving the costume shops or your local thrift store for a Halloween costume? Do you simply not have the time? We don’t blame you! Check out this guide to find costumes made completely from basic items you already have in your closet. Here at Oregon State we celebrate Halloween all weekend long, so you’re going to want to be prepared with multiple get ups or a go to look that you can feel comfy and cute in no matter the weather or location!

1. Rosie the Riveter

Start with your favorite denim shirt and jeans and add in some combat boots or sneakers (red, white, or blue are best). Next, top it off with a cute red headband or bandanna and just have fun with your accessories and makeup. This look is all about emulating a strong woman who was an early feminist and an all-around bold rule breaker.

2. Sassy Leopard

For this look, you’re going to need your favorite animal print skirt, a black tank and some red sneakers. Once you dig those out from your closet, you can have some fun with your makeup and accessories.  Grab some black eyeliner or mascara to create whiskers and a cat-like nose and mouth, and once you’re done put on some bold red nail polish or some leopard print stick on nail decals. Add some cat ears or cat themed accessories (such as cat-eye sunglasses or rings), and you’re ready to go for a wild night out. Bonus points for bold winged eyeliner to complete your cat-eyed look!

3. Funky Hippie

If you’re feeling a little psychedelic and inclined towards the style of the 1960’s and ‘70’s, being a hippie for Halloween may be your best bet. Simply grab your favorite tie-dye or floral shirt (or make your own!) and some basic denim shorts. Next, add some fringed, feathered and fun accessories, some soft pastel makeup and an edgy pair of boots and you have the perfect look.

4. Domino Effect

If you’re headed to a Waking up in Vegas-esque party or simply want an edgy-but-simple costume for Halloween, try your hand at this look. Simply grab a white or black t-shirt from your closet and add some contrasting black or white paper dots, or use a marker to create the lines and dots of dominoes on your tee. Then add bold accessories like a fun beanie, earrings and some vampy lipstick and eyeliner.

5. Flower Garden

Do you own a lot of floral print? If so, this look may be the one for you! Just find your favorite floral crown, your old high school corsage (if you kept it), some neutral makeup and a floral dress or skirt and go super girly with your look.

If you’re going out for multiple nights this Halloweekend, save some cash by creating fun costumes such as these from items you already own! Have any great ideas we missed? Let us know in the comments!

Madeline is a Senior at Oregon State majoring in Merchandising Management and minoring in writing. She was the 2016-'17 president of Chi Theta Phi, a local design sorority on campus. If she's not in class, at a club meeting, chapter, or writing, she's probably spending time with her family, friends, walking her dogs, eating junk food, or watching too many crime, comedy, or fashion shows on Netflix. She likes cheese, dogs, creative projects, obnoxious animal prints, garage sales, farmer's markets, and generally just being silly.