This article is specifically for financially struggling college students. Personally, I am not dressing up for Halloween this year. But in the past, I have definitely done Halloween on a budget. So, if you don’t want your bank account to be the scariest thing you see this Halloween, here are a few ideas you might want to try.
1. Use what you have
Look in your closet first! Before you even think about what you want to be for Halloween, see what you already own. Something in your wardrobe might jump out at you as a great idea for a costume. Or if you already have an idea of what you want to be, see if you can use your own clothes for that costume. You can cut up an old pair of pants or dye an old t-shirt to accommodate your costume. You can also use your own features as part of an easy costume. If you have red hair, be Ariel from “The Little Mermaid.” If you have long blond hair, maybe Rapunzel would be a good idea for you. If you’re super tall, throw on some shorts and a jersey, and boom, you’re a basketball player. Before you go rushing out to buy the expensive components of a costume, think about what you already have that you can use to your advantage.
2. Don’t be afraid to thrift
Thrifting can be a dangerous excursion. Hardcore thrifters will fist fight you at the Goodwill bins to get a grungy, vintage t-shirt. But, if you’re not looking to splurge at a retail store or online, then thrifting is a great option. Things are always bound to be cheap! You might even find some unique pieces you couldn’t find anywhere else. Plus, thrift stores usually have something different every day. So, if you’re unsuccessful one day, try again the next day. If you don’t want to go the thrift store route, there are always fast fashion sites. True, you really shouldn’t be supporting them, but in a pinch their clothes are super cheap and super cute. Or if clothes at thrift store, online, or in your own closet aren’t speaking to you, ask a friend if you can borrow something from them! You could even trade them something of your own they might need: a win-win situation!
3. Clothes aren’t everything
Your costume doesn’t have to rely on the clothes. If you’re good at makeup, you could create something really cool and unique. Skeletons, demons, clowns, and witches are pretty easy to draw on. It does not have to be super intricate and impressive. Even if you are not super talented at makeup, it’s totally doable. All you need to do is cover your face in a base color and add some details or shadows. Or you can ask an artistic friend for some assistance. Stores like Walmart or Target carry some cheap makeup palettes specifically for Halloween. It might make your skin break out in the morning, but it’s worth it for the price!
4. Go with a classic
Even though they might be cliché, there are some iconic Halloween costumes that will always work! The most classic (and definitely the easiest) is the sheet ghost. It’s simple and who doesn’t already have a white sheet at home? Grab some scissors and you’ve got a solid costume. Rip a couple of holes in your shirt and mess up your hair for a quick zombie look. Throw a crown on and call yourself royalty. They might be minimal and basic, but they’ll do for a cheap option.
5. Last Resort: Costume Repeat
No one wants to wear a costume they’ve worn already, but if you’re really pressed for time and money, this might be your only option. There are worse fates for a Halloween night than someone calling you out for an outfit repeat. You can make little tweaks to your costume, so it isn’t a carbon copy of last year. Change up the colors or your makeup and it could look brand new. If you’re going out with a different friend group than in years prior, you don’t have to worry at all! Worst comes to worst, make wearing the same costume every year a tradition!
If none of these tips work for you, literally just make something up! No one is going to know the difference, and no one is going to care. Or don’t dress up at all; it’s totally up to you. All that matters is that you have fun and enjoy yourself. A lot of people make a big deal out of Halloween and spend a lot of money on a costume they’re going to wear once. You shouldn’t feel pressured to do the same if you don’t want to spend a lot of money. Maybe this is the year you save your money and get creative with some cheaper options.