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How to Repurpose Your Halloween Gear

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

The month of October is coming to an end and Halloween festivities are dwindling down. You probably now have an obscene plethora of costumes, makeup and decorations that you have no clue what to deal with. Have no fear! Instead of boxing up all these things for next year, think about repurposing them. Here are a few suggestions on how to make use of Halloween items work for the rest of the fall and winter season.

 

1.     Turn costume wear into everyday wear

Those leather pants that you bought as part of your Cat Woman costume or that black fringe dress you wore as a flapper girl don’t have to be stored in the back of your closet. Pair those pants with an off the shoulder slouchy sweater and wear that to dinner with the girls. Pair that black dress with some tights and fun heels and wear it to your next holiday party. The possibilities are endless! All the crazy jewelry and over the top accessories you bought to create the perfect character can be toned down with the addition of a few simple neutrals. You don’t have to abandon all the fun of Halloween dress up just because the holiday is over. Combining these over the top pieces with everyday wear is the perfect glam girl coordination you were born to pull off!

Photo courtesy of: http://giraffesgarlicglamour.com/2013/10/16/halloween-costumes/

Photo courtesy of: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/361413938816750552/

2.     Costume makeup=adventurous makeup

By far the most fun part of Halloween has to be the crazy makeup that every girl puts on. Whether it is glittery eye shadow of every shade or mega-black eye shadow for zombie makeup, all those shades can be used with a slightly more deft hand come November 1st.  Think less is more! You don’t need to cake on that bright purple eye shadow the way you did for your costume. Try wetting the applicator and dipping it into the eye shadow and using it as a cool eyeliner! Marilyn Monroe-red lips can be toned down with a little dab and a teeny bit of blush on the cheeks for a perfectly fresh day look! The plus side of all this makeup you bought is that in most cases it’s long lasting and that isn’t something you should have for one night of the year.

Photo courtesy of: http://www.partyonwarehouse.com/content/images/marilyn%20wig.jpg

Photo courtesy of: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PXuNUxo60_k/SzR5N3tDRRI/AAAAAAAAB88/q2Mw7UNRkL…

3.     The great costume exchange

Don’t bother stressing yourself out about buying new costumes for the next set of parties or for next year’s festivities. You have an arsenal of costume designers and stylists at your disposal: your friends! Make their closets your shopping mall and find new costume options and new ideas for next year. Instead of fretting over spending money buying costumes (let’s face it ladies, those things are not cheap!), you could be relaxing. Swapping costumes is a great idea for the college girl on a budget and no one would even know that you did it. It’s the perfect diabolical plan: equal parts thrifty and fashion savvy.  I would recommend doing this with a fabulous bottle of wine and your group of girl friends. It’s the perfect combination of a girl’s night and shopping extravaganza. What could be better?

Photo courtesy of: http://www.spirithalloween.com/images/spirit/products/interactivezoom/pr…

Photo courtesy of: http://www.dear-lover.com/productpic/Adult/Theme-Devil-Costumes-LC8600-1…

Life doesn’t have to become drab just because the festivities are over. Use these tips to keep you in the Halloween spirit all season long!

I am Corisa but a lot of my friends call me Cori! I feel like the real life Hannah Horvath from Girls.