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Look Cute for Less on Halloween: Cheap and Easy Costume Ideas

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Sarah Levine Student Contributor, University of Connecticut
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Conn chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Let’s face it- we’re all college students. And that means that, most likely, we’re broke. And if your school is in the middle of nowhere and surrounded by cows like UConn, you likely don’t have a Party City within reasonable distance. So when confronted with an entire weekend’s (or two weekend’s) worth of Halloween parties, the costume prospects can start to look a little slim. But don’t let the thought of putting together a costume be scarier than the latest AHS episode! Check out these tips and ideas for low budget, easy to find costumes: 

(Image source: http://zbuckster.blogspot.com/2010/11/real-sexy-scientists-prefer-socks.html)

Get academic.

Remember that chem class you took last semester where you had to buy a lab coat and goggles? Break them out from the box under your bed, throw on something cute underneath and voila- instant scientist or doctor. The same goes for Nursing School scrubs or Business School professional attire. There are tons of options in your own room that can give you a great profession costume- for free. 

(Image source: www.mrcostumes.com)

Reach back into your high school days.

What did you do in high school? Old sports or cheerleading uniforms are all fair game. Did you go to a catholic school? Time to break out that skirt again. Super easy, and again, completely free!

(Image source: today.uconn.edu)

Show your school pride. 

Let’s be real- you have get more free t-shirts from various campus events than can fit in one load of the dryer. You probably have shorts, socks, headbands, sweats, spandex, and every article of clothing under the sun that could possibly have your school logo on it.  Take this opportunity to be a Super Fan! Everybody loves school spirit- so show off yours! Face paint optional, but highly recommended.

(Image source: maps.uconn.edu)

When in doubt, check out the Co-Op.

There is actually a surprising amount of random things one can find at the Co-Op. A recent trip has revealed the presence of witch hats and colorful tights for sale- cheap and easy to build into any type of costume! 

(Image source: www.oempromo.com)

 

Headwear, headwear, headwear.

The possession of an awesome hat can make any costume, even when paired with normal clothes. Pick up a hat that goes with any sort of profession (firefighter, police officer, cowgirl, etc.), some animal ears, or whatever you’d like! Coordinate it with clothes from your closet that match and you’re all set. Don’t want to spend anything at all? A plastic headband plus paper can get you animal ears, devil horns, a halo- the possibilities are endless!

Other great, easy ideas:

A Walk of Shame: This may be a tad risqué, but it can be hilarious. Just wear a large, oversized button down and boxer shorts. Smear your makeup for a “last-night” type of look, and throw on some heels or other going-out accessories too. You might have to tell people what you are at first- but once you tell them you’re guaranteed a laugh. 

A Hipster: Break out a bunch of your most eclectic pieces for this one. Ripped up tights, plus short-shorts and a weird graphic tee. Grab a hat and ray-ban style glasses and you’re all set. Bonus points for a Starbucks cup in hand.

The Government Shutdown: Take advantage of the recent patriotic style craze and throw on anything with an American flag print. Then, just tape a sign to yourself that say “Sorry, we’re closed.”

Whatever you decide to be, just own it! It’s Halloween – whatever you say you are, no one can question it! 

 

 

 

(Link image source: http://www.wkvi.com/wp-content…

Sarah is the Campus Correspondent for Her Campus UConn. She is a Communication and Journalism major at the University of Connecticut newly suffering from the travel bug after a summer in Spain and an obsession with all things UConn Husky Basketball.