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It’s the Little Things: How to Put a Bang in your Halloween Costume

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Katrina Margolis Student Contributor, University of Virginia
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UVA chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

It’s Halloween and we’re in college. This insinuates a lot of things, including the fact that you probably are going to wear a costume, and you probably do not want to (or have the means to) spend a lot of money on one. So, of course, you rifle through your closet, looking at the makeshift costumes you can throw together and finally decide on something that you’re proud of. But you know how you can take that costume the extra mile? Accessories. Here are some ways to add to costumes to make them just that much more special.


Spruce up your eyes:
There are so many ways to manipulate eye makeup to make your costume outstanding. This applies if you are going as some sort of animal and can draw on spots or whiskers or stripes, or if you’re wearing some sort of dress and calling yourself a Disney princess. The best part is that you can run to CVS and pick up some inexpensive makeup for a one-time use. Last year, I purchased $2 pink-glitter mascara. How many times have I worn that? Actually, more than I care to admit, but it was a great way to liven up my princess costume from a simple dress to something more.


Paint your nails:
With nail trends becoming more and more outrageous, it is easier and easier to match your nails to a costume. If you’re skilled with a brush, grab some different colors and paint a masterpiece. Get creative! Nail decoration can really add to a celebrity costume—Katy Perry and Lady Gaga both have crazy nails, so why shouldn’t you if you’re trying to emulate them? Not as skilled with a nailbrush (like myself)? Then what is perfect for you are those stick on nails that come in a million different patterns and colors. Lace, polka dots, animal print—you name it, they’ve got it. 

Be a canvas: Let your friends draw on you. While they sell body-markers and things of that sort, simply using Crayola markers will work. They come off easily enough in the shower. Last year, although not for Halloween, my friends and I dressed up as fallen angels and had our very artistically gifted friend draw wings on our backs. Since we didn’t want to spend the money on physical wings, and the rest of our outfits consisted of black dresses, becoming human canvases really made our costumes. I recommend you do the same.

No matter your costume, the little things can matter! You don’t have to spend tons of money on a costume to make it flashy or fun. Little things can make a big difference; so pick your costume and grab some accesories to pump up the volume!

Katrina Margolis graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in English and Film. She served as the senior editor of HC UVA for two and a half years. She is currently an assistant editor for The Tab. Wahoowa!