While Halloween falls on a Monday this year, students will begin their festivities starting the Thursday before, which typically means multiple costumes need to be prepared in order to celebrate Halloween in style. If you plan on buying full packaged costumes, this can certainly be a bank breaker. Packaged costumes can range from $40-$100 at a store, and usually tend to be made of low quality materials and hardly cover your rear
The solution to this Halloween dilemma? Do it yourself. Not only is a do-it-yourself costume more original and creative, but it can also be extremely cost-effective. You don’t have to be a seamstress in order to make a costume yourself; sometimes it just means putting things together in the wardrobe you already own in different ways. There are several routes you can take to make your costume a memorable one.
We have compiled a list of costumes that are sure to make you stand to make it a Spooktacular weekend!
Sexy
Black Cat
Own a pair of black spandex? I know you do. Pair these with either a black bodysuit or form fitting black shirt. Either take a headband and construct a pair of ears out of thick construction paper, or pick up a pair from Claire’s for $5. To make a collar, take a necklace and attach a cardboard “Return to” tag with a piece of string or wire. Wear either black boots or black stilettos to finish off the outfit.
Cowgirl
Sure, it’s a tad cliché, but when you’re in a pinch it can be a great alternative. You just found out about some great party at the last minute and don’t have enough time to go buy anything – what do you do? You’ll find a lot of the things needed for this costume already in your closet! Have a pair of boots, a vest, jean shorts, and a plaid shirt? I’d be surprised if you don’t have a plaid shirt considering it’s part of the UVM uniform.
Funny
Typical Tourist
One place that is a goldmine for costumes site is the local Goodwill on Shelburne Road. This store has a bunch of clothing that are as authentic as you can get for an imitation costume of a real person. Stop by the men’s section and grab a pair of pleated khaki shorts and a Hawaiian shirt. Pair with a disposable camera and/or fanny pack and you’re good to go! Don’t’ forget the white streaks of sunscreen on your face for a perfect finishing touch.
A Christmas Story
One of my favorite holiday movies! You could grab a onesie and some bunny slippers and be Ralphie on Christmas morning. If you want to go all out, try making a skirt look like a lampshade, add some sexy tights and heels and you’re all set as the infamously tacky leg lamp.
Look to all your favorite movies and shows for more ideas!
Scary
Dead Celebrity or Prom Queen
Ever see the movie Carrie? Whip out your prom dress (which I’m sure you haven’t looked at since senior year) to make a creepy dead prom queen or celebrity. Just add fake blood! No need to ruin your dress; just put scary zombie makeup on your face using white and black face paint. Mess up your hair to make the perfect dead-woman-walking appearance. I recommend braiding all of your hair the night before and brushing it out to make it look extra freaky and wild.
Group
Ballerina Dance Troupe
Take a pair of either light colored leggings or nude tights, and pair them with a black bodysuit. Stop by iParty in Williston and pick up tutus for $20 each, and slip on a pair of ballet flats. Dress up the costume with glitter for your cheeks, silk ribbons for around your ankles or a flower garland for your hair bun.
Original Superheroes
Mystery Men, anyone? You can get all kinds of great ideas from this 1999 movie, or think of something new. There was Waffle Man, The Shoveler, The Bowler, and even a superhero whose power was silverware. Look around at what you have and see if you can get some inspiration.
Creative
Out of the Box?
How about thinking in the box! Cardboard boxes lend themselves to a variety of costumes. Punch out the bottom and top of the box, and make a sturdy wire strap across the two sides like a halter top. Paint or draw the packaging for your favorite food, drink or product. Some ideas include an iPhone, a box of Franzia wine or a box of Annie’s mac n’ cheese.
Refrigerator Magnet
Paint a shoebox black and attach it to your back. This has to be the most economical one yet… or just a great excuse to buy a new pair of shoes.
World Peace
Head to Walmart or any store that will have basic tees and shorts and grab a pack of colored Sharpies. Cut your shirt to be a bandeau or a crop top and draw flags from all over the world on the shirts and shorts. Top is off with a peace symbol on the chest of the shirt or on your cheeks.
Bring the Zoo to You
Its simple, go around and ask your friends what cute animal you resemble. Have super dark hair and eyes? Be a sexy panda bear with a tight black dress and smoke eyes. Don’t forget little ears to top the cake. Got crazy curly hair? Go for the lion look and be on the prowl Halloween weekend!
Want more ideas?
Check out these great places around Burlington for some inspiration!
The Salvation Army
336 North Winooski Avenue
Downtown Threads
73 Church Street
Old Gold
180 Main St
Dirt Chic
77 Main St
Battery St Jeans Exchange
7 Marble Avenue
Clothing Line
163 Cherry St