No matter what age you are, everyone loves to participate in dressing up on Halloween: the parties, the candy, and the memories you have of that time your mom dressed you up as a denim chef.
But why does it have to be so expensive? The average Halloween costume at Walmart costs between $64 and $90. I’m sorry, but that’s valuable money that I could be spending on food, copious amounts of coffee, rent, or just about anything else. So this year, instead of breaking the bank, try making your own costume out of the things you already have around the house and/or could find at the dollar store.
The Ghost
This is a classic. All you need is a white bedsheet, some scissors, and some pins or elastics. It might sound simple but in reality, there is so much that can be done with this costume. Aside from cutting out the eye holes and pinning or tying the sheet so that it doesn’t fall off of you, you can be any kind of ghost you want. To be scary, cut jagged edges along the bedsheet and paint black around your eyes or sport a fake (but realistic) weapon. To be girly, bedazzle that bedsheet! Give your costume fake eyelashes, sparkles, and maybe cut it a bit short if that’s your thing. This costume is all about what you do with it. Put a little effort in and you’ll see amazing results!
The Bowl of Candy
Two words: Tape and candy. Find your favourite types of candy or candy that represents you and tape it all over yourself. Make sure to wear a solid colour outfit underneath so that it doesn’t distract from the candy itself. And if your crush is coming and really loves KitKats, then hey, be a bowl of KitKats. With this costume, at the end of the night, you and your friends can all devour the candy instead of stealing from your little brothers and sisters. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Dress Up Like Your Best Friend
If you’re going to be hanging out with close friends this Halloween, why not go as your best friend? He or she can go as you, too. Pick someone you’re comfortable with making fun of and vice versa. Over-exaggerate their style and show up together. Your friends will love it and you’ll get a laugh out of it. It may even strengthen your bond with your best friend.
The Birthday Suit
Please don’t take this literally. For the sake of us all, PLEASE cover up. But if you’re looking to reuse a suit in the back of your closet or if you have access to a brother’s or dad’s clothes, this one is for you. Pick out the best suit you can find – sexy, flattering, professional, you name it – and then head to the dollar store. Pick up a birthday hat, buy or make your own “Birthday Boy” or “Birthday Girl” pin and stock up on noise makers. Comfy, entertaining, and very cheap. Why not?
Fan
Think of what you fangirl over the most and go as their fan. You love the Blue Jays? Grab that jersey out of your closet, make a sign saying “Go Jays”, and draw Jose Bautista’s autograph right under your left eye. You love Shania Twain? Get your cowboy boots out, make a fake VIP necklace from one of her concerts and draw her lyrics all over your arms.
Special Mention:
Samurai Costume
So what cool costume are you going to come up with this year?