I love to dress up, so Halloween is my favorite holiday. It checks all the boxes: cool outfits, a socially acceptable time to eat tons of candy, and the spookiest vibes. But the prices are through the roof whenever you go looking for a generic Spirit Halloween costume. That’s why secondhand shopping is the way to go. I’ll share my ideas for creating an epic, bookish ensemble while also keeping costs low.
Pinterest Boards
Pinterest is one of the best creative hubs out there. It’s brimming with ideas, which makes it perfect for the planning stage. Browse through Pinterest boards to get a feel for costume choices and how to execute them. You can create your own collection of pins that serve as your inspiration.
Borrow From Friends/Family
A good piece of advice is to borrow what you can! So many times while putting together a look you’re missing one thing that could easily be in someone else’s closet. Ask around! If sizing is an issue, there are always ways to temporarily alter it for the night. Just make sure you leave it in good condition so there’s no arguments. Sometimes it takes a village to form a costume and that’s okay!
Get Crafty
This is where it pays to be crafty. Whatever you don’t have for an outfit, you can make. Whether you’re good at sewing, embroidery, makeup, or literally anything, it becomes an asset around Halloween time. All it takes is a little imagination and some prayers. Use unsuspecting things around the house, like cardboard. This also helps if you’re an avid collector of odd items like me. Let YouTube be your guide, and you’ll be set.
Reuse From Previous Years
If you’ve been at the costume game for a while, chances are you have a pile of old ones. It’s time to get a second use out of them. Certain accessories or garments could easily be turned into something useful for your latest creation. For instance, a Little Red Riding Hood cape could become a superhero cape. Your current stash could inform your decision of what to be as well.
Locate Your Nearest Thrift Shop
The amazing things people discard is mind-boggling. Articles of clothing are just waiting to be discovered at thrift shops. It can take a bit of time to find what you’re looking for, but the affordable prices are so worth it. Also when paying for items think about how they could exist in your regular closet so they’re a gift that keeps on giving.
Creating an eye-catching costume doesn’t have to be difficult. Channel your inner scavenger and find treasures from unlikely places. If you follow these steps you’re sure to get compliments all night long!
If you need some costume ideas to get you started, check out this article.
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