Just Out

Homemade Halloween Costumes

Written on October 12, 2011 by Teresa Fredrickson

Filed Under: Costumes, halloween, Hobbies

Making Halloween Costumes That Cost Less

Lots of people like to dress up for Halloween, not just kids. But modern Halloween costumes are either cheap and poorly made, looking just about as attractive, or very expensive. One of the best ways to keep the costs down during this holiday is to make at least part of the costume yourself.

Getting together a sketch or photograph of the costume you want to imitate is the first thing you need to do for your homemade Halloween costumes. For dressing up as an object or animal, you’ll also need to consider what to make your costume out of. Depending on the weather, your personal preferences, and more, a perfectly satisfactory dog costume can be made out of fake fur, a sweat suit, or even a leotard and tights. Other costumes are similarly flexible.

If any pieces of the costume can be made from altering clothing, you first stop should be a thrift store. Taking the arms off shirts, cutting legs off jeans, sewing on patches and more can be done with thrift store clothes without feeling like you are wasting money. And for items that will remain intact, borrow from your closet, and those of friends and family.

Consider the parts of the outfit that you can make. If you intend to be a dog, cutting out felt pieces for ears and pinning them to your hair should be well within most people’s skills. If you are an accomplished seamstress, making an entire costume is a possibility. Shop for materials in the bargain bin to keep costs down.

For specific insignia, clothing, and other items that you cannot easily emulate, look online. Internet retailers usually have the best prices and the widest selection of these items. But start looking well ahead of time, because the best and cheapest options are always the first to sell out.

Don’t buy new shoes if you want to keep your costs down. Shoes are expensive, and it is much better to buy used ones or re-purpose a pair in your closet, if possible. Shoe covers on a pair of boots you already own are appropriate in many situations. If you really need a specific pair, however, start looking in clearance sections and at thrift stores early and often. It might take a while to find the right size and style.

If you are going to be wearing a significant amount of makeup, buy stage makeup or face paint. This is generally cheaper than Halloween face painting kits, and works just as well. Face painting kits are sold at craft stores, art supply shops, and also online. Characters in less makeup can get away with cheap drugstore options.

The items that make up your sexy homemade Halloween costumes do not need to be particularly durable. One-night only use is common with these outfits, and making them more durable than needed can be a waste of money unless you will wear them again. Cardboard, card-stock, paper, foil, and other flimsy options can be great, cheap ways to make your costume look just like you want it to.