Image by Alexas_Fotos from Pixabay

Hey everybody! SuperFan Stacey here again, this time with some great Halloween costume ideas that don’t have to cost you an arm and a leg!(Get it?Arm,Leg?)

Let’s admit it; Halloween has become one of the more expensive holidays out there. Christmas, of course, is still #1. However, Halloween can be a ton of fun without emptying your wallet. I’ve created a list of 31 really cool costumes that you can make from found objects that are already hanging out in your closet, garage or basement. You can also find some really great items on the cheap at your local “dollar” type store or thrift store. There are still a few garage sales going on too so don’t skip a single one if you’re looking for some great stuff to add to your costume.

All of the costume ideas listed below can be adjusted to fit anyone…..these are definitely one-size-fits-all costumes….literally. You can “spice them up” for adult parties or “tone them down” for family friendly events. (Some of the ideas listed below make fantastic kids costumes too!) We’ve included some pictures to give you some inspiration. Just remember, the idea of these costumes is to have FUN with them so get creative! Here’s my list (in no particular order):

#1 -GHOST – Let’s bring back an old stand-by costume from yesteryear. A simple white sheet with a few holes cut out for the eyes and mouth. This simple costume still works!

Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay

#2 – DEATH / GRIM REAPER – A Black hooded sweatshirt, black pants or long skirt, black gloves and of course….black face paint. If you wanted to add them…some creepy contact lenses would really make this costume. You can also add a homemade “sickle” by cutting out a cardboard half moon and attaching it to a broomstick or thin pole and painting the “blade” silver or covering it with aluminum foil. Wanna really creep someone out? Close your lips and eyes so that you appear to have no face (Just like in the picture) …then pop your eyes open and smile….GOTCHA! Mwwwwaaaahhhaaaa!!

Image by Enrique Meseguer from Pixabay

#3 – WITCH – Modern day witches don’t necessarily wear pointy hats or have green skin and warts anymore. You can come up with a very pretty version of a witch complete with cauldron or spell book or even black cat just by digging through your closet and bookshelf. A magic wand can be as simple as a gnarled old tree branch you find in the park. Add bells, charms, jewelry and makeup to complete your look. If you want to go with the “traditional” witch look, you can always find a cheap pointy hat at a “dollar” store or a thrift shop. You can add bows, ribbons, gemstones or feathers to enhance your costume. Painting your fingernails fun and vibrant colors are also a plus.

#4 – FORTUNE TELLER – Using the above techniques we mentioned for a modern day witch, you can also create a great look for a classic Fortune Teller by adding scarves and very large, bold jewelry. Don’t forget your bag of magical tricks like tarot cards or a crystal ball. You can even read people’s palms at your Halloween parties for extra fun!

#5 – LUMBERJACK – A flannel shirt, some blue jeans, suspenders, work boots and of course a FULL BEARD! You can attach a”beard” with easy to remove spirit gum and some cosmetic hair (usually found with the Halloween costumes at most box stores).  You can also glue faux fur to a cut-out cardboard beard and punch a hole on either side, then run a piece of elastic through to create a “beard mask”. A Short broom handle with an aluminum foil covered cardboard axe head will add just the right touch. You could also remove the chain from a real chainsaw if you wish…just remember to be SAFE!

#6 – CAT / DOG/ BUNNY – We are only counting this as one idea because it is so interchangeable. A headband, some felt squares and hot glue will be used to make your “ears”. For a Cat, cut triangle shapes. Be sure to add a lighter color for the “inner” ear. You can also add fur to complete the look. For a Dog, you will want to make sure that you have the ears needed for the type of Dog you are trying to portray (Long droopy ears for a Basset Hound for example). Bunny ears are obviously long and straight pointing upward toward the sky. You can always reinforce your ears with lightweight cardboard. You can dress in any style that you’d like. A solid color sweater and matching pants makes a very easy costume. You can then add fur or feathers to the collar and cuffs of your shirt for added flair. Don’t forget your collar if you are going for the Dog or Cat look. Make no mistake, you’re going to need a tail too. You can use an old pair of pantyhose for a tail by cutting off one leg and stuffing it lightly with cotton batting. Then attach it with safety pins or sew it in place. You can also use a feather boa and of course a cottony tail for a bunny. Funky slippers for feet are a great added touch! Don’t forget to draw on whiskers and a cute little nose with eyeliner pencil to finish the look.

 

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

#7 – The “Faceless” or “Headless” Man / Woman – This is a two for one costume with one simple addition. As pictured above, any hooded sweatshirt will do. Cover your face and hair with a black nylon stocking or a see-through stocking cap (you can usually find these with the Halloween makeup). To make this a “headless” costume, simply carry a “head” under your arm. You can take a rubber mask, a soccer ball and an old wig to make a head or you can sometimes find the Styrofoam beauticians heads at the “dollar” stores or the thrift shops. Paint the appropriate skin tone you want add, makeup, wig, hat or other embellishments to make it look like your head is tucked under your arm. Kinda creepy. Wouldn’t you agree?

#8 – FARMER – A simple plaid shirt and some bib overalls along with a straw hat or baseball cap is all you need to become a farmer. You can add to your costume by pulling a red wagon filled with produce or “stuffed” farm animals, like pigs, chickens or cows that you can find in your kid’s room or at the local thrift store to add to the theme.

Image by Pete Linforth from Pixabay

#9 – CREEPY DOLL – This is a personal favorite of mine. You can really go overboard with this one. If you have longer hair, style simply with braids, curls or pigtails. Shorter styles can be slicked back with gel and hairspray to give your hair that plastic doll look. Enhance your features with blush, eyeliner and pretty colored eye shadows. Frilly collars, cuffs and petticoats can be added with left over fabrics or by transforming an existing dress by adding other pieces from other dresses along with vintage jewelry. To create the zombie doll look….you can add flecks of fake blood, dark makeup and any other accessories you wish to give yourself that “just found in the attic” appearance. Whether you are going for the classic doll look or a zombie doll….it’s creepy any way that you slice it.

#10 – CORPSE BRIDE & GROOM – This one is especially for the couples out there. I’m sure you know someone that has an old wedding dress and or suit / tuxedo that they don’t want anymore. You can definitely find vintage wear at any thrift store. Just remember, the dirtier the better when it comes to being a corpse. Take your dress and suit out for a stroll in the backyard. Drag them through the dirt and leaves, hang gummy worms from pockets and sleeves. Very simple makeup is all that is needed for this look. You can add dead flowers for a finishing touch.

#11 – VIKING – This is a great costume for both men and women as well as kids. Simple fur pieces from an old fur coat or wrap can be used to create a vest or collar. A simple piece of fabric or old solid color or plaid sheet can also become a tunic by cutting a hole in the top, dropping it over your body and securing it with a piece of rope or large belt. A shield can be made from cardboard, as can your viking helmet. There are a ton of diy patterns online for these projects. You can also include a beard as described above for the lumberjack costume. Long hair braids can be made with your own hair or by using colored yarn or a wig.

#12 – UNICORN – A hooded sweatshirt and sweatpants, some yarn, felt, flowers and ribbons along with a Styrofoam “horn” can be used to create a creative and cool looking costume. Using hot glue or needle and thread to hand-sew items onto the hood, put on your hooded jacket and looking in a mirror, use a felt pen or marker to mark off where you should place the horn, ears and embellishments. That way, you can lay your jacket flat on a table to glue the items in place easily without guessing where they should be positioned. Wrap the Styrofoam horn with fabric, felt or ribbons if you wish. Attach bundles of colored yarn for a mane on the hood and attach a yarn tail to the bottom of the shirt. You can also add mittens to the costume as hooves if you wish.

                                   Image by Skeeze from Pixabay

#13 – STARS OF THE SILVER SCREEN – This is a great costume to use for couples because any readily available clothing will work. Research some of your favorite black and white movies for inspiration. For the ladies, a classic hairstyle and vintage clothing and jewelry will do the trick. For the men, an old suit coat and hat with a 5 O’clock shadow is all you need. What makes this costume so special? Aha! It’s the makeup! Use grey and white face paint mixed together to create that “silver screen” skin tone. Lipstick for ladies should be dark burgundy or black and pale colors of grey eye shadow should be used for the eyes and as blush. Again, a very simple costume that will definitely turn some heads. You can even go further and create some signs with “one-liners” from your favorite silent movie ~ dress accordingly for the period of course.

Image by Lino Lombardi from Pixabay

#14 – VAMPIRE – Just like we mentioned with the witches above, ever since Twilight hit the theaters, vampires have never been the same! You no longer need a cape and slicked back hair to be a vampire. All you need is some ashen colored skin, (see paint / makeup suggestions above from Film Stars costume) some long fingernails and some pointy fangs. Go sexy, go traditional …. it’s completely up to you! The best part of all, you can use items that you already have in your closet!

#15 – DINOSAUR OR ALLIGATOR – Hoodies are an integral part of costuming as you can see from some of the other costume ideas listed above. This is no exception. Green hoodie and sweatpants, felt squares, light cardboard or poster board and some excess fabric and fiberfill are all you need. You can hot glue the pieces together or sew them by hand or machine. I find that hot glue works best for most projects. Cut out large triangles from the felt squares and place poster board in between to make the ridge that runs down the dinosaur or alligator’s back. (The cardboard makes sure they will stand up straight) Starting at the top of your head at the front of the hood, place the triangles all the way down to the tip of the tail (that you sew in place at the base of the jacket). This very simple costume will only cost you a few bucks to make and it’s easy to put on and take off. This is definitely a last minute costume that anyone can make!

Image by Pam Patterson from Pixabay

#16 – ELF ON A SHELF – Elves do have more fun! This simple costume is easy and cheap to put together. Red pants or sweatpants, white gloves, red Santa hat (minus the bobble on the end – stuffed with newspaper to make it stick up straight) and a white collar made from felt squares. And for the finishing touch; ANY and I do mean ANY ugly Christmas sweater! (The uglier the better in my opinion) I recommend using a little bright blush to highlight your cheeks. Now this is where it gets fun. Add items to your costume so that when people see you they instantly know that you are indeed the elf on a shelf.

Image by Enrique Meseguer from Pixabay

#17 – STEAMPUNK – Steampunk is a really cool concept. Think Jules Verne and 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea Meets 19th Century Attire. Again, this is the type of costume where you can spend as little or as much time and money as you want. Now that summer is over, swimming goggles are on super sale. Using metallic paints, nuts, bolts and screws and fabrics, with a little help from your glue gun, and voila! you’ve got yourself a pair of steampunk goggles. You can embellish any cheap costume hat or a used hat from the thrift shop. Thrift store finds are great for a steampunk costume. Just think about it….anything can become steampunk. Browse the internet for ideas, there are alot out there.

#18 – SECRET SERVICE AGENT – A suit and tie, a pair of dark sunglasses and an earpiece is all you need for this costume. You can enhance your look with a briefcase attached to your wrist with handcuffs or an American Flag pin on your lapel. I found a great pattern for the earpiece that you can view here.

#19 – CAT LADY – A bathrobe, slippers, some plush kitty stuffed animals and rollers in your hair. You can be so creative with this look and most of these items you probably already have at home. (TIP: If you “borrow” the kitties from your kiddies…be sure to tie them on and not glue them to your costume…just a thought)

#20 – BATMAN –  A Plain T Shirt and a whole bunch of dollar store bats – Hot glue them to the shirt. Let the Shirt Dry – Put on the Shirt. You are now Batman.

#21 – SPIDERMAN – A Plain T Shirt and a whole bunch of dollar store spiders – Hot glue them to the shirt. Let the Shirt Dry – Put on the Shirt. You are now Spiderman.

#22 – JELLYFISH –  Use a clear dome shaped umbrella and attach “tendrils” using fabric, yarn, ribbon or other materials to turn an ordinary umbrella into an undersea creature. you can then dress yourself up underneath with fishing nets, starfish, or other sea critters or seaweed to complete the look.

Image by Annalise Batista from Pixabay

#23 – SUSHI – This is a totally cool idea that you can create using multiple methods. Using a white t shirt, you can draw, paint or cut out felt or fabric (or even iron on a printable picture) as the seafood portion of the nigiri or make yourself into a sushi roll with a black band around the middle of the shirt to represent the nori (seaweed) portion of the roll. You can add some “pickled ginger” and “wasabi” to a stocking hat to top off the costume by attaching bath scrubbies from a “dollar” store or folded fabric or felt to complete the look. Have long hair? Use colorful chopsticks to secure your hair in a roll or ponytail.  This is another great way to show off your creativity. Beads, balls or balloons could be attached to make the Ikura (fish eggs) for example. There is no end to the possibilities on this one.

#24 – GARDEN GNOME – A red stocking hat, white beard and eyebrows (cotton balls attached with spirit gum works great), flannel shirt, blue jeans and a pair of boots and you’re all set. You can enhance the look with a tool belt full of gardening tools if you wish. For a lady gnome, a simple dress with an apron works great.

#25 – EMOTICON – An empty box is a beautiful thing. Print off emoticons from your computer printer or draw them on different sides of the box and paint them accordingly.   As long as you have arm holes cut out on the sides, you should be able to change your mood throughout the evening.

#26 – SOCIAL MEDIA POST – Cut out a frame using cardboard and paint or print off logos from YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram, Etc. and embellish your frame. Then you can wear whatever you want because it is your post! Very simple costume that definitely can be found around the house.

#27 – GRANDMA / GRANDPA – Raid your grandparents closet or find age appropriate clothing and wigs at your local thrift shop. Add a cane or a walker to finish your look. Don’t forget to draw on some lines and wrinkles with an eyeliner pencil to add age to your face. This is another fun one that you can really make into a great costume.

#28 – GHOST – Let’s bring back an old stand-by costume from yesteryear. A simple white sheet with a few holes cut out for the eyes and mouth. This simple costume still works!

#29 –  THE BACK END OF A HORSE –  Using a hula hoop or other round piece of plastic pipe, hot glue or sew a pair of overly large brown pants to the hoop. Attach a pair of suspenders to the pants and then add a tail to the rear of the pants. When people ask you where the front half of the costume is, you can tell them they didn’t show up and now you really feel like the back end of a horse! Ha Ha Ha.

#30 – A POTTED PLANT / FLOWER IN A POT – This may sound like a difficult costume, but actually it is so simple to make and can be a lot of fun. This would be a great one for kids, as each could be a different herb or flower in a “garden”. Using a laundry basket with the bottom cut out; cover the sides (if they have holes in them) with fabric or cardboard to make your pot. Attach suspenders to hold the flower pot in place. You can then wear a green sweater as a stem and put on a flowered hat or attach branches or fake flowers to the sides of the pot to turn yourself into a potted plant. This is again, a costume that you can really go crazy with. Not sure how to construct the pot? Click Here.

#31 – MR. ROGERS – A red sweater, necktie, dress slacks and a pair of tennis shoes. You may want to grey your hair a bit. I would suggest adding Daniel Lion or another character to complete the look, but odds are, most people will automatically recognize this iconic figure from their childhood.

Have a great costume idea that’s not on the list? Comment below and share your photos of some of your past Halloween creations. We’d love to see them!

 

 

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