Halloween can get ridiculously and unnecessarily expensive, especially when you consider the price of costumes. Here's a scary statistic for you- this year, it's estimated that Americans will spend about $3.3 billion on costumes alone!
Not only are costumes pricey, but if you’re like me you might find it hard to justify spending anything over $20 (accessories included) on an outfit made with cheap materials that you'll wear for just ONE night. Sure, it might be tempting to rationalize a splurge on a super cute costume by saying to yourself, "I'll wear it again next year." Do not kid yourself. No, you won't wear it again next year, because you're going to want to post a pic of your "super cute" costume on social media and then the following year you'll say, "I can't post a pic of myself in the same costume as last year." Just try your best to resist the urge.
Instead, check out this short list of simple DIY costume ideas that you can quickly put together with a single trip to the thrift store or your closet. Doing a DIY costume is a great way to save money this Halloween. It's also a convenient way to incorporate sustainable practices in your life.
1. Zombie
Walking Dead fan anyone? I completely understand if you stopped watching when the show writers killed off Glen in that heartwrenching baseball bat scene! (yeah, I'm still not over it either) Nonetheless, zombies are always relevant in pop culture and you can honor poor Glen by dressing up as a zombie using the instructions in the graphic!
2. Pirate
Captain Jack Sparrow, Captain Hook, Caption Jake of the Never Land Pirates, I'm sure you recognize one of these fictional but famous pirates! Pirates tend to captivate kids and adults alike. Maybe it's their daring, edgy, or outgoing personality depictions? Well, here's another reason to be drawn to pirates- their costumes can be put together quite easily. Dressing up as a pirate also gives you an excuse to pull out the fishnets and channel your inner Elizabeth (Swan) Turner!
3. Wednesday Addams (Addams Family)
Dark, angsty, rebellious, emotional, meet the Wednesday Addams costume. This one seems to never go out of style. If you do a quick google search, you'll notice that there are many ways to mimic Wednesday's style. It's just essential that you wear two braids and the color black, of course! Plus, Wednesday comes from arguably the most iconic Halloween family of all time. If you have a family of your own, you can easily turn this idea into a family affair by assigning them characters from the Addams Family to be too.
4. Robber
The contents of this mischievous costume are probably sitting in your closet already. If not, I'm sure you'll have little trouble finding a black and white striped shirt at the thrift store. Does this costume send the most professional or appropriate message to kids? Eh, probably not. But, it does the job and saves you money. The next idea on the list checks all the boxes.
5. Minnie Mouse
If you’re looking for a quick kid-friendly costume, Minnie Mouse fits the bill! You're bound to find a Minnie Mouse shirt at the thrift store if you don't own one already. The hat I wore was not mine (Disney gift shops sell them for absurd prices), I just borrowed it from my sister that was gifted it when she was a kid- which brings us to an important note, always ask around to see what costume materials you can borrow from friends or family before running to the thrift store!
Bottom line, if you want to participate in Halloween activities, you shouldn't have to go broke to do so! Creating a costume with thrifted clothing or shopping your closet are such accessible ways to include yourself in the fun while remaining a mindful consumer (mindful of sustainability and your finances)!
Tip: Go to the thrift store ASAP. Thrift stores get major traffic around Halloween, so it’s best to go sooner than later to avoid slim pickings and large crowds.
Bonus Idea:
Here‘s a bonus idea from a clever 5 yr old:
Me: what should I be for Halloween?
Kid: Hmm, I know- you should be a tickle monster, you can dress up as a monster, then when kids come up to you, you just start tickling them! ☺️
How much money can you save by shopping for costumes at the thrift store or repurposing clothing you already own? Please share your experience in the comments below, we can all use more ways to save money and practice sustainability at the same time!
Sincerely, Briesh
P.S. Stay Conscious + Curious!
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