Last minute Halloween shopping? Try These Budget DIY Suits

Halloween This is the most anticipated holiday of the year – at least for me. I started decorating in September.

And yet, somehow, Halloween has managed to find itself in the season of overconsumption. I’m not trying to be a Halloween Scrooge, but I hate having to buy giant bags candies and spend money on a fancy ready-to-wear suit that you’ll only wear for one night.

Half the fun of Halloween is testing your creativity. You can bring your favorite characters to life by creating them with your own hands and in other ways. frugal means. This is a tradition that should be accessible.

Social media is joining the “anti-spending” movement this Halloween with influencers like Crystallynn Geer (@krystslynngier) shares tips on how she plans to not spend a dime.

There is no shame in buying a suit in a store. But if you’re trying to cut costs and save some money This Halloween, like me, try shopping your closet first.

Tips for spending Halloween without spending

Exchange costumes with friends.

Costume swaps are a great way to pass on outfits, wigs, and other Halloween items. decorations you’ve outgrown it or don’t need it. Not only is it cost-effective, but it’s also an eco-friendly alternative to buying something new. Plan an evening where your friends get together so you can repurpose costumes and accessories from years past.

Can’t find an item at home? Try a thrift store

If you’re looking for a specific item or need costume inspiration, check out your local consignment or thrift store. I was very lucky to find the basics this way. Thrift stores also tend to stock the season’s fashions, so you can find items specifically for Halloween.

Be creative

If you have a sewing machine, try making a suit. You can also create your costume from household items you have. You’ll be surprised at what you can build with cardboard, foil, paper plates, or a leftover cardboard tube from the middle of a toilet paper roll. And speaking of TP…toilet paper mom, anyone?

Consider your favorite character

You can often dress up as your favorite character using what you already have around the house. And you don’t have to choose something as complex as Edward Scissorhands. Remember Karmi from Bear (white shirt, blue apron) or Janine from Abbott Elementary School (chic dress and teacher’s belt).

Reuse your old suit.

Store your fun outfits, wigs, masks, random party finds, and elaborate decorations in a box because you never know when they’ll come in handy for a future Halloween costume. However, if you need to declutter your closet, be sure to donate those items and clothing to a local thrift store, school, or charity.

8 Characters to Inspire Your Halloween Costume

If you’re struggling to find an innovative Halloween costume, think about your favorite TV show or movie character. The truth is that characters are easy to bring to life on a Halloween budget because they don’t require too much other than outfits and makeup. Besides, who has a random M&M costume lying around somewhere?

Below I’ve collected a few character costume ideas from my CNET colleagues, friends, and my personal archives. Take a look; they can inspire you this Halloween.

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1. Abbi and Ilana from Broad City

It was almost impossible to pick my favorite Broad City scene to reenact with a friend for Halloween, so we settled on the most iconic images. Abby, played by Abby Abrams, is well known for her love of Bed, Bath and Beyond and her hatred of Soulstice (the fictional gym she works at in Williamsburg), so her portrayal was light.

I made Abby’s work shirt by ironing letters from the fabric store onto a black t-shirt I had in my closet. I found a Bed, Bath and Beyond bag at Goodwill in the donation bin. I begged the employee to sell it to me, and they gave it to me for free. Ka-ching!

My friend Alaina put together a simple outfit for Ilana: a white shirt and jeans with a bicycle chain around the waist. If you’re familiar with the show (especially the third season), you know why the bike chain was important to its image.

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2. Ally Sheedy from The Breakfast Club

If you’re a fan of John Hughes or ’80s movies, you’re familiar with The Breakfast Club. CNET editor Kelly Ernst dressed up as Ally Sheedy, aka “basket,” in a totally thrifty ensemble. From the scarf to the balled-up socks and sneakers, Ernst looks exactly like Sheedy did when she was stuck in class on Saturday at Shermer High School. All you need for this look is a black sweater, a long skirt, white socks, sneakers and a blue scarf.

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3. The Scooby Gang

Favorite animated series “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!” is the basis for a fun group costume idea that is easy to put together. Almost everything my friends and I wear—from Velma’s orange socks to Fred’s red tie to Daphne’s green scarf—was bought at a thrift store. I still have Velma’s costume because I can use it if I need a costume for a last minute event.

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4. Voldemort

Harry Potter’s nemesis, Lord Voldemort, is a funny character, sporting a smug mug, black robes, pale makeup, and an outer cane that doubles as a wand. Bonus points if you have a bald head hanging out, like my friend Alice did for this costume. But if you don’t, comb your hair back with whatever gel you have on hand, take some chalk or white powder and sprinkle it on your hair for a lightening effect.

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5. Glinda from The Wizard of Oz

It’s not easy to perfect the Good Witch of the North unless you have the perfect pink dress, like my friend Jenna did for this costume. However, it’s likely that you or someone you know has a dress that you wore once to a wedding or special event that would go perfectly with any princess or witch costume. You can also buy a crown at almost any discount store for just a few dollars. Don’t forget to save the crown after Halloween because you never know when you might need to wear it again for another costume.

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6. Girl with green ribbon

No costume is too niche for Halloween. Ernst put together the perfect outfit for the “girl with the green ribbon” from In the Dark, The Dark Room and Other Scary Stories. If you’re familiar with the Alvin Schwartz horror collection, you’ll know the green ribbon symbolism, but no spoilers here. All you need for this costume is a white cardigan, a white dress, tights and a green satin ribbon.

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7. Susie Myerson from The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Susie Myerson is one of my favorite characters on the show. TVand it’s not just because I love Alex Borstein (the actress who played the main role). Borstein contrasts the elegance of her on-screen co-star Rachel Brosnahan with her newsboy cap, T-shirt, suspenders and trousers. But you can’t forget to throw the key to the Gaslight Cafe (the coffee shop where Susie works in the series) around your neck before you go outside.

I had almost everything I needed for this costume, except for the newsboy cap and suspenders, which I bought at Buffalo Exchange, a resale store that buys and sells used fashion clothing. Take any house key and throw it on the chain that you have hanging. Just don’t lose it!

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8. Frozone from The Incredibles

My friend Sameed dressed up in a scene from Pixar’s The Incredibles when Frozone, voiced by Samuel L. Jackson, is looking for his “super suit.” If you’re familiar with the animated film, you know it. Samid pulled off the scene brilliantly in a simple blue Frozone sweater, sunglasses, and black jeans—all items Samid already had in his closet, but any of which could easily be purchased at a local thrift store.