How to Spend the Least, Yet Still Have a Fitting Costume

With Halloween coming up, many are heading to the nearest shop, trying to find a costume for themselves that would fit them both size wise and personality wise. But what if the prices are just too high for you? Or you would rather just make the costume yourself? Well, here are a few tips for you to get your costume all ready.

1. Thrift Stores

Heading to thrift stores for cheaper prices is a great resource, especially if you’re looking for a specific costume that costs a lot more on Amazon or at Walmart. Looking around in a thrift store before deciding your costume could get you more unique results instead of looking around for a costume that might not be there.

Not only are the prices cheap, but, if you enter a thrift store, there’s a big chance that you’d find random props or accessories all around you. Let your imagination flow and assemble your own costume using just the clothes and accessories around you.

2. Group Costumes

Group costumes are also a great way to be cost effective! Depending on the amount of people in your group, you can split the money needed for the costume. For example, if a group of three decides to dress up as a dragon where one person is the head and the other two are the body, they can split the price three ways, instead of just one person paying out of their pocket. 

The only downside could be that your whole group might not agree on a costume right away, instead taking a few weeks to research and discuss. That’s alright, everyone should get a say, but make sure to be aware of how close Halloween would be and when the stores will be open.

PC: Pixabay

3. Make Your Own Costume

DIY-ing your own costume can cost a lot less, especially if you just buy fabric or accessories that you can use for future costumes. Plus, you can be creative with your design such as adding details that aren’t usually there, instead of paying extra money to have a costume customized. It is a bit time-sensitive though, depending on the costume you would like. You should estimate when you’d have to start in order to have it ready for Halloween.

Some tips for beginners are to start with a base, such as cardboard or a dress, to add to, instead of paining yourself and starting everything from scratch. Try using worn clothes, instead of buying new ones, to turn them into something else more useful!

When creating your costume, make sure to do your research and do what makes sense to you. For example, don’t attempt a blanket stitch on your final product if you don’t know what it is. There will be other times to learn and practice. 

And finally, make sure to have a back-up plan in case you run out of time or something happens to your costume. Maybe a simple design like a black shirt or a cloak or an old costume from the past, if you still want to dress up.