Inexpensive Do it Yourself Halloween Costumes

Happy Halloween!

Now is time of year when ghosts and goblins prowl about.  A time for costumes, candy and decorations abound. 

But with a little help from DoItOnABudget.com, this playful holiday does not have to break the bank! Take a look below on tips and ideas for having an economical and fun Happy Halloween trick or treat season.

 Inexpensive, do it yourself Costumes on a Budget

Is it me or every year there is a latest and greatest Halloween fad?  There is always the hottest costume of the year idea.  Of course, because it is “what everyone wants”, it is also more expensive.  This is against our cost cutting, do it on a budget principles!

So to save money this Halloween, have fun sticking to the classical tried and true.  There are many costume ideas that will be in fashion year after year and really have people turning their heads.  The do it yourself ideas are always the the most anyway. 

Here are just a few classical inexpensive Halloween ideas:

Clown – simple, and with many variations

The clown wig, which can be picked up for a few dollars. 

Optional Clown Shoes – Either the classic big red feet or simple bright comfy sneakers. 

Make up – This is what makes the costume.  A well done make up job and a wig and no one will remember the rest of the costume!  White make up for the face, bright red lipstick, and eye make up for darkened eyes

Red Nose – You can buy a clown nose for little money, or for even more savings on your Halloween costume, paint one on yourself with lipstick or make up

Baggy Clothes – Any simple oversized clothing or pajamas will do!  Add a loud tie, mismatched colors and a funky hat for maximum effect!

Hobo – simple, affordable and quick

For the outfit, look aound the house for the bagiest, largest, oldest clothing available.  For an aded effect, help the look by dirtying the clothes even further with some dirt, grease, etc.  Jeans should be worn, some holes, and frayed at the edges.

Face make up – subtle is key to this inexpensive outfit.  Some black eye makeup under the eyes, some well placed “drt marks” and some spotted eyeliner for that unshaven look

Shoes – anything old and torn, even slippers can work. 

Ghost – does it get any less expensive then an old sheet with holes cut out for the eyes, nose and mouth?

Construction Worker  – a simple favorite

Clothing – flannel vest or an old flannel shirt with the sleves cut off worn over a long sleeve tee shirt or over a long john thermal shirt.  Pants are standard jeans and workboots for the feet.

Accessories – a tool belt with some basic lightweight hand tools, such as a tape measure, toy screw driver, toy hammer, some work gloves,  and add a hard hat helmet

Make Up –some light brown make up smeared lightly. 

Fairy Princess – Every Halloween needs a princess!

Clothing  – a simple, bright, colorful long dress or even an formal dress that is no longer used.  You can decorate the clothing by simply attaching fake flowers, decorations, and other flair such as lace to the clothing using a glue gun or needle/ thread.

Wings – These can be made simply with crafting wire.  After shaping it into two identical wings, apply some cloth netting or sheer fabric to the wire, using a glue adhesive (spray adhesive works best).  For an added bonus, add spray glitter. 

To attach the wings to the costume, twist some additional craft wire to the wings where they meet  your back.  The craft wire from the wings will be then twisted into loops that will fit around the shoulders, holding the wings in place. 

The Wand.  What fairy costume would be complete without a wand?  For a simple star wand,  wrap foil around a cardboard star and a wooden dowel to create a silver starred wand.  Another idea is to simply spray a wooden dowel with spray adhesive, wrap with ribbons.  Allow some of the ribbons to extend above the dowel to flow freely.  Add some sting to the top of the dowel with spray adhesive and a knot in the string, to create a nice wand with flowing ribbons.  You can also add glitter to the ribbons as well.

Of course, there are numerous simple easy to create costume ideas available that do not cost a fortune, limited only to your imagination. 

While Halloween is a fun and exciting holiday,  please make sure to follow safety!  Watch out for cars and make sure you are well lit.  If you are the one driving, watch out for those little ghosts and goblins running about! 

Any other costume ideas?  Please share them below.

Have a Happy Halloween!