Modern Halloween costumes are fancy and in many cases, gorgeous. The downside to this is that they are also expensive. The only other options seem to be so poorly made and ill-fitting that no one wants to wear them. However, making some or all of your own costume can be an easy way to avoid bad costumes and huge price tags.
A picture or sketch of the outfit or appearance you want to emulate is the first thing you will need. If you are trying to dress up as an animal or object rather than a person, you will also need to decide what kind of costume you prefer. For example if you intend to be a dog, full-body costumes made with fake fur are cute, but might be too hot or uncomfortable for some. A leotard and tights or a sweat suit with fabric-paint spots might make a great alternative.
If any pieces of the costume can be made from altering clothing, you first stop should be a thrift store. Taking the arms off shirts, cutting legs off jeans, sewing on patches and more can be done with thrift store clothes without feeling like you are wasting money. And for items that will remain intact, borrow from your closet, and those of friends and family.
Consider the parts of the outfit that you can make. If you intend to be a dog, cutting out felt pieces for ears and pinning them to your hair should be well within most people's skills. If you are an accomplished seamstress, making an entire costume is a possibility. Shop for materials in the bargain bin to keep costs down.
If there is a signature part of your costume that you cannot imitate easily, look for it online. Start looking early so that all the cheapest options aren't sold out. This is usually the best way to find character-specific items such as insignia, false weapons, and more, without paying the exorbitant prices of local shops.
Don't buy new shoes if you want to keep your costs down. Shoes are expensive, and it is much better to buy used ones or re-purpose a pair in your closet, if possible. Shoe covers on a pair of boots you already own are appropriate in many situations. If you really need a specific pair, however, start looking in clearance sections and at thrift stores early and often. It might take a while to find the right size and style.
If you are going to be wearing a significant amount of makeup, buy stage makeup or face paint. This is generally cheaper than Halloween face painting kits, and works just as well. Face painting kits are sold at craft stores, art supply shops, and also online. Characters in less makeup can get away with cheap drugstore options.
Using materials that will only barely survive the night is fine, since sexy halloween costumes are typically worn only once. If some part of your costume is easier to make with paper, cardboard or other less than sturdy materials, just assume it will be thrown out after the big night. However, if you choose to make a stronger, more long-lasting costume, it can be worn again in subsequent years.
A picture or sketch of the outfit or appearance you want to emulate is the first thing you will need. If you are trying to dress up as an animal or object rather than a person, you will also need to decide what kind of costume you prefer. For example if you intend to be a dog, full-body costumes made with fake fur are cute, but might be too hot or uncomfortable for some. A leotard and tights or a sweat suit with fabric-paint spots might make a great alternative.
If any pieces of the costume can be made from altering clothing, you first stop should be a thrift store. Taking the arms off shirts, cutting legs off jeans, sewing on patches and more can be done with thrift store clothes without feeling like you are wasting money. And for items that will remain intact, borrow from your closet, and those of friends and family.
Consider the parts of the outfit that you can make. If you intend to be a dog, cutting out felt pieces for ears and pinning them to your hair should be well within most people's skills. If you are an accomplished seamstress, making an entire costume is a possibility. Shop for materials in the bargain bin to keep costs down.
If there is a signature part of your costume that you cannot imitate easily, look for it online. Start looking early so that all the cheapest options aren't sold out. This is usually the best way to find character-specific items such as insignia, false weapons, and more, without paying the exorbitant prices of local shops.
Don't buy new shoes if you want to keep your costs down. Shoes are expensive, and it is much better to buy used ones or re-purpose a pair in your closet, if possible. Shoe covers on a pair of boots you already own are appropriate in many situations. If you really need a specific pair, however, start looking in clearance sections and at thrift stores early and often. It might take a while to find the right size and style.
If you are going to be wearing a significant amount of makeup, buy stage makeup or face paint. This is generally cheaper than Halloween face painting kits, and works just as well. Face painting kits are sold at craft stores, art supply shops, and also online. Characters in less makeup can get away with cheap drugstore options.
Using materials that will only barely survive the night is fine, since sexy halloween costumes are typically worn only once. If some part of your costume is easier to make with paper, cardboard or other less than sturdy materials, just assume it will be thrown out after the big night. However, if you choose to make a stronger, more long-lasting costume, it can be worn again in subsequent years.
About the Author:
For a great selection of womens halloween costumes including sexy, funny, glam, and plus sized costumes.
