Halloween Costumes on a Budget
Halloween is approaching fast, and I am sure most of you have parties lined up for this weekend until Halloween. If you don’t already have a costume idea, here are some quick costume ideas that are also easy on your budget. For most of these ideas, check your local Goodwill or thrift store before purchasing new items. Don’t forget to ask to borrow some of these items from your friends. It is better to borrow than to spend money on something you will probably never wear again.
I ensured these costumes would not require too many DIY projects because time was running out before Halloween. Don’t forget to get creative, though! Use items you can find around the house. Accessories are essential when it comes to a good Halloween costume, so don’t forget the details. When most women run out of time (I’ve done it plenty of times), they dress up as witches. Try something different this year; ditch the witch hat and have fun!
1. Miss America
Dig up an old prom dress and some heels. Put on a lot of makeup and oversized jewelry. Don’t forget to make a sash! All you will need is some 3″ white ribbon and a black Sharpie. Write Miss America on the belt, and you are ready to go. Don’t forget to mention how much you want world peace!
2. Cereal Killer
Start with some black jeans and a black long-sleeved shirt. Then, glue mini cereal boxes all over the front and back of your shirt. Stick plastic knives into the boxes and splatter some fake blood on the cereal boxes. You’re a serial killer. Trust me, these witty costumes will get you some attention!
3. Black-Eyed Pea
Dress in white or tan from head to toe and apply dark eye makeup to your eyes. Easy as that! You are genuinely a black-eyed pea.
4. Sookie Stackhouse from “True Blood”
You only need a white shirt, some black shorts, and a black waitress apron. If you are not already blonde, get a wig and tie it into a side ponytail. Don’t forget your Merlotte’s logo. Cut an oval from green paper and write Merlotte’s with a white Sharpie. Optional: Take black waterproof eyeliner and draw a line between your two front teeth to mimic Sookie’s gap in her two front teeth.
5. Cher from Clueless
Cher sports the iconic 90s, preppy teenage style. All you will need to imitate her look is a white long-sleeved colored shirt, a plaid mini skirt, and some white knee-high socks. Wear any flats, preferably some Mary Jane’s. Part your hair down the middle for a full-on 90s look, and don’t forget the shopping bags; these are your essential accessories!
6. Queen/Princess
This costume is similar to the Miss America costume. Find your old prom dress or homecoming dress and buy a cheap tiara. Don’t forget the heels! Now you can be a queen for one night!
7. Mia Wallace from Pulp Fiction
Pulp Fiction is a classic Tarantino film, and Uma Thurman plays the troubled Mia Wallace so well! All you will need to buy is a black bob wig. The rest is simple: black pants, an oversized button-down, a white shirt with a black undershirt and black flats. Optional: Carry around an unlit cigarette.
8. Deviled Egg
Buy some devil ears and a devil tail. Then, cut out a white poster board like an egg. Paint the poster board like the inside of an egg and hang it from a string around your neck. It’s clever and easy!
9. Annie Hall
Woody Allen makes classic films, but none of his movies tops Annie Hall, in my opinion. Annie has the 60s androgynous look, and Diane Keeton rocks the style in the movie. You’ll need oversized khaki pants, a white button-down shirt, a man’s tie, and a black vest. Make sure your hair is a little messy, just like Annie’s!
10. A French Woman
You can go about this outfit in many ways, but I prefer the classic, stereotypical French look. Find some black tights, a blue and white striped T-shirt, a red skirt, black flats and a beret. Optional: Carry around a baguette, eat it throughout the night, and repeat “oh la la” and “bonjour” to all party guests!
