Halloween is the most anticipated holiday of the year, at least for me. I started decorating in September.
But somehow Halloween managed to get caught up in the season of overconsumption. I don’t want to be Scrooge for Halloween, but I can’t stand the pressure of buying giant bags of candy or spending money on trendy off-the-shelf costumes that I only wear for one night.
Half the fun of Halloween is testing your creativity. You can bring your favorite characters to life through DIY and other money-saving methods. It’s a tradition that should be affordable.
This Halloween, social media is jumping on the “anti-spending” bandwagon, with influencers like Krystslynngier (@krystslynngier) sharing tips on how to plan to not spend a penny.
There’s no shame in buying a costume from a store. But if you’re like me and trying to save money this Halloween, try shopping your closet first.
Tips for spending Halloween without spending a lot of money
👯♀️ Swap costumes with your friends
Costume swaps are a great way to carry on Halloween costumes, wigs, and decorations that you’ve outgrown or no longer use. This is not only cost-effective, but also a more environmentally friendly alternative to buying new. Plan a night out with friends and reuse costumes and supplies from the previous year.
🔎 Can’t find items at home? Try thrift stores
If you’re looking for a specific item or need costume inspiration, check out your local thrift or second-hand stores. I hope you can find something basic this way. Thrift stores usually also carry trendy items for the season, so you might be able to find something special for Halloween.
🧵 Be crafty
If you have a knack for sewing, try making a costume. You can also make costumes using household items you have at home. You’ll be amazed at how many things you can put together using cardboard, aluminum foil, paper plates, or a cardboard tube left in the middle of a toilet paper roll. And speaking of TP… Toilet paper mummy, anyone?
🧛🏽♀️ Think about your favorite character
You can dress up your favorite characters using things you have at home. You don’t have to choose something elaborate like Edward Scissorhands. Think Carmy (white shirt, blue apron) from “The Bear” or Janine (chic teacher-style dress and belt) from “Abbott Elementary School.”
👗 Reuse old costumes
Store funny costumes, wigs, masks, party finds, elaborate decorations, etc. in boxes. Because you never know when it will come in handy for a future Halloween costume. However, if you need to organize your closet, be sure to donate items and clothing to your local thrift store, school, or charity.
8 characters to inspire your Halloween costume
If you’re struggling to find an innovative costume this Halloween, think of your favorite TV and movie characters. In fact, the characters don’t require much beyond costumes and makeup, making them easy to bring to life on a Halloween budget. Besides, does anyone else have a random M&M costume lying around?
Below, we’ve collected some ideas for character costumes from our CNET colleagues, friends, and personal archives. Please take a look. It might give you some inspiration this Halloween.
1. Abbi and Ilana at Broad City Liliana Hall
It was almost impossible to choose a favorite scene from Broad City to recreate with friends this Halloween, so we picked the most iconic looks. Abbi, played by Abrams, is best known for her love of Bed Bath and Beyond and her hatred of Soulstice (the fictional gym she works at in Williamsburg), so her look is easy It was.
Abi’s work shirt was made by ironing a letter from the fabric store onto a black T-shirt I had in my closet. I found a “Bed, Bath and Beyond” bag in a donation box at Goodwill. When I begged the employee to sell it to me, he gave it to me for free. Click!
My friend Alaina put together a simple outfit for Ilana: a white shirt, jeans, and a bicycle chain around her waist. If you’re familiar with the show (particularly season 3), you’ll understand why the bike chain was an integral part of the look.
2. Ally Sheedy Kelly Ernst from The Breakfast Club
If you’re a fan of John Hughes or 80s movies, you’re probably familiar with The Breakfast Club. CNET editor Kelly Ernst dressed up as “Basket Case” Ally Sheedy in a completely pared-back ensemble. From the scarf to the crumpled socks to the sneakers, Ernst looks exactly like Sheedy as he was taken into custody Saturday at Shermer High School. All you need for this look is a black sweater, long skirt, white socks, sneakers, and a blue scarf.
3. Scooby Gang, Liliana Hall
The popular animated mystery series “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!” is the basis for fun group costume ideas that are easy to assemble. Almost everything my friend and I wear is from thrift stores, from Velma’s orange knee-high socks to Fred’s red tie to Daphne’s green scarf. I still have Velma’s costume so I can use it if I need a costume last minute for an event.
4. Voldemort Alice Young
Lord Voldemort, Harry Potter’s nemesis, is a fun character with a smug mug, black robes, light makeup, and an external stick that doubles as a wand. Bonus points if you wear a bald hat like my friend Alyse did with this costume. But if this is not the case, smooth your hair with the gel you have at hand and sprinkle it with chalk or white powder to lighten it.
5. Glinda from The Wizard of Oz Jenna Zapata
It’s not easy to perfect the Good Witch of the North unless you have the perfect pink dress on hand, like my friend Jenna did with this costume. But chances are you or someone you know has a dress you’ve worn once at a wedding or special event that would be perfect for a princess or witch costume. You can also purchase crowns for just a few dollars at almost any discount store. Remember to save your crown after Halloween because you never know when you’ll need to wear it again for another costume.
6. Girl with the Green Ribbon Kelly Ernst
No costume is too niche for Halloween. Ernst has put together the perfect outfit for “The Girl with the Green Ribbon” from “In a Dark Room and Other Scary Stories.” Anyone familiar with Alvin Schwartz’s collection of horror novels will know the symbolism behind the green ribbon, but I won’t spoil it here. All you need for this costume is a white cardigan, white dress, tights, and a green satin ribbon.
7. Susie Meyerson “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Liliana Hall”
Susie Meyerson is one of my favorite characters on TV, and not just because I love Alex Borstein (the character’s actress). Borstein contrasts the elegance of his on-screen co-star Rachel Brosnahan by wearing a newsboy cap, T-shirt, suspenders and slacks. But before you leave, don’t forget to hang the key to the Gaslight Cafe (the coffee house where Susie works in the movie).
I had almost everything I needed for this costume except for the newsboy cap and suspenders. These were purchased from Buffalo Exchange, a resale shop that buys and sells used fashion. Pick up your house key and hang it on the hanging chain. Just don’t lose it!
8. Frozone “The Incredibles” Samid Mirza
My friend Samid dressed up for the scene in Pixar’s The Incredibles, where Frozone, voiced by Samuel L. Jackson, is searching for a “super suit.” Anyone familiar with animated movies will know this. Samid nailed the scene in a simple blue Frozone sweater, sunglasses, and black jeans. All of these items are things Samid already had in his closet, but all of these items are easily available at local thrift stores.
