Hello Halloween lovers! We're approaching the coolest day of the year, October 31st. Whether you're going out trick or treating, heading to a party or just staying in, who says you can't have fun with a costume! Now, as we all know costumes for any age can be quite expensive. I mean you're just wearing it once so why break the bank? Let's think reasonable, check out what you already have in your closets. Here are 10 ideas in which you can “DIY” (Do It Yourself). You might purchase an accessory or two to complete your costume but if you think creatively you could have everything you need already. Consider these costume ideas or come up with your own, but remember, think reasonable and have fun. Check those closets or borrow clothing from someone you know!
Barack & Michelle Obama
For all of the couples out there this power pair are quite popular to dress up as. For the men, no matter your features all you need is a decent suit, a white dress shirt, silk blue tie and black dress shoes, plus that winning smile President Obama has. Find an American flag to pin on your lapel and you've got it! Put that suit you've got to good use for Halloween. Ladies, to channel the First Lady you can do lots. The main idea is to rock a simple knee length dress (floral, maroon, or royal blue). Plus you can add a cardigan with the dress and maybe add a belt to your look. String some pearls around your neck and wear your hair straight or with a slight curl. Choose you're favorite heels and you're done!
Pageant Queen
What girl wouldn't want to be a queen for a day? To get this look you'll need to dig up your old prom dress (if you have it), a wedding dress or a gown you've worn. Then head to “Claire's” for a jeweled tiara varying from $4.50-6.50. You'll need a satin sash to complete your look, you could head to “Party City” and purchase one for $5.99. Don't forget your high heels!
80's Dude or Chick
Take it back to the decade where big hair was in and having a mullet always got you an invite to parties. You can do so much for this costume. Women can tease their hair the way Madonna use to rock her do'. Or wear a side pony tail with a colorful scrunchie, don't forget how big hair bows were. Add jewelry, or colorful tights. For your ensemble denim is a great option for an 80's look. Whether you own ripped or stonewashed jeans already or you wouldn't mind cutting or slightly deconstructing old ones, you could try that. Also try a jacket, denim or leather with studs! This would work for men as well, plus if you have a red “Thriller” type jacket that would be quite cool. Be creative, heavy eyeliner required and just remember nothing really has to match and the options are endless, go for it!
Soldier
Who doesn't love a person in uniform, full of pride and courage. If you own camouflage pants and a tan shirt, plus a pair of heavy boots, and dog tags, your costume is ready. Or if you want to be polished the way real soldiers are in uniform you could borrow someone else's (or if you have your own) wear that. As long as you're not impersonating anyone, you're good to go! No weapons necessary. :-) Make the costume playful by adding a silly hat or painting your face green, black and brown.
Cowboy/Cowgirl
Yee-haw! Now this would be a fun costume for Halloween. If you have a a cowboy hat (black, tan, brown, gray) whichever your choosing then you've got the main piece for your look. It's all about adding denim jeans (or shorts/skirt for the ladies; if you want). Think flannel shirts, cow prints, big belt buckles, cowboy/girl boots, fringes, bandanas for your neck etc. If you're a sheriff, don't forget your badge! Grab your partner and have a good time!
20's Flapper
Ladies all it takes is a mini dress in red, black, or gold with sparkles or fringes. Remember that dress you thought you'd never wear again? You probably have it still in your closet and it would be perfect for this roaring 20's costume. If you own a feathered boa, fishnet stockings, plus a long pearl necklace, Mary-Jane pumps or simple black heels, you're almost there. If need be, head to “Party City” for your cigarette holder ($4.99), fake cigarettes ($2.99), headpiece ($5.99), and black gloves ($7.99-$14.99).
Graduate
This costume is very easy. All you'll need is your old cap and gown whether it's from high school or college (if you still have it) and you are basically done. Or if you want to add a classic flare to your costume you could rock the “COLLEGE” sweatshirt actor John Belushi made famous in Animal House, remember wear a shirt underneath to pop your collar. You could wear jeans if you'd like. Purchase felt iron-on decals from Walmart or Michael's varying from $4.99-12.99, depending on the size. Cue the pomp & circumstance music!
Cereal Killer
Don't throw out those empty cereal boxes! Keep them for this cool costume idea. Just cut out a few logos from your favorite cereals, hot glue them onto an old jacket or t-shirt and it's killer. Add some special effects with a little fake blood (food coloring, red nail polish), and strategically spread it over your look. If you're feeling edgy you could carry a fake knife or something, but keep it PG and use plastic. ;-)
Anchorman
Whether you're going as the character Ron Burgundy or your favorite anchorman, you'll have fun with this one. Grab your suit, shirt and tie, fake mustache perhaps? It's your choice. The idea is to look a tad silly yet almost the real deal. Trick and treat your friends in this fun costume.
Super Mario
Here we go! This timeless Nintendo game character is everyone's favorite. Whether your a male or female there's no gender bias here. Dig up those baggy denim overalls you have or go to your local thrift store, (Goodwill, Salvation Army, Retrospect) locate them in Philadelphia. Then add a plain red shirt underneath the overalls, a red cap, heavy boots or sneakers and a plunger (preferably a new one, wink-wink). Add white gloves if you want and stuff the inside of your overalls to create Mario's round belly. For the front of the cap you'll need your “M” for Mario. Cut a white piece of paper in a squared shape, grab a marker to make the “M.” Then tape the square onto the hat. You could ride solo or find yourself a sidekick...Luigi!
