Halloween is only a few weeks away, and I know what a lot of you are asking yourselves. How can I look “swagged out” without breaking the bank? Costume sets, from specialty retail stores like Party City range anywhere from $30 to $100. As a college student, I feel those prices are well above my price range. I offer you a list of Do-It-Yourself costume ideas that will surely impress your friends at this year’s Halloween festivities.
Year after year costume ideas like nerd, “walk of shame,” bunny and hippie are recycled by people of all ages. These costumes are definitely classics, but how about we broaden our horizons this year? Colorful suspenders and fluffy tails are completely played out by now. Let’s get creative!
Japanese Doll: This is a simple costume that only requires face paint and the same kimono you sported basically every day this past summer. A standard sized container of white face paint for your entire face in addition to a smaller container of red face paint for those rosy cheeks will cost around $15 total. Finish up the look with a tight high bun and some slippers and you’ve got yourself a winner.
Schoolboy Q: Guys this is an easy one. This rapper is known for wearing bucket hats, shades and really awesome sweatshirts. A bucket hat can range from $20-$30, fortunately for you there is a Halloween Sale going on in your roommate’s closet. Just use coupon code ReturnItIn1Piece.
Miss America: Have you always wanted to be awarded for your incredible looks? This Halloween you can finally give that heart-warming acceptance speech. This ensemble only requires a sexy little dress, a pair of heels, a plastic tiara and a Colgate smile. Plastic tiaras are around $15 at Wal-Mart so grab them before the Disney princesses come around.
Ventriloquist: Go ahead and toss on your favorite black tuxedo jacket or blazer, a crisp white button down, black or dark jeans, black slip-on shoes, and a tie of some kind, preferably a bow tie. Draw dark lines from both sides of your mouth down to your jaw for the full puppet effect. Warning: do not sit on anyone’s lap without permission. May cause discomfort.
Rosie The Riveter: Searching for that costume that is only one dollar? We Can Do It! This costume will save you time and money. You already own a denim shirt and a pair of worn out jeans. You are only missing a red colored bandana, which Wal-Mart conveniently sells for a dollar. Rosie’s makeup consists of a rich red lip color, dark liquid eyeliner and a thick coat of mascara to put emphasis on her lipstick.
Halloween should never be stressful. It should be about having fun while taking on a different identity for the day. College kids are already swimming in debt and obviously cannot afford half the costumes on the market. These ideas offer an affordable personalized alternative. Lets make this Halloween different.
