Are you trying to save money? Or maybe you’re just bored with the same old Halloween costumes that everyone else seems to be wearing too, and want to create something unique? If you answered ‘yes’ to either of these questions, then making a Halloween costume of your own is the best idea.
Don’t worry if you’re not sure where to begin – creating a scary Halloween outfit doesn’t have to be difficult, as we’ll show in this article. It may take a bit of forward planning however, so don’t leave it right until the last minute!
1. Get The Main Idea In Place
First of all, you need to decide which type of character you want to dress as. Maybe you’d like to create a traditionally scary Halloween costume, such as a vampire or witch. Or perhaps you’d rather broaden your scope a bit and create something less obviously Halloween-related, such as a superhero, or a period costume, although these won’t have the same ‘fear factor’.
Whatever your idea, try sketching it out in rough form. Don’t worry if you think you can’t draw – just getting a the basic concept down on paper can help you to visualize how the costume will look, so you can start planning exactly what you’ll need, and can give you more ideas too.
2. Collect The Clothes & Other Items
Next, start to gather together any pieces of clothing and other accessories that might play a part in your costume. At this stage, don’t worry about finding the ‘perfect’ pieces – just make a pile of anything that catches your eye. You’re basically just brainstorming at this point – the ‘editing’ process can come later. This is also why it’s important to start early, as it may take some time to get together enough items to create a costume from.
Start by looking around your house – as well as your regular closet, have a rummage through those things you don’t wear too often, and don’t forget the basement or attic if you have stuff in storage there. Think beyond everyday clothing too – maybe you have formal gowns, wedding or bridesmaid clothes and suits, scarves, wraps, pieces of fabric, evening gloves etc. Don’t forget about jewelry too!
You might also want to look beyond your own house. Maybe you have friends, neighbors or relatives (especially of the older generation) who might have old-fashioned clothes they’d be happy to lend to you? Antique clothes can make great Halloween costumes, especially if you use them to create a Victorian or Edwardian villain or monster. Charity shops are another good source of period and other unusual clothing and accessories, and usually have very low prices too.
3. Putting Things Together
Next, start going through the items you’ve amassed and see what would work together to create the kind of costume you had in mind at the beginning. Chances are you won’t be able to match your vision exactly, but the clothes you do have will probably give you new ideas, so you’ll end up with something just as good as, or even better than your initial idea.
The important thing here is to avoid perfectionism. Don’t waste precious time trying to make a ‘perfect’ Halloween costume, because it’s just not necessary. A costume just needs to represent your character, and with most Halloween characters there are many ways to do that, so don’t get hung up on getting things just ‘right’, because that doesn’t really exist.
If you get stuck at this stage, ask a friend to help – chances are they’ll have lots of ideas you hadn’t thought of, and will see potentials in the clothing you have that you missed.
4. The Finishing Touches – Halloween Accessories
The final step is to put the finishing touches to your new Halloween costume by adding in a few choice accessories
Hopefully you’ve now created a Halloween costume that you’re happy with, and have managed to save money in the process. Chances are you’re going to attract plenty of attention at your Halloween party too, since your costume will be truly original! Just remember to start putting your outfit together in plenty of time before Halloween, as making a Halloween costume does take a bit more forethought than just buying one ready made.
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