In the costume frenzy lead-up to October 31st, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all of the Halloween marketing and settle for a cheap costume that by the end of the night you’ll have tossed in the bin. With Halloween plans up this in air this year we will want to give you some pointers on how to make your Halloween costume more sustainable.
SHOPPING FOR YOUR COSTUME
1. SHOP YOUR CLOSET
It’s always a good idea to check your closet first before you go out to search for new items. Dig through drawers and check in the back of your closet and you might surprise yourself with what you can find.
2. THRIFT/VINTAGE
This is a great way to gather unique items that will often use higher quality materials than your standard store-bought costume (read: no more scratchy collars). Even a simple thrifted item, like a unique blazer, or jacket can easily be turned into a costume.
3. SWAP A COSTUME
This is another easy and free option to creating a Halloween costume. Grab some friends, some costumes, and swap away. Check out our guide on how to host a costume swap. *During Covid, you’ll want to keep the swap small and ideally hold it outdoors or in a well ventilated area with social-distancing rules in place.
4. BUY COSTUME PARTS
If you decide to buy a few bits and pieces for your costume this year, try to make sure it’ll be something you can wear outside of a Halloween bash. The black turtleneck for your Andy Warhol costume can easily be worn in your day-to-day life as well.
5. RENT A COSTUME
Your local community center, library, or costume shop may have a costume rental program. This is a great option for those of you who don’t want an easy pre-made costume that won’t clutter your wardrobe for the rest of the year.
COSTUME IDEAS
Now that you know the basics to put together a sustainable Halloween costume, here are some suggestions that can be easily made with a quick trip to your closet or the thrift store.
BEETLEJUICE
Beetlejuice’s iconic striped suit set is a great option for a simple Halloween costume that will still stand out. Search sites like Depop and Poshmark for “Beetlejuice costumes” or “striped clothing” for an array of different types of stripes. If you are having trouble finding the pants and blazer, any outfit covered in stripes will do the trick. A “Handbook for the Recently Deceased” is a great additional accessory for the costume. Poshmark even has handbags and purses in the form of the handbook. As for makeup, go for a full pale, white face with black around the eyes and if you are feeling bold, go for the crazy white or green teased hair.
ELEVEN- STRANGER THINGS
Whether you have watched Netflix’s Stranger Things or not, you probably have heard of Eleven. Although her costume is simple, you won’t be confused with any other character. Shop your closet or local thrift store for a collared shirt to go under a dress and a denim coat for a signature Eleven look. You can even go for a pair of jeans and a dark blazer with slicked back hair and smokey, smudged eye makeup. No matter which look you choose, don’t forget the Eggo waffles!
EDNA MODE
Edna Mode from the Incredibles rocks the short bob haircut and large glasses. Don’t already have Edna’s signature hair? You can easily find a wig, potentially at a thrift store or from thrifting sites like Poshmark. Be open to cutting and dying the wig to match your preference. Any simple dress or top and bottoms will do as long as you have the hair and glasses!
WEDNESDAY ADDAMS
Wednesday Addams from The Addams Family is an easy look to create straight from your closet. Be on the lookout for a black dress and a white collared shirt to layer underneath. Black tights or high socks and black boots or Mary Janes will only elevate the costume. Braid your hair into two pigtail braids and check out Poshmark for a black wig if you are wanting to go all out. A light, peachy lipstick and dark eye-shadow with red nail polish will complete the look.
SCHITT’S CREEK- MOIRA ROSE
Schitt’s Creek Moira Rose is known for her extravagant and bold style. Shop your closet for a black skirt or dress and a white blouse or button up. Black tights and boots are a great option to add onto your look. Wear some chunky and bold jewelry and add a red lip to complete the look.
