How to Create a Costume From Thrift Store Clothes

Halloween costumes don't have to be expensive to win prizes. Go to your nearest thrift store, and be sure to bring along your creativity and imagination.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Halloween Makeup Kits
• A Wigs (if Appropriate)
• Laundry Detergents
• Sewing Supplies
• Masks
• Face Paints
• Masks

1. Assemble a gypsy costume with a flowing dress, hoop earrings, beads, bracelets and a scarf or shawl.

2. Buy a white sheet to create a ghost costume.

3. Look for bell-bottomed pants, platform shoes, a polyester shirt and beads to become a hippie.

4. Search the racks for old pants, a long shirt, an old tie and worn-out shoes and you'll have the makings for a hobo.

5. Become a clown if you can find oversized shoes, a long, wide tie and brightly colored (ideally polka-dotted) pants and shirt.

6. Transform yourself into a tourist with a Hawaiian shirt, shorts, sunglasses, maps and a camera around your neck.

7. Don jeans, a flannel shirt and cowboy boots for a cowboy costume.

8. Turn into a prom queen if you stumble on a fancy old dress, stilettos, a crown and jewelry.

9. Wash any items you purchase at a thrift store thoroughly.

10. Do simple alterations to fit; pin hems and use belts as needed.

11. Add accessories and makeup to complete your chosen costume.

Tips & Warnings

• Old clothes from home can also be used to make inexpensive costumes.
• Avoid buying hats or other headgear from thrift shops.

[westshore3360]

on 10/24/2009 For a different twist on an adult cowboy/girl costume - cut the back out of a western shirt (leaving the im at the bottom attached to hold sides together). Cut the back out of jeans (leaving a thin strip at the back of the knees and at the bottom to hold sides together) Men add a pair of boxer shorts & ladies a teddy and fishnet hose, plus a pair of boots, belt & hat and your set to go. Makes a great couples outfit. Eveyone thinks you are just dressed in western wear until you cross the room and they see you from behind--watch the expressions change!

on 9/8/2006 Graduation robes can be used to create a variety of popular costumes. Black robes can be used for a witch or other Gothic characters or a judge. White ones are perfect for angels, red ones for devils. Princess costumes can be made from any color robe; burgundy, navy blue or emerald green robes are perfect for a Renaissance princess. Robes can also be trimmed or cut apart to be made into other costumes such as a nurse (white) or the half devil/half angel idea described above.

on 8/8/2006 Find two graduation robes, one red and one white, and sew one half of each together. (Graduation robes work well for this since they zip in front; you will only need to sew them together down the back). Cut triangular trim on the sleeve and hem of the red side. Sew maribou trim to the hem and sleeve on the white side. Find or make an angel wing. A devil cape can be made from the other half of the red robe. You will then need to make or buy a devil horn and a halo.

on 8/8/2006 Go to your local Goodwill store and buy a multi-colored shirt. Be sure to get a tie and suspenders. Your own jeans work well. If possible use makeup, a unicycle or stilts. A unicycle is best, if you can ride one.

on 8/6/2006 If you're looking for a good costume that's easy to pull together, try being a gypsy/fortune teller! Nobody ever thinks of being a gypsy for Halloween. All you need to find is: dangle earrings, a shall, a long skirt, white puffy long-sleeved shirt, bandanna, and crystal ball.

Okay, now put on the skirt, shirt, and earrings. Tie the bandanna on your head and carry around the crystal ball. Viola! Your "Madame ~(insert name here)~ Seer of the Future"