Halloween: arguably the sneakiest holiday of them all. Before you know it, October is nearing an end and it’s crunch time to get those costumes together.
The fun and imagination behind costume creation doesn’t have to be lost, however. And the experience is even more gratifying when it comes with the knowledge that you’re making a positive difference as you shop.
Both new and used costume pieces are available at Goodwill retail stores, and shopping at one of these stores provides funding for work programs and job training in the local community. Also, when you choose only second hand items, it lessens environmental impact – especially if you donate your costume once you’re done with it. The founder of Green Halloween says that re-using half the costumes children wear at Halloween would reduce annual landfill waste by 6,250 tons. So you can look good, stay on (or below) budget and help your community at the same time!
We’ve found these six tips for a successful “thrift store Halloween” to be immensely helpful for reducing the stress, time and cost associated with the costume process. Hopefully, they’ll even bring the fun back into it.
1. Plan ahead.
It’s hard to enjoy any process when the pressure of an immediate deadline is attached to it. Give yourself enough time to take the process slow and even make a few mistakes along the way. You’ll find that having a day to breathe before October 31 is a pretty magical thing.
2. Start by gathering inspiration.
Walk through the costume section of a store or look online to see what completed costumes you can find. If you discover one that excites you, don’t buy it – just remember it. You can also gather inspiration from finding one unique and interesting piece, and building a costume around it. For example, an awesome antique mask at Goodwill could be the basis for a colorful bird costume or a super hero!
3. Modify your vision to fit your budget and capabilities.
Once you’ve found an idea you like, customize it to your budget and your version of possible. Visit ccgoodwill.org/shop/find-a-store/ to find the Goodwill Central Coast store nearest you. Goodwill retail stores have many new products as well as second hand pieces that can be put together to make creative and personalized costumes.
4. Learn from others.
You don’t have to costume alone. Goodwill’s Costume Consultant program trains customer service employees to be in-store specialists for Halloween costumes. Of course, the Internet is also bursting with tips, tricks and how-to’s. Take advantage of others’ mistakes and victories!
5. Make comfort king.
As you’re dreaming and assembling, remember how it’s going to feel to wear the costume for several hours. There’s nothing wrong with keeping the base layer comfy and adding detail through accessorizing.
6. Remember that your worth is not found in this costume.
Each costume is unique and creative in its own way – even if it’s not your life’s best work. Don’t put more pressure on yourself than you need. It only has to last a night, and Halloween will come around again before you know it.
Still feeling a little lost?
Here are a few of our favorite costume ideas that involve minimal cost and maximum individuality:
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Disco king/queen: Channel the disco era by finding gently used 70’s tops, bell bottom pants and platform shoes.
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Crayon: Find a solid color sweat suit. Paint or use a magic marker to print the word “crayon” in large black letters down the length of your body. Going with the same color scheme, create a pointed hat in the same color. You can even paint your face your crayon color.
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Traffic light: Start with a black sweat suit. Cut three circles of red, yellow and green fabric or felt. Glue onto your outfit.
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Ladybug: Wear black pants and a red shirt. Then cut black fabric or felt in circles and attach to your shirt. Take a red headband and attach black antennas out of pipe cleaners.
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Grapevine: Start with a bright body suit and leotard. Then blow up purple balloons and attach them to yourself with double-sided tape. For added security, use garbage bag ties to affix balloons to tape.
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Greek god or goddess: Pick up a white sheet to wear, some artificial leaves to put on your head and a pair of flip-flops. You can spray paint the flip-flops gold for some added punch.
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Brawny Man and paper towels: One person wears a red flannel tucked into jeans and a belt with work boots, and the other person wears a white outfit with the Brawny plastic logo.