Fall has officially arrived, and with it comes the annual quest for the perfect Halloween costume.
Some costumes will remain timeless. The most popular costumes can usually be homemade — cats, clowns and pirates are always reliable options to keep in mind when there is a low budget.
Sticking to a budget can be difficult, especially for college students who often want multiple costumes for different parties. Many people opt for something brand new, but using what's already in one's closet can make for a budget-friendly costume.
Dressing up as a gothic clown is Anna Mary Gilbert's idea for this Halloween. The senior in apparel design and production management explained her techniques on how to make a fun costume using dark makeup, black clothes and a collar made with a shirt.
The most important thing about creating a costume is making it personal.
“I think a lot of what makes a homemade costume is the accessories and getting creative with accessories. So again, seeing what you have -- different headbands or jewelry or scarves. I feel like that's another way to go above and beyond and really represent whatever you're dressing as,” said Alexis Haynes, senior in apparel design and production management.
Exploring alternative costumes might not be as complicated as it seems. All types of attire are useful when trying to make a Halloween costume.
“I have these huge, chunky, white platforms. They're called Naked Wolfe. So I would use those for every single costume," said Karina Ruelas, junior in apparel design and production management.
Some garments or patterns may be helpful to make the costume stand out more or even to highlight certain parts of the outfit. Scarves, bandanas, earrings and belts can add flare to any costume.
“I feel like satin is an easy way to kind of dress things up and show that your outfit is a little bit more elevated, that it is a costume. So maybe, if you have any kind of satin fabric, you can kind of use it as a scarf around your neck, or bandana in your hair, a belt -- anything like that,” Haynes said.
Thrifting clothes is an affordable option when looking for a homemade costume.
“Borrowing clothes from other people, that's huge too," Gilbert said.
Challenges are always fun and creating a costume can be one of them. There are a ton of options when searching on the internet. Pinterest, TV Shows and books can be sources of inspiration when wondering what to be for a night.
“I wanted to do something like a Candyland theme. So I have a Candyland board game laying around somewhere. I'm probably going to look at it and take inspo from that, and then maybe go from there," Ruelas said.
Inspiration is endless. A memorable costume may simply require a change in perspective.
“It's all about accessories and confidence because if you convince yourself that something is something else, you can convince anyone of that," Gilbert said.
For students beginning to think about their Halloween costumes, inspiration can be found anywhere. Any basics can be useful with the right accessories.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
