How to Create More Original Halloween Costumes

Since everyone dresses up on Halloween, it can be difficult to get a unique costume. Original creations don't have to be expensive. It just takes creativity and the right materials to get started. Stores like BuyCostumes.com and Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores have costume staples.

Use What You Have around the House

You'll need to gather up all of the odds and ends around your house to start the ideas flowing. This includes broken jewelry, fabric scraps and unwanted clothes. Notice any themes in the items such as military or whimsical. This will give you a starting point. You can also mix and match a lot of patterns such as wearing striped stockings with a floral skirt because Halloween costumes should draw attention.

Make the Costume Yourself

This is a great option if you have an original idea or you want to play off a pun. You don't need sewing skills if you start off with a clothing item and then just add enough accessories to get your point across. Creating the costume yourself saves you money and allows you to put together an outfit long after the stores have sold out of Halloween items. You can also make matching costumes for the entire family because it will have more impact in a group.

Jazz up Store Bought Outfits

Accessories are going to make your store bought costume different from everyone else’s. Use a mask or makeup for a realistic lion or animal effect. Try out fake blood and fangs for a vampire outfit. Halloween contact lenses make your eyes appear red or even glow under black lights. It can also feature a pattern such as a skull. Talk to your eye doctor first about the safety of these products. You can also get a unique pail that coordinates with your theme such as a strawberry or carry a wicker basket.

Look to History

This ensures that you don't show up as the same pop icon outfit as everyone else. Men could dress up like gladiators or characters from mythology. Women can scour thrift shops for real flapper dresses. Accessorize with black stockings and feathers in the hair. A basic business suit can have a gangster effect if the coat is a little longer. Skip a traditional white shirt and go with a black version; don't forget the hat. A flowing white dress and gold jewelry can turn into a sophisticated Cleopatra look.

Work with Accessory Sets

You can find a lot of animal accessory sets for tick-or-treaters of all ages. This can include a headband with ears on it and a fake nose. Then, just choose clothing articles that matches the color of the animal. You could even wear your favorite cheetah or leopard print skirt. For cuddly creatures like cats, go with a softer fabric like velvet, fleece or faux suede. Even though these sets are inexpensive and plentiful, you’ll get a different take on classic costumes just by using what you already own.

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