Halloween is a time for creepin’ it real: A spook-tastic opportunity to unleash your creativity, showcase your individuality and — if done thoughtfully — a chance to save some cash.
For those of us who feel at home with a glue gun and glitter bombs, Halloween is our Super Bowl: our chance to show the world — or at least our Facebook friends — that Martha Stewart’s got nothing on us. But even those who are missing the creative gene can have your crew looking fa-boo-lous, because one mustn’t have a degree from Parsons to pull off a costume contest–winning ensemble.
Before you plug in your glue gun, here are some tricks for getting into the spirit this Halloween.
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Been There, Done Bat
Whether you are looking for spooky, funny, or themed costumes, sites like Pinterest and YouTube offer a wealth of ideas for all skill levels and budgets.
Scour the web for inspiration, then sketch a plan, along with a list of supplies you’ll need.
Halloween planning begins early in the Wistehuff family. Melissa plans a costume for each family member, starting with a sketch. Above the sketch, her Addams family idea comes to life! Photo and sketch by Melissa Wistehuff
Give yourself plenty of time! There’s nothing worse than scrambling to throw a masterpiece together at the last minute.
Gather supplies: Sharp fabric scissors, a glue gun and/or fabric glue, and a sewing kit for simple stitches are must-haves for your creation.
Keep an eye out for accessories and embellishments throughout the year, such as fabric or clothing at yard sales or secondhand stores. Save cardboard boxes, as you never know when you’ll need a sturdy, flat piece for a costume element.
Details make all the difference! Add sparkle to your mask or ruffles to your cape.
Don’t forget a matching treat bucket! Don’t settle for a plastic jack-o’-lantern when you can use it to accessorize. Going as a crazy cat lady? Add your old stash of Beanie Baby cats to a basket.
Gourd Vibes Only
Homemade costumes offer unique advantages over store-bought versions.
Originality: Your costume will be truly one of a kind, reflecting your personal interests and imagination.
Environmental friendliness: Upcycling old clothes and reusing materials helps reduce waste and minimize your environmental impact.
Cost-effectiveness: You can save money by repurposing existing materials or finding affordable items at thrift or craft stores.
Couple or family bonding: Crafting costumes together can be a fun family activity, creating memories and fostering creativity in children.
Eerie-sistable Costume Ideas
Beyoncé Cowboy/Cowgirl Carter
Howdy, partner! Saddle up and represent the Beyhive. Search for a cowboy hat and boots, then throw in as many accessories as you can find. Add rhinestones and fringe to your heart’s desire!
Love Island Couple
The hit summer show makes for an easy and creative couple’s costume. One person represents Love: Cut out two giant hearts with red construction paper and hot glue shoulder straps. The other represents Island: Dress like a Hula dancer, or take a more literal approach and go as a palm tree.
The Addams Family
With the popularity of the show Wednesday, the Addams Family is the perfect family costume. Each person can choose which character they’d like to represent and take it upon themselves to piece together parts of their costume. This is the ideal time to use trick-or-treat buckets as accessories by having Cousin Itt be a part of your crew.
Clark Kent
Superman is the hit movie of the year, but wearing tights and a cape isn’t for everyone. Why not go as his alter ego, Clark Kent, instead? Wear a Superman T-shirt under a button-down shirt, exposing the signature S on your chest. Don’t forget the glasses! Find a pair at a thrift shop or dollar store and take out the lenses.
Melissa Wistehuff has been dressing her kids for Halloween since they were babies. While they have outgrown the group themes, they still enjoy dressing up.
Character Tips & Tricks
Stay in character: Give your costume depth by speaking with a funny voice or using an accent that matches your persona.
Don’t forget your manners: A simple “thank you” when trick or treating is a must, but feel free to add your own spin if it better fits your guise. Say, “I’ll be back” if you’re dressed as the Terminator, or give a pleasant grunt if you’re Frankenstein.
Stick together: Whether you’re taking your kids trick-or-treating or heading to a party, always stay together. Have a safety plan if you get separated.
Take pictures: One day, your little ghouls won’t be so willing to get dolled up, so take all the pictures you can, while you can.
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