Halloween costumes for a tight budget

The first week of October brings with it the stress of Halloween. Not stress from the holiday itself, but from the idea that in just a few short weeks, you will be expected to have at least two or three costumes for Halloween weekend. It’s the weekend to dress to impress as someone other than you… and that brings a lot of pressure. Online costume stores and Halloween stores have impressive intricate costumes that everyone would find appealing, but they come with a hefty price tag. With prices of upwards of fifty dollars, few college students can afford the luxury of picking a couple of these costumes up from the seasonal Halloween store down the street. Here are a few tips to making your own show stopping costume, for cheap!
 
Get creative!

Emulate your favorite movie or television show character by wearing street clothes that they would wear. Add a piece or an accessory that will make you stand out and show that you are that character.
 
Be resourceful!
Use household products such as paper towel rolls, garbage bags or even paper. You can make so many costumes, like a toga out of your bed sheet, grapes with purple balloons, a loofah with some colorful mesh fabric!
 
Go through your closet! … And your friends’ closets… and your boyfriend’s closet!
You would be surprised what you will find if you go through your closet. You might find an old animal print top that you can dress up with some cat ears. Your boyfriend’s oversized dress shirts make an easy “one night stand” costume- just throw on some heels and mess up your hair. Go through your roommates’ closets too!

 
Use what you already have!
Take your favorite little black dress and add some accessories! You can make almost any costume with a basic black dress. Add a cheap pair of ears to be a cat, a black hat and a broom to be a sexy witch, or glasses and a pencil to be a librarian or a teacher.
 
Add to your friends’ elaborate costumes!
If you have a friend that bought an expensive detailed costume, add to it! You can be their sidekick by making something out of what you already have. If your friend is a cat, dress as their ball of yarn by wrapping yarn around yourself. If they are dressed as a mouse, dress as a slice of cheese by wearing a yellow top and yellow pants. Your costume will make sense if you are together.