Fall is here and that means Halloween is right around the corner! Instead of going out and buying new costumes this year, here are some tips to find a bangin’ costume that doesn’t break the bank.
Thrifting is one great way to find pieces of your costume. Though thrift shopping does take patience and perseverance, it’s one of the best ways to create your costume. Eugene has a ton of thrift shops to choose from, including:
- Buffalo Exchange
- 131 E 5th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401
- St Vincent De Paul – W 11th Thrift Store Eugene
- 100 E 11th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401
- St Vincent De Paul – High Street Boutique Store
- 555 High St, Eugene, OR 97401
- Assistance League of Eugene
- 1149 Willamette St, Eugene, OR 97401
- Goodwill
- 1010 Green Acres Rd a, Eugene, OR 97408
A lot of these thrift stores are displaying their off-brand, alternative clothing during this time of the year, so they definitely make it easier to find costume components. Even if you’re looking for something specific, there’s a fairly good chance you’ll find something that works. That being said, my advice is to go in with an open mind – always be prepared for what I call “the game changer”. Some of the best pieces are found when (and where) you least expect them. You can frame a whole costume around one fur coat, one tacky fanny pack, one sparkly dress. So don’t be afraid to veer towards a new costume if you find a-one-of-a-kind costume miracle!
Another important component of thrifting your costume is the styling of these base pieces. Dramatic makeup will be your best friend, pile it on to make your costume purposeful, to look more costume-y and less random. You can hit the shops or online sources to purchase cheap accessory packs to supplement your base pieces. Here are some ideas to get you started, things to look for when thrifting.
1. Freddy Kruger – This classic villain is super easy to replicate. You’re going to need to find a red and green striped sweater and some gloves. Wear jeans and get the classic Freddy Fedora.
2. Decades – These ones are always fun to thrift for because sometimes you can find pieces from the actual decade you are dressing for. I once found an authentic tacky 90’s sweater. You can really have fun with these ones, the tackier the better!
3. Devil – Though this one is a bit cliché, it is super cute and easy to pull off. All you need is a red dress from a thrift shop and some devil horns. BAM!
4. Scarecrow – To create a scarecrow costume, look for old denim overalls and oversized men’s flannel. If the pieces you find aren’t as worn as you want them to be, you can create rips in them, and distress the denim with a cheese grater. Finish it off with some cute character makeup and you are ready to go!
5. Waldo – This is probably the easiest costume of all, throw on some jeans, a striped red and white shirt, and a pair of glasses and your all set!
6. Cruella DeVille – I think we all need a giant white faux fur coat in our closet. Stock up on yours and pair it with a black dress. All you need are red lips and some attitude to finish the look.
7. Mary Poppins – Connect back to your childhood days and wear a black skirt and white button up to embody the legend of Mary Poppins. Add an umbrella and flower hat to complete the costume in the most delightful way.
8. Pirate – Thrift stores seem to always have a ton of costume jewelry. Stock up on some and layer with loose, layered clothing. Add some smudged eyeliner and a British accent and you’re ready to celebrate!
Happy Thrifting!