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Looks for Less: Halloween Costumes on a Budget

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Wisconsin chapter.

Fast approaching is the night of sexy cops, nurses, and maids.

The keyword here is night.

For a night you’re investing $20-$60 in something I’m guessing you’d never want Grandma seeing you in. While nothing is wrong in splurging every once and awhile I’m going to challenge you to splurge on something you may have been holding back on because you weren’t sure how to wear it.

So let’s take three of the most popular costume ideas and make them modern, sultry, and wearable.

Witch

Three words.

Little. Black. Dress.

Here’s the thing, if you don’t own one, then you should. If you want a slightly more trendy one try Forever 21 or UrbanOg
 
For a witch dress it should be a little edgy and a little sassy. The deep purple with black lace covering of the F21 dress adds just enough of gothic feel to get your look started.

Pair with thigh high tights to add a bit of spice and as a bonus it’ll keep you a little a warmer outside! Plus these are great for fall or spring to shake up a plain outfit.

Another scary trend? Metal wear. Spikes, studs, and chains help create an intimidating look. 

And finally grab a witch hat to complete the look. One that’s a little fancier from Target is still under $10.

What’s a classic costume?

A vampire of course.

No, not the sparkling kind.

I mean the mysterious, dangerous, and seductive vampire. The kind we grew up with, now of course we do need to make this a bit more modern.

Here’s a frightening trend that’s perfect for this costume.

Leather. Not your nice leather jacket either. Oh no, we are talking full out leather pants.

Now real leather pants may raise ethical concerns for some and comfort concerns for others, so let’s take faux leather.

Leather is dangerous because it always carries the risk of bringing sexy to trashy, but as a vampire your goal to look risqué but keep a mysterious aura about you. 

Now I know this is going to sound insane-But it is the end of October so you may want to think about warmth. 

I know! I know. On Halloween many of us feel it’s our right to be daring and wear things we never would…But, it’s freezing. You’re in the middle of Freakfest, do you really want to be distracted by the cold?

If not…Get a black, structured coat. This military style jacket is a bit expensive…But it’s a jacket. 

To really make this costume focus on your face. Michelle Phan has a great vampire makeup tutorial.

If you do stay inside then look for a top with lace detailing or subtly sexy.

Our last costume is one I bet you can make with things in your closet already. I discovered this because when I wore this look I felt like a pirate. An awesome one, but still a pirate

Get a white button up blouse and tie the bottom up, if you shirt is sheer or just want too unbutton it a bit add a red bandeau or cami underneath. For your bottom half add black leggings or black skinny jeans.

Use a wide black belt around your wait, or several long belts crossed over your hips for some accessories. Bangles and hoop earrings are good for your jewelry. 

These are just three ideas for easy DIY costumes. Look in your closet and browse around at stores for ideas, I promise you can make something not only more realistic but something a lot more wallet friendly.

 

Becca Bahrke is a junior at the University of Wisconsin- Madison majoring in Retailing and minoring in Entrepreneurship and Gender & Women Studies. Becca is currently the CC/EIC of Her Campus- Wisconsin, and will continue writing news. Becca's primary hobby is blogging on her tumblr http://beccahasnothingtowear.tumblr.com