Thrift & Style: Halloween Costume Edition
Halloween is creeping up faster than you think, and I know I’m not the only one who tries to get all of their costume ideas figured out a little ahead of schedule. For most, it might not be in the cards to go and buy expensive costumes that retail for over $50. This year, I encourage you to make your own costumes with a combination of budget-friendly and thrifted pieces to create your killer look.
Just in case you need a little bit more convincing, here are a few items I picked up on my most recent thrift trip that can be used to create a unique and sustainable costumes.
Turn an ORANGE TOTE BAG ($5.00) Into Velma
Source: Collage created by the author, Images from Zara & H&M
The first thing I picked up on my thrift trip was this Telfar-esque orange tote bag that was only $5. Velma from Scooby Doo automatically came to mind when I was thinking of a costume to create with the bag. Even though the character does not use a bag, you can totally make it your own and add one similar to this one to carry all of your spooktacular belongings.
If you do not find an orange tote bag at your local thrift, consider opting for a red tote bag, black tote bag, or even a classic leather messenger bag or backpack to tie in that “Mystery Inc.” vibe. You can also thrift any of the other pieces within this look to pull off the perfect monochromatic orange Velma outfit.
Turn a GREEN GAP SWEATER ($5.49) Into Rachel Green
Source: Collage created by the author, images from ASOS, Steve Madden, & Abercombie & Fitch
I was not planning on checking out any of the sweater sections, since I already have so many in my collection. But, this sweater was sticking up right at the front of the second sweater aisle (I had to grab it), and it instantly gave me a Rachel Green from Friends vibe. She does not wear this same Gap sweater, but it can pass as a Rachel Green costume with a plaid skirt and 90s-inspired knee-high boots.
If you want to go for a more exact recreation for a Rachel Green costume while at the thrift, try looking for a sports sweatshirt reminiscent of her iconic New York Knicks one. But truly, any Rachel Green outfit is iconic.
Turn a Red Tie ($1.99) Into Patrick Bateman
SOURCE: Collage created by the author, images from Amazon & H&M
Next, I went straight to the tie section in hopes of finding a red tie to add to my growing collection. I found this red one and thought it would be suitable for a cute yet psycho Halloween look. Patrick Bateman, everyone’s favorite serial killer from American Psycho, wears a red tie with a suit in one of his most iconic looks from the film. I have all of these items (or something similar) in my wardrobe, but everything you need for this look can be found at the thrift store, not just the tie.
You can recreate this look similar to the picture above or make it more feminine by opting for a thrifted black mini skirt and heels.
turn a Beige LONDON FOG TRENCH COAT ($23.99) Into Holly Golightly
Source: Collage created by the author, images from H&M & Nordstrom Rack
The perfect trench coat was at the top of my list for this fall season, and I finally found one that was just what I was looking for. I immediately wanted to recreate so many iconic looks with the coat, but Holly Golightly’s trench coat look from Breakfast At Tiffany’s was the one that I decided to style. You might already have a trench coat that you thrifted on a successful thrift trip, but if not, I suggest looking for one at your local secondhand shops if you are in need of a super easy Halloween costume.
You can even get away with wearing this look on a normal day, since all of these pieces are versatile.
WHITE TUTU ($16.99) Into White Swan
Source: Collage created by the author, images from PrettyLittleThing, Amazon, & Nordstrom
I could not hit the thrift without checking the Halloween section, and I found the perfect white tutu that I could use for various Halloween costumes and everyday fashion purposes. Now this year, one of my costumes is going to be the White Swan aka Nina Sayers from the iconic film Black Swan, so this tutu came in clutch. It is actually an original Savers brand piece, so if there is a local Savers near you, I would suggest looking if you are interested in a similar tutu. Everything else I styled the tutu around can be found in variations at the thrift store (maybe not the Miu Miu ballet flats), but any ballet flats will do. Of course, you can easily turn this look darker by making everything black to portray the Black Swan.
You can find so many pieces at the thrift store to use for your costumes this Halloween, and every Halloween to come. So please go crazy (but not too crazy) and get creative with your sustainable looks.
Will you be thrifting pieces for your Halloween look this year?
Let us know in the comments below!