Halloween Costume Hacks For Every Budget

Clothes—and how you theme them—are an essential part of Halloween celebrations. Even if you don’t have the funds to add something new to your wardrobe, you can still join in on the fun!

Ready to craft a clever costume using what you already have? Keep reading for our top DIY Halloween costume hacks to inspire memorable outfits for every budget.

DIY Halloween Costume Hacks To Suit Every Budget

Free DIY Halloween Costume Hacks: $0 - $10 Tips

If your budget is at or close to zero dollars, it’s time to get creative.

Start by considering what old clothing you have that can be repurposed, like old t-shirts, jeans, or dresses. Then, imagine what they can turn into using:

  • Cutting and safety pinning

  • Strategic accessories with scarves, ties, sunglasses, and more

  • Bold makeup (and face painting using standard makeup items)

  • Household items like cardboard, foil, paint, and markers

If you don't have everything your costume needs, try visiting your local second-hand store, ideally on a deal day. With the right timing, you can snag items like bandanas, gloves, or costume jewelry for just a few dollars!

Worried about staining your everyday clothing? This blog covers stain removal for every Halloween party stain you can imagine.

Low-Cost DIY Halloween Costume Hack: $10 - $30 Tips

Do you have a bit more money to play with? For about $10 - $30, you can level up the free DIY hacks with fabric scraps, ribbons, or trim from the craft store. If you don’t know how to stitch or sew, pick up fabric glue or iron-on adhesive to piece together your look.

A trip to the thrift store can also be lucrative. Be sure to look in every section (not just men’s or women’s) to browse funky jackets, unique dresses, festive pants, and more. It may take a couple of hours of treasure hunting to find the right item, but the results will be worth it!

While shopping, keep an eye out for festive decor, too. Here’s some inspiration for Halloween-themed house decorations!

DIY Halloween Costume Hacks Under $50

If your Halloween costume budget is around $50, you can incorporate more elaborate DIY methods into the above hacks. Some more expensive (yet super helpful) tools to consider include:

  • A hot glue gun for attaching embellishments, gems, or other decorations to your costume.

  • Craft foam for creating costume armor, hats, or masks. It can be cut, molded, and painted for professional-looking results.

  • Paint and fabric dye, which can help alter and customize existing clothing.

With the right investment, you can create a lasting costume you can re-wear for years! Wondering how to clean Halloween costumes?

Cheers to your one-of-a-kind costume!

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