Halloween is sneaking up on us, and if you’re like me, you probably want to make sure your costumes stand out. I always considered Christmas my favorite holiday (ok, it still is), but over the years, Halloween has become my crafty time-to-shine, from the costumes to the house. I go ALL OUT on the house, but I admittedly lean on store brand, basic costumes, since I am pretty pathetic with all things sewing. And while store-bought costumes are convenient, let’s be real – they often lack that personal touch. No worries! Here are some budget-friendly tips to upgrade those Halloween costumes from “meh” to “marvelous.”
Budget-friendly, like my little man’s underwear-turned-incredible costume (complete with duct tape logo) from years ago.
Add Custom Accessories (A.K.A. The Fun Part)
One of the easiest ways to personalize a store-bought costume is by adding custom accessories. Belts, gloves, hats, or jewelry can make all the difference. For example, take a plain witch costume from basic to Hocus Pocus fabulous with a handmade broomstick or a unique, decorative hat.
If your costume comes with flimsy accessories, upgrade them! Many plastic Halloween props are hollow or flat-backed, exposing their cheapness every time you turn around. Insulation foam for gaps and cracks can fill in the cavities. A coat of spray paint over the foam, and suddenly, your accessory looks solid and finished. Just a heads-up – practice with the foam first and gain an understanding of how insulation foam works before you apply it. It can get messy, and we’re not aiming for a “stuck-in-a-web” vibe.
Enhance With Makeup (Because MaskS Are the WORST)
Makeup can take your costume to the next level. Whether you’re aiming for spooky, glamorous, or something in between, the right makeup can transform your look. I used to have so much fun back in my acting days, pulling out my stage makeup kit and getting creative on my friends’ looks! Check out easy Halloween makeup ideas (like the ones I posted a while back!) that match your costume theme. You’d be amazed how a bit of eyeliner, face paint, and glitter can completely change your appearance!
Add Fabric Details (Sew Easy, Even I Can Do It)
If your costume is lacking depth, consider adding extra fabric. Tulle, lace, or even some faux fur can give your outfit a more authentic feel. No need to worry about sewing – fabric glue works just fine. Imagine adding a sheer cape to a vampire costume or some faux leather patches to a pirate outfit. It can improve your silhouette and design without breaking the bank.
Modify Shoes and Footwear (The Glass Slipper Treatment)
Don’t overlook footwear when upgrading your Halloween costume. Sometimes, the shoes can make or break your entire look. Use old shoes and modify them to match your outfit better. Paint them, add embellishments, or even craft boot covers out of fabric to achieve the desired effect. This small change can elevate your costume and tie the whole ensemble together.
One of my best looks ever in college was a store-bought Dorothy costume where I used spray adhesive and red glitter to TRULy make my ruby slippers sparkle! (and leave a trail of glitter in my wake, but that was the club’s problem, lol.)
With a bit of creativity and effort, you can find many inexpensive ways to upgrade Halloween store costumes. These simple DIY upgrades can turn an ordinary costume into something truly special. Halloween doesn’t have to be expensive to be memorable – just a bit of crafty ingenuity!
- Halloween Pretzels Recipe
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- Orange Soda Halloween Cake Recipe
