You don’t have to spend a ton of money on a Halloween costume that you’ll wear only once.
Not only are DIY costumes more cost efficient than store-bought ones, but they’re also a lot more creative and can be tailored to your body type and personal style. The key to a good DIY costume? A basic outfit that features detailed accessories to help portray what you’re dressing up as.
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite DIY costumes that you can make with clothes that you probably already own!Mermaid
Bring Halloween under the sea by dressing up as a mermaid. You can make a shell bra by hot gluing shells from the craft store onto an old bra, and wear it over a plain tank top (or by itself if you’re feeling scandalous!) For a tail, you can wear printed leggings like these or a flowy maxi skirt in the color of your choice. Finish off the look with body glitter and seashells in your hair.
Greek Goddess
For a very pretty Halloween look, dress up as a Greek goddess. Wear a white or gold dress paired with your favorite gladiator sandals. Don a flower or braided headband (Forever 21 has a great selection), and pile on gold jewelry and warm golden makeup for an immortal glow.
Walk of Shame
One of the easiest costumes, all you have to wear to look like a walk of shame is a large men’s button-up shirt, a pair of boxers, and flip flops or socks. Mess up your hair to look like bedhead, and smudge your makeup a little bit to complete the look. For an even more authentic look, carry a pair of high heels.
Secret Service Agent
Looking for a costume that the whole squad can wear? Dress up as the Secret Service! Wear all black and throw on some dark sunglasses and you’re good to go. Bonus points if you all wear earpieces.
Bottle of Alcohol
You know what they say, you are what you drink! Dress up as your favorite beer, wine, or liquor by wearing a dress that’s the color of the packaging and a label to show off what you are. If a bunch of your friends join in, you can go as a whole liquor cabinet.
Rosie the Riveter
We can do it! Channel girl power (and your inner Beyoncé) by dressing up as the WWII icon. Wear a denim shirt or jumpsuits rolled up to your elbows and put your hair in a bun and tie a red polka dot bandana around your head. Red lips will add a glamorous accent, and a homemade pin saying “We can do it!” will help reinforce the theme.
Queen Bee
This simple costume is easy to DIY. Throw on a black and yellow striped shirt or dress (or make your own by wearing solid yellow and using black masking tape to make stripes) and then make your own antennae by hot gluing pipe cleaners and large pom poms to a headband. Top the whole look with a tiara and you’ll be queen bee of any Halloween party you attend.
Feature Photo via