How to Make Your Own Halloween Costume
By
User:lengli @timeAndDate(1285100467)
Halloween is fast approaching and for most of us, this raises the ageor even worse, you're obligated to dress up for work. For better or worse, you're going to need to dream up something. Now, you ''could'' go the easy route and buy some prepackaged outfit that hundreds of other people will also be wearing, but where's the fun in that? Wouldn't you feel an enormous sense of accomplishment in crafting something that is completely original and ends up being talk of the party? Too ambitious? Let's try this: wouldn't it be superb not to have to shell out 50 clams on some cheap scraps of fabric you'll wear only once?
No matter if you're motivated by pride or economics, Halloween is one of the easiest celebrations to DIY (which means that you
greenies are also in for some tricks and treats!). Read on to find out how.
Where to Get Inspiration?
'''New Favorites'''
It's November 1, time to start thinking about your costume for next year! No? No one else keeps a list of ideas in her purse? Well, this is awkward.
So you're not a planner. In fact, you might even wait untilCostumes'>Hot Halloween Costumes guide and, with a little bit of foresight, many of these can be replicated at home. Read on for some easy ideas that will keep you topically disguised.
'''Classics'''
Certain things just never go out of style: fine wine, glittering diamond rings, and everyone's favorite Halloween costumes. To get help with makeup, skip down to the
Classic Costumes.
Ambitious Tailors
If you're adept with a needle and thread, you have a marked advantage over the rest of us chumps toiling away over our
hot glue gun. Harumph.
'''The Essentials'''
Before you get started with your project, you'll want to make sure that you have all the equipment you'll need. A
travel sewing kit should have all of the basics for sewing by hand.
'''Extras'''
If you're more advanced, you might want to incorporate some of the following:
*
Needle threader: Needle eyes can be teensy, so a threader can save you from aggravation.
*
Rotary cutter: This is extremely helpful if you need to cut through heavy fabrics or multiple layers.
*
Seam ripper: Great for repurposing existing garments or for quickly dealing with mistakes.
*
ribbon: They can be functional or purely decorative.
'''Pattern Manufacturers'''
Sewing patterns can be an absolute lifesaver. They eliminate guesswork and provide uniformity so you won't have weird mutant-looking arms hanging down from your garment.
Last-Minute Panic
Now you've done itraiding and a smidge of ingenuity, you're guaranteed to find something that will work in a pinch. You may not win any Best Costume prizes tonight, but you'll do. You'll do.
The following household items can be used to great effect:
* Old or outdated clothes: Use your imagination here: you can be a hobo, a prom queen, a frat boy, a dancer...the possibilities are endless.
*
Accessories: You've got hats, jewelry, and scarves. You can be the Mad Hatter, a gypsy, or a microphone at an Aerosmith concert.
*
Halloween Makeup for more help.
*
Pillows and oversize clothes: Instant fat suit!
*
Cardboard boxes: Turn yourself into a robot, or cut up the sides to make a signboard.
*
Tin foil: Wrap cardboard boxes in this stuff for your aforementioned robot outfit, or make a hat to keep those government telepaths from reading your thoughts (by the way, your costume is "Paranoid Lunatic").
*
Balloons: Blow up purple balloons and go as a bunch of grapes.
'''Helpful Resources'''
Take a look at the following links to get some more ideas.
*
FoxNews.com: Offers some tips for pulling off a successful costume, and gives a couple of fun suggestions.
*
Essortment.com: Fifty super simple last-minute disguises.
Special Effects and Makeup
What good is a Halloween costume without makeup? You certainly can't be a terrifying monster without an unhealthy pallor, that's for sure, and just try being
Halloween Makeup.
'''The Basics'''
Tons of looks can be achieved with a minimal amount of fuss. With just a few applicators and colors, you can transform yourself into a superstar, a clown, or a demon (or all of the above!).
'''What a Two-Face!'''
Here's where it starts to get really interesting. Below we've highlighted some of the more popular costumes and indicated what you'll need to provide these finishing touches.
Accessories
No costume is complete without the final touches. Several options are presented for each category, but don't just take our word for it: you can use ShopWiki to search for whatever it is you need.
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