Easy Halloween Costumes You Can Thrift

Happy October! Halloween is coming up quick and we know how hard it can be to choose a costume or multiple costumes for different events. If you're looking for something that's creative, easy, and affordable, this is the post for you!

Here are some costume ideas you can dress up or down with pieces from the thrift store. Enjoy!

 

1. Decades- Groovy 70s, Vibrant 80s

This idea is so versatile and perfect to thrift for! Most thrift stores, Overflow in particular, often receive vintage clothes and styles from all eras- all you have to do is choose which suits you best! Maybe you're leaning towards a "hippy" bohemian 70s look, an 80s punk Cyndi Lauper moment, an 80s aerobic outfit, or a 90s grunge look. No matter what you choose, you'll have a blast looking for the items you need!

 

2. Scooby Doo Gang

This costume idea is a classic and can be done solo or with a group of friends. Most of the characters' outfits are easy to replicate and recognize. The easiest costumes to copy from this group would be Velma (orange/red turtleneck, red skirt and black square glasses,) Shaggy (a plain green shirt and red or brown pants,) and Fred (blue jeans, white long sleeve with blue collar peeking out and orange scarf/ascot.)

 

3. Bed Bug

I promise it isn't as gross as it sounds- all this costume needs is sleepwear (top and bottom or nightgown,) a sleep mask, and a headband made of pipe cleaners formed into small spirals to mimic a bug's antennae. This one is super easy if you're looking for an idea that's low-effort and low-cost but still fun and cute!

 

4. Fancy Nancy

Fancy Nancy is a beloved children's book series about a young girl who loves all things fancy and maximalist and dreams of traveling to Paris, France. For specific items, you might want to pick up colorful tights (solid color or striped,) a tutu or extravagant skirt, sunglasses, ballet flats, pearls, a play tiara, and/or a feather boa. You can go all out with this one!

 

5. Zombie Bride

This is a creative way to use an old wedding dress that's been sitting at the thrift for too long. Depending on the approach to this costume you want to take, you could cut off strips of the dress or add red paint droplets for an especially creepy, sinister effect. This with some dramatic makeup would complete the look!

 

We hope this has given you some ideas and inspired you to shop for your costume secondhand; this option is not only fun and encourages creativity, but it also reduces the amount of plastic clothing that will likely get minimal wear and end up in the landfill shortly after.

Stop into any of our three Overflow locations this October for all your Halloween needs- decor, costume materials, etc.

We hope to see you soon!

 

 

Mari Russo, Marketing Coordinator, Overflow Thrift Store