Halloween costumes from the thrift store: 5 looks & 2 duos
A store-bought costume does the job for one night, then goes in the trash. The fabric itches, the colour looks fake, there's nothing to save. A costume put together from thrift store pieces is the opposite: the pieces keep getting worn after October 31. The boots, the jeans, the belt, you keep them all, and next year you build something new. Here are 5 solo looks and 2 couple ideas, made with pieces that are on the site right now.
Cowgirl or cowboy
This is the easiest costume to pull off from a thrift store, because everything is already there. Camel suede cowboy boots, a comfortable bootcut jean and a brown leather belt with a vintage buckle, with a plaid shirt. That's all you need. And the boots? You'll wear them all fall.
Rock star
Skip the wig and the plastic guitar. A Harley-Davidson t-shirt, a studded faux-leather miniskirt and Dr. Martens 1460 black leather boots, with a leather jacket on top. Simple, and very convincing. On November 1st, every piece goes back in your wardrobe, and the boots stay for years.
Y2K star
The fun part about Y2K is that it's already back in style. A red asymmetric top, a black baguette bag, silver rhinestone boots, low-rise jeans. On October 31, it's a costume. Two weeks later, it's just an outfit.
Mystical witch
Forget the pointy hat and the green face paint. Go dark, all purple, black and lace. A flowy black skirt on the bottom, a mauve top or a mauve ribbed camisole on top, with black ankle boots. For the magic touch: star fishnet tights, a moon choker, a leaf crown in your hair, a wand and an old grimoire. All easy to find, often for a few dollars. A black lace dress can also replace the top and skirt if you prefer one single piece.
90s teacher
It's the most comfortable one on the list, and everyone guesses it in two seconds. 90s striped corporate pants, a vintage golf tie, a forest green blazer made in Canada, a pair of glasses and a coffee in your hand. And Monday morning, it all goes back to the office, where it already looked great.
Jim and Pam (The Office)
This duo works with everyday clothes. For him, a classic-cut blue shirt, a vintage tie and straight beige pants. For her, a pastel shirt with a rounded collar tucked into a grey straight dress, or under a grey skirt you already own. An employee badge around the neck, a coffee in each hand, and everyone gets it.
Wednesday and Pugsley (The Addams Family)
For Wednesday, a flowy long-sleeve black dress with a white collar over it. Black tights, black ankle boots, two long braids and black lipstick, and you're Wednesday. For Pugsley, a navy-and-white striped t-shirt with black jeans, and black Hurley sneakers or black Converse on your feet.
The real trick
Think of your costume as a wardrobe, not a disguise: one strong piece, two things you already own, done. And for nights when you're short on time, there's the simplest option: our Disney Halloween t-shirt over jeans, and you're done.
Comments