A goodwill shirt, a big chain and suddenly you're costumed
Life is hectic. Maybe the the last day of October has arrived, escaping your notice. Perhaps the mom across the street decided to host a costume party and you lost the invitation. Maybe, like so many of us, you just procrastinate. Whatever the reason, there are endless possibilities for quick and easy homemade costumes that don't require a personal craft room or Martha Stewart as your best friend.
Look Around the House
Don't panic; take inventory instead. Look around the house for anything you don't mind using. Sure, your wedding dress has been hanging in the closet for a decade, but do you really want your teenage daughter wearing it to a barn party? There are better ideas, from the sweaters at the back of the closet and the gaudy makeup you never got around to throwing away to the costume jewelry you keep tangled in a drawer.
Look in your kitchen, bathroom and garage. Aluminum foil, cotton balls, makeup, old clothes, garbage bags, glitter, blankets and hats are all great supplies.
Costume Ideas for Boys or Girls
Keep it simple. These are some timeless classics that can be made if a jiff:
Fried egg: Dress in white and add a yellow circle cut from paper or felt to the stomach.
Clown: Dress in oversized sweat pants, a mismatched shirt and two different shoes. Use lipstick to paint the nose red, and apply large circles of blush to the cheeks.
Garbage bag: Cut two holes in the bottom of a large outdoor garbage bag. Cut two holes on the sides near the top. Dress in all black and step in to the garbage bag. Put arms through the holes on the side. Fill with paper and LOOSELY tie the top of the bag in a bow around the shoulders.
Baked potato: Dress in comfortable clothing. Wrap your chest, upper arms and legs with aluminum foil (wrap each leg individually). Get creative and put a yellow sponge on your head for the butter.
Johnny Appleseed; Wear jeans, a plain-colored T-shirt, and a plastic pot as a hat, and carry an apple.
Clothes dryer sock monster: Dress in gray or black. Pin dryer sheets and random, mismatched socks all over.
Cardboard box: Find a large cardboard box. Cut out the bottom and top. Use suspenders, string, rope or ties to create straps to wear the box over the shoulders.
Costumes for Men
The mob, sports and retro never go out of style on Halloween. Each can be made with items around the house.
Fifties dude: Wear jeans and a white T-shirt with the sleeves cuffed, and use gel to slick back your hair.
Mobster: Wear black pants and a white button-up shirt. Tuck in the shirt, roll the sleeves and loop a tie loosely around your neck. Use hair gel to slick hair down with a side part. Put a splashy handkerchief in the pocket. A last-minute dash to the supermarket can supply a squirt gun for an accessory.
Sports player: Dress in whatever sports uniform you have on hand. Carry appropriate accessories such as a ball or glove.
Costumes for Women
When it comes to women, less is always more, so let's face it, in a pinch, it's not that hard to get adorned.
Dancer/stripper: Think of all those things you've thought about wearing but never had the nerve. You get to on Halloween.
Angels and devils: A white sheet with curled hair and pink cheeks provides the classic cherub look. Or wear a tight-fitting red dress with black stockings and heavy black eyeliner for the less holy look.
Lingerie: Pick your favorite sexy garment, toss on must-haves for decency, like a coat, heels and stockings, and, well, you might just win the costume contest if men are judging.
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