5 Halloween Costumes Using 5 Items or Less from the Thrift Shop

I have to admit I’m not much of a Halloween person, but I do appreciate the creativity that people put into their costumes! But let’s face it, there’s some serious pressure when it comes to finding the perfect getup. Instead of buying a packaged Halloween costume, why not hit the thrift shop? While my everyday looks come from the thrift shop {I’m still doing my Thrifty Threads 365 challenge and ONLY thrifting for a full year}, secondhand stores are also the perfect resource for any homemade costume due to the unique items you can find.
Check out 5 thrift store Halloween costumes that are affordable, unique and when October 31 is over, you can still wear these pieces! Each costume requires less than five items and you can find them at any thrift shop.

Quick tidbit about me: due to my never ending sarcasm, I was called Daria in high school, so the MTV character will always have a spot in my heart. The must have pieces to make this look work are the glasses, blazer and boots. If you’re attending a party with a friend, he or she can go as Jane or Trent.
I honestly don’t watch Saturday Night Live any longer {but I will be watching on 11/1 when Chris Rock hosts and Prince performs!}, but one of my favorite past SNL characters was Stefon, the Weekend Update nightlife correspondent. Thrift shops can have some pretty interesting looking t-shirts, so that’s perfect for Stefon’s printed, layered shirts. Your choice of pants is up to you, just be sure you have your hands cupped over your mouth and dish out advice on New York’s latest hot spots.
Spread peace and love and embrace your inner hippie. Using the jeans as your canvas, add a flowy tunic and/or a fringe garment, like a vest. Accessories can include a floppy hat and you can even use a necklace as a headband. Go with minimal makeup and a laid back vibe to complete the look.
Leopard is really all you need and you can go as sultry or demure as you want. Try a head to toe leopard top and pants. Or go with a solid top and leopard pants. You can DIY or buy a tail and/or ears if you want. And of course you can’t forget your whiskers, which you can paint on your face using eyeliner.
Who didn’t {and still doesn’t} love “The Golden Girls”? The 80s sitcom will forever be a fan favorite. And judging from the picture above, you’ll have no problem recreating the look of Sophia, Blanche, Rose or Dorothy. This look is all about matching your blazer {keep the shoulder pads in!} to your pants or skirts. If you favor Sophia, rock a wicker purse. Don some pearls for Blanche. Add layers for Dorothy. And button up a silky secretary blouse for Rose. This is actually a great group costume if you have three girlfriends.
Halloween costumes really should be fun and a representation of your style and/or sense of humor. The great thing about these costumes is you can incorporate all of the elements back in your wardrobe to wear them later.
Do you plan to dress up for Halloween? Have you ever thrifted a homemade costume? 
Photo: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 
4 Comments
  • Esta Fiesta
    Posted at 10:14h, 21 October Reply

    I’ve never thrifted a costume before but I was definitely thinking about it. Thanks for the ideas!!

  • Alex
    Posted at 10:18h, 22 October Reply

    I love these! I went as Daria last year and my friend was Quinn 🙂

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