Budget Halloween costumes

Looking to save money this Halloween? We have some ideas.

Josephine Schwartz and Vera Tanas • October 27, 2023

Store-bought Halloween costumes can make costs soar, so this year, turn to your own wardrobe to create a stellar costume!

Are you having trouble finding a costume for Halloween? Something cute, not overdone and easy on the wallet? Down below is a list of 6 easy-to-pull-off costumes and step-by-step instructions on how to put them together.

Taylor Swift

Fan of Taylor Swift, the music icon whose Eras Tour is projected to make billions? Wear her iconic Junior Jewels outfit from the “You Belong With Me” music video. Just grab a white tee and some fabric markers, and you’re good to go!

Ratatouille

One you can put your own spin on is Ratatouille. Find an apron and put your childhood stuffed animal on your head. Accessorize with a spatula and a plate of Halloween-themed snacks.

Winnie the Pooh

If you want to return to your childhood roots, look no further than Winnie the Pooh. A red shirt and yellow pants are all it takes to pull this look off. Have your friends join along as the other residents of the Hundred Acre Wood, or bring a bottle of honey as your date.

Budget Halloween costumes

(Vera Tanas)

Junior Jewels shirt

You belong with this easy costume! It takes just a white shirt and fabric markers to channel your inner Taylor Swift.
(Vera Tanas)

Ratatouille

A white apron and a stuffed animal are all it takes to transform you into a chef in the vein of Ratatouille.
(Vera Tanas)

Winnie the Pooh

A red shirt and yellow pants make up a Winnie the Pooh costume.
(Vera Tanas)

Rainbow Magic fairy

A pair of fairy wings and a matching skirt create a perfect Rainbow Magic fairy costume.
(Vera Tanas)

Barbie

Pick a piece of pink clothing and accessories for a Barbie costume.
Men in Black

Pair a button-up shirt with a pair of black pants, a tie and sunglasses for a perfect portrayal of Men in Black.

Rainbow Magic Fairies

This one works best in a group. Find a matching skirt and pair of wings, and you and your friends have become Rainbow Magic Fairies from the classic childhood book series. For an added twist, customize your kind of fairy to your name or interests, such as Sarah the Swimming Fairy.

Barbie

This one will be common this year but is easy to pull off and personalize. Find any kind of pink clothing, pick a job and you’re Barbie from the highly anticipated summer hit “Barbie.” Pair with a book and claw clip, and you’re Librarian Barbie, or a basketball and Jordans, and you’re Basketball Barbie. Your options are endless!

Men in Black

If you want to take a more sophisticated look, try Men in Black, a popular movie franchise whose latest installment is “Men in Black: International.” A white shirt, black pants, sunglasses, a black tie and a pen are all you need. All of these things are items you can find around the house or at a local thrift store.

All in all, Trojans, whether you’ve planned your costume since last Halloween or haven’t spared it a second thought, you can make this Halloween your best.

Countdown to Halloween

Happy Halloween

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About the Contributors

Josephine Schwartz, Photo Editor

Josie is a senior, and this is her third year on West Side Story staff. She is the photography editor. Usually, you can find her taking pictures at sports events or tracking people down in their classes to take their headshot. Outside of journalism, Josie reads, watches YouTube videos about archaeology and listens to Hozier.

Vera Tanas, Copy and Art Editor

Vera Tanas is a senior, and this is her third year on staff. She is the Copy Editor and Art Editor for the West Side Story website. Outside of journalism, Vera enjoys playing soccer, listening to music and drinking sparkling water.