Embellish inexpensive store-bought costumes for fabulous costume looks! This hat came with orange cording, green band and buckle. I added moons and sequins. >>

Buy an inexpensive store costume and embellish with beads, fabric paint or sequins! You can find ideas and items at your local craft/fabric store, $1 Stores and discount marts.

Call your local costume rental store and inquire about discounts to "less than perfect" costumes. With a little creative thinking, their trash could be your treasure!

Sometimes people leave their items behind at Dry Cleaners. Once or twice a year, the dry cleaners often have sales to rid themselves of these items. They are really cheap, usually the price of the original cleaning. Call your local cleaner for details.

Gather a group and pick a theme. Everyone dress accordingly.

Avoid carrying props. They are a pain.

Wigs can be expensive but hair clip-ons may be right up your alley and you can wear them after Halloween!

Visit thrift stores and estate sales to find authentic costume jewelry and clothing.

Masks can be pesky. It is safer and easier to paint your face instead! Or maybe you want to dress up but don't have a lot of money. Face painting kits are cheap. Maybe you aren't allowed to wear costumes to your job... Paint your face! Many places will let you "dress up" by face painting. Some places such as bars and night clubs do not allow patrons to wear masks. Face painting avoids this hassle.

If it's chilly outside on Halloween, wear a layered costume. No more hiding in a coat to be warm all night.

Throw a Costume Swap party! Invite all your friends and request that they bring their oid costume for swapping. It's a great way to get a "new" costume for free!

Rent a costume. Reserve as early as possible (at least a month), to get the best one!

If you have used Vasoline to slick hair back, use cornstarch in hair to soak the grease up. Put on, let sit. Wash. Repeat several times. Vasoline in hair is NEVER recommended!!!

Visit your local playhouse or acting troop to inquire about old costumes.

Organize a costume drive for your local high school drama club or troop!

Buy Costume Book titles from our Amazon Store!