Halloweekend is creeping up, and, if you’re like most of us, you still have no idea what you’re going to go as. You want to be original — cats, nerds, cowboys/girls and bunnies are all overdone — but you don’t have the time to make something elaborate, or the money to buy a costume from the party store.  Here are some simple and easy ideas of what you can make just by stopping by the bookstore or CVS:

For the “I-actually-want-to-look-cute-on-Halloween”costume

 

You always want your friends to be blown away by how creative your costume is and take pride in the fact that you look cute while doing it. And there is nothing sweeter than a gumball — except for maybe chocolate, but that’s a different outfit. Pick up a pack of those mini pom-pom balls you used for arts and crafts in elementary school and glue them to a form-fitting tank top. Pair it with a red skirt and a pair of converse and you’ll be looking as bubbly as your bubble gum.

 

For the scream queen

 

For you, the more dark and demented your costume, the better. For those who dabbled in the dark side, this skeleton look can be executed by wearing black (tight-fitting separates or a jumpsuit, if you have one) and create the skeletal details with either paint or, if you don’t want to put paint on your clothes, cut the design out of thick construction paper and use double-sided tape or glue to stick to your clothes. To really add an extra element to your costume, use black and white face paints to make your face look like a skull. You’ll be sure to scare more than a few people with how good your outfit is.

 

For the jokester

 

We all know the “Saturday Night Live” skit with comedic legends Justin Timberlake and Andy Samberg “Dick in a Box.” This costume takes the skit and brings it to life. All you need is a box, some wrapping paper, a bow, a blazer or a suit jacket, a belt or something to keep the box around your waist and, if you really want to get into the outfit (and you don’t have facial hair) a fake beard. You’ll by far be the life of the party, and if they’re laughing, trust me, they’re laughing at your costume, not you.

 

For the lazy bum

 

If you really don’t have the time or don’t want to have to put the effort into making a really elaborate costume, this is the costume for you. As long as your friends are familiar with computers, or have a sense of humor, they’ll be laughing at your look. All you need are a white t-shirt and a black Sharpie.  Just lay your shirt flat and write “Error 404: Costume Not Found.” Across the chest of your shirt. Just make sure to put a piece of cardboard or some other thicker material in-between the two sides of the shirt so that the Sharpie doesn’t bleed through. Pair it with a pair of jeans and sneakers, or really whatever you want. After all, it’s not a real costume.

 

No matter what look you want to go for this Halloween, there is a costume out there that you can make with as little, or a lot, of effort, time and money you want. Now you’re ready for the monster mash.

Published on October 27, 2015 at 12:01 am