Better Beauty: Homemade Halloween Costumes

I'm not an "off the rack" kind of gal when it comes to clothing. Same thing goes when it comes to costumes. But you don't have to spend a fortune at a costume shop to have a totally awesome Halloween getup. Get creative and use items you already have on hand or can get from a thrift store. Here are some of my favorite costume ideas:

The Hippie--This costume requires a pair of bell-bottom pants, a tye dye t-shirt, a fringe vest, headband, flip flops, a long wig, and 60's style sunglasses. If you don't have these items at home, you will be sure to find them at local thrift stores for next to nothing.

The Tourist--You will need a pair of khaki pants or shorts, a t-shirt with a city or tourist attraction on it or a bright Hawaiian print shirt, tennis shoes or flip flops, a baseball cap or large sun hat, a fannie pack, sunglasses, maps and a camera. Women can also wear a Hawaiian print sundress instead of pants or shorts.

The Nerd--What you need is dark-rimmed glasses with masking tape in the middle, pants that are too short, a short-sleeved button down shirt that is a bit tight and preferably plaid, white knee-socks and dark colored penny loafers, and a pocket protector full of pens. If you have short hair, use hair gel to slick back in a nerdy style. Longer hair can be tied back in an off-center, sloppy pony tail. Use makeup to paint on freckles-- or pimples if you prefer.

The Scarecrow--Use an over-sized flannel shirt, faded blue jeans with patches (try the iron-on type available at your local drug store), a piece of rope to make a belt and ties at cuffs of jeans and sleeves, a straw hat, white or brown work gloves, well-worn boots, newspaper, and a bit of straw. Put on the clothing and stuff the shirt and jeans with newspaper. Tie a piece of rope around cuffs of pants and sleeves of shirt, and at waist to form a belt. Add a little bit of straw sticking out of shirt collar, sleeves, hat and pant cuffs. Use makeup to draw on a "happy" or "scary" face.

Miss America--Use an old bridesmaid or prom dress, add a pair of gloves, a tiara, some over-sized jewelry and heels. For the banner, use a piece of wide ribbon and fabric paint to write "Miss America", "Miss Universe", "Miss Congeniality" or other wording of your choice. Apply makeup, false lashes and bold lipstick. Don't forget the pageant wave (move only the hand not the whole arm) and blow kisses as you make your entrance and exit!

The Hobo--All you need is an over-sized long sleeve flannel shirt, over-sized overalls or jeans with suspenders that look well-worn, a straw hat, bandanna an old broom stick, boots or old shoes with holes. Stuff the bandanna with paper or cloth and tie it around the broom stick to carry your loot. You may want to cut holes in clothing and fray edges and/or add patches for a more worn appearance. Slice sides of shoes open and stuff with newspaper. Use makeup to create a "five o'clock shadow".

The Gypsy--What you need is a long floral skirt, blouse with puffy sleeves, large hoop earrings, bandanna or scarf, sandals, beaded necklaces, bangles and bracelets, and a shawl. Tie hair back in bandanna or scarf. Apply bronzer and dark eye makeup.

The Fancy Ghost--For this inexpensive costume all you need is a white sheet, a pair of scissors and some accessories. First put the sheet over your head and check length. If it is too long, trim the bottom so you won't trip over it. Cut some eye holes and a mouth hole. Then dress it up a bit with lipstick, eyeshadow, and cheek color. Add some earrings and a necklace. For a man, add some glasses, paint on a mustache and beard and add a tie.

If you have another home-made costume suggestion or idea for a future Better Beauty Blog, email Kelly at AskKellyQuestions@yahoo.com.

For more fashion and beauty tips, log on to Kelly's website at www.TotalFashionMakeover.com.

Kelly Machbitz, Certified Image Consultant

Kelly Machbitz, AICI CIP

"The Better Beauty Insider"

Image Consulting Professionals

www.TotalFashionMakeover.com