For years, I bought new Halloween costumes. The thrill faded when I saw others wearing the same thing, plus they were expensive. Now, I create my own thrifted Halloween costumes, and I’m hooked.

It’s budget-friendly, sustainable, and way more creative. This Halloween, ditch the pricey costumes and join the thrift store Halloween costume revolution.

Discover the fun—and savings—of unique, thrifted outfits.

Table Of Contents:

Why Choose Thrifted Halloween Costumes?

Thrifting your Halloween costume offers wins for your wallet and the planet. It reduces textile waste—a real problem with costumes that often end up in landfills.

Thrifted Costumes Are Budget-Friendly

Halloween costumes can be expensive. Thrifted costumes let you create fantastic looks without breaking the bank.

Most store costumes cost at least $20, often much more. Most thrifted outfits can be created for under $20, especially if you use things like an old sheet.

Thrifting Promotes Sustainability

Fast fashion impacts the environment. Instead of adding to it with store-bought costumes, give existing clothes new life.

It’s also better than buying a plastic costume that’s worn once and tossed. It’s far more sustainable to utilize thrift store Halloween costumes than brand-new ones.

11 Easy Thrifted Halloween Costume Ideas

These ideas can inspire your own thrifted Halloween costumes this spooky season. Consider your existing wardrobe when planning your perfect costume.

Witch

A timeless Halloween costume classic: a long black dress, dark boots, and a witch’s hat (easily DIY-ed from cardboard or red felt).

Accessorize with a broom (a stick with dried weeds works). Add dramatic makeup and black gloves, and you’re ready.

Scarecrow

Grab old jeans, a flannel shirt, and a straw hat. Stuff straw or leaves into the pockets and sleeves.

This is a great costume for men and women. Flannels and jeans are easily found at thrift stores.

Glamorous Vixen

Think Old Hollywood, disco glam. Check your local thrift store for options; their regular rotation might surprise you.

If your initial search yields nothing, re-check periodically; persistence pays off, especially when seeking thrifted Halloween costumes.

70s Disco Star

The 70s are back. Look for sparkly jumpsuits, flared pants, and platform shoes.

Don’t forget big hair and sunglasses for this thrift store Halloween look.

80s Icon

Neon leggings, leotards, and headbands create an 80s fitness guru. Or, rock out with ripped jeans, a band tee, and a leather jacket.

Either one of these is an easy costume.

Tacky Tourist

This costume is perfect for thrifting. Grab a loud shirt, baggy shorts, sandals with sport socks, a fanny pack, and sunscreen on your nose.

Fanny packs are becoming fashionable again, so this is one you might wear post-Halloween as normal clothes.

Vampire

Another Halloween costume classic. Pale face makeup, gothic attire, and dark lipstick.

A cape is optional, and can likely be DIY’d or purchased at a dollar store. A thrift store Halloween look at its finest.

Pirate

A flowy white shirt, ripped jeans or a long skirt, a vest, and boots are your base.

Add temporary tattoos, eye patches, a hook, and gold jewelry. Finish with a plastic sword.

Mother Nature

A long, flowing dress adorned with leaves and flowers evokes a nature goddess. This Halloween costume works great for all ages.

Ghost

The easiest costume. A white sheet with eyeholes—simple yet effective for thrift store Halloween costumes.

You can also turn your existing clothes into a costume by using white button shirts, black pants, or other clothing items you have.

Cat

Black leggings, a black shirt, and cat ears. Thrift a tail, craft one from felt, or buy one.

Don’t forget some whiskers, easily added using simple face paint and your red lipstick for a more stylized take.

Tips for Thrifting Your Perfect Costume

Shop Your Closet First: You likely own pieces to start your costume. A white dress, jeans, a pink dress, or a red dress can be a base.

Thrift Strategically: Choose versatile items wearable after Halloween. A white button shirt or black tights work for costumes and everyday wear.

Start Early: Gives time to refine your costume. Thrift store Halloween planning starts with finding character costumes to copy. If initial finds don’t work, there’s time to adjust.

Accessorize and Up-cycle: Thrift stores have accessories, too. Use a glue gun and craft supplies to up-cycle clothing items and create your character costume. Consider thrifting oversized white shirts and converting into Red Riding Hood. Find white striped suits, a blue jacket, or get a pink shirt and red bow tie, even some black gloves. A simple light blue pleated skirt with knee-high sport socks can turn an ordinary outfit into your best Halloween costume ever.

Clean Everything Thoroughly: Wash pre-worn items like masks and hats thoroughly before wearing. Air them out too, for freshness.

Conclusion

Thrifted Halloween costumes are good for your wallet, the planet, and your creativity. They’re a fun way to create a unique look. Ditch pre-made costumes, embrace thrift store halloween shopping, and visit your nearest City Thrift.

From Red Riding Hood to rock stars, pirates to Harry Potter, possibilities abound when creativity meets costume design. Consider how to incorporate black skirts or trench coats. Use fake blood. Don’t forget that prom queen look is always popular as a halloween costume too.

This Halloween, embrace eco-friendly, thrifted costumes. Show off your personality, save money, and support your community. Thrift stores help great causes, so your shopping does good.

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