Halloween Costumes from Your own Closet

Halloween Costumes

from Your own Closet

HALLOWEEN COSTUMES FROM YOUR OWN CLOSET Written by Jamie Randall, Contributing Writer Photographed by Molly Jacobs, Staff Photographer Modeled by Molly Phelan Makeup by Brigetta Hartzell Styled by Shannon Hasbrook

When October rolls around, costume planning creeps into everyone’s mind. So often people purchase costumes to wear once and don’t even consider the potential that exists within their own closet. It’s time to save money and be more sustainable this Halloween; here are six articles of clothing that you can use for your costumes.

1. Flannel

This basic fall staple has a lot of costume capability. Tie your favorite flannel around your waist and pair it with denim to achieve the classic ‘country’ look, or get a friend with nice sweaters to be your David and channel your inner Stevie Budd from “Schitt’s Creek.” If you’re a big “Gilmore Girls” fan, wear a baseball cap backward and bring around a coffee cup to get into Luke Danes’ character. For an inseparable duo, throw on your flannel, put your hair in braids and grab some peanut butter and Oreos to morph into Hallie and Annie Parker from “The Parent Trap.” 2. Leather

Leather is a sleek and sexy option that you can never go wrong in. Pair a jacket with a black skirt or ripped jeans and fishnets for the classic biker outfit. You can also wear it with leather pants or leggings to channel your inner rockstar: think Olivia Newton-John from “Grease” or Vanessa from “Phineas and Ferb.” If you’re feeling the pants but don’t want to be too flashy, grab some animal ears and you’re good to go. For something that fits the season, embody the 2021 movie “Cruella” starring Emma Stone and style a leather jacket with a long midi skirt—add a cane and a white and black wig to seal the deal. 3. Animal print

Animal print has made a comeback this season and comes in many different clothing styles. From dresses to crop tops, skirts and more, this is probably the easiest way to dress for Halloween. Pop off and transform your look into the old reliable cheetah troupe, or Sydney Sweeney’s iconic Alabama Worley from HBO Max’s “Euphoria.” What better way to represent the Midwest than a cow-print skirt, dress or set?

4. Denim

Although jeans are arguably the most basic and staple piece of clothing, they can still be incorporated into your Halloween look. For a decade’s theme, find a pair of flare jeans and some chunky heeled boots to achieve a disco aesthetic or classic “Mamma Mia!” look. Denim on Denim is also a simple way to replicate a great pop culture costume. Grab a partner and have them be the Justin Timberlake to your Britney Spears or Nicole Ritchie to your Paris Hilton. For a 2000s look, grab some low-rise jeans, a cropped white or black tank top and a vintage bag from your closet and you are good to go. 5. Graphic Tees

It is so easy to use your graphic tees in the back of your closet for a costume. Whether it’s a classic Rolling Stones top or a Snoop Dogg tee, take advantage of the graphic tees you own to achieve a more memorable and original costume. Find accessories like a bandana or big hoop earrings to create the full rock star aesthetic. Add grunge makeup for the complete look.

6. White-collared buttondown shirt

A white collared shirt is so simple yet serves as a great base piece for dozens of different Halloween costumes. Recreate the iconic Wednesday Addams’ look this October by pairing your go-to button-down with a black dress. Take inspiration from Mia Wallace from “Pulp Fiction,” and wear your white collared shirt over a black bra with black flare pants. In honor of the end of her conservatorship, this is a great year to go as Britney Spears’ in the “...Baby One More Time” music video. This simple but easily identifiable look requires nothing more than a white collared shirt, black skirt and grey cardigan. Your closet holds so many options that you may not be aware of. Grab that article of clothing you haven’t worn in a while and give it a good wear in your DIY costume for Halloween 2021. Your bank account will thank you later. ■