Thrifted Halloween Costume Ideas

I’m always a last minute shopper when it comes to most things and hallowtide is no exception. Whether I’m Stevie Nicks, a 1970s Gumby, Columbia from Rocky Horror Picture Show or even Beetlejuice, the outfits come together on the 11th hour. If this seems stress inducing, I promise it’s not; especially when my costumes are bought secondhand. For all my last minute planners out there, here’s three easy thrifted Halloween costume ideas.

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3 Thrifted Halloween Costume Ideas

Thrifted Halloween costumes are truly the top option for the season and there are endless ideas to pick from. My best looks are always thrifted after all. They’re always one-of-a-kind and end up being some of my favourite pieces in my normal wardrobe.

This year I was feeling inspired by music and decided to create three easy looks based on different genres anyone can recreate. All three looks include pieces that I see time and time again when I’m on my usual thrifting hunt.

Country & Western Halloween Costumes

Square dancing outfits are ripe with possibilities. They also appear in the dress racks on a semi regular basis; my collection of square dancing frocks is a testament to this. Have I ever square danced in my life? No, but that’s beside the point. 

Whether you’re a fan of Kacey Musgraves or a true blue Dolly Parton fan, picking country & western music as inspiration is an easy and fun way to dress up for Halloween. Plus the cowboy boots are a staple for any closet! 

Can’t find a square dancing dress? No problem! When it comes to this costume, it’s the accessories that truly make it! Add a cowboy hat, a western-esque belt, a neckerchief, & boots and you’re all set.

Western Costume Essentials

– cowboy boots
– cowboy hat
– bandana
– western style belt

Disco Doll Halloween Costume

Craving some glitz and glamour? Then channel the ghost of Studio 54 in a disco inspired costume! Disco may have had a short run as a popular musical genre but the clothing was without a doubt fabulous.

The look is all about being a shiny beacon of glitter. I was overjoyed to find this silver lamé romper while thrifting and it inspired the entire look. Lamé anything is disco incarnate.

Achieving this look requires finding items that remind you of a disco ball; it’s as simple as that. Bonus points for bell bottoms, platform shoes, and feathered hairdos. Just remember, the items don’t have to be authentically 70s to create the correct vibe either, they only need the essence.

Disco Halloween Costume Essentials

– silver or gold everything
– rhinestones galore
– platform shoes
– statement earrings

DIY Punk Halloween Costume

Now this particular costume is all about revisiting my old roots. As a teenager, I dabbled in this look as my everyday wear. Fortunately my sartorial choices have matured (somewhat) and I’m able to deem this as a “costume” now. (Though my Part Time Punk outfit post and Punk Makeup Livejournal Tutorial post would beg to differ.)

Most thrift shops are a treasure trove for old band tees and plaid skirts, both of which are truly staples of this look. If you’re feeling extra adventurous you can even do some light DIY adjustments.

An easy one is to cut the sleeves off a jean jacket and spray bleach all over it. We used to call those bleachies and will give this costume more authenticity. What’s a punk costume without a little DIY magic? The whole genre is based on that aesthetic! 

Also a few artfully placed safety pins is another easy addition.

Punk Halloween Costume Essentials

– PLAID!
– What’s a punk without some studs?
– Distressed + bleached denim
– motorcycle or doc boots
– a band t shirt

This post is sponsored by Value Village. All opinions on this blog are my own.

photographs – jesse sand + sandy joe karpetz

OTHER THRIFTING POSTS

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The Thrifted Corn Dress
Thrifted Winter Coats
A Thrifted Stampede Outfit
Thrifted Back to School Style