HALLOWEEN: Last minute costumes that don’t cost the earth

Halloween at Queen’s is a big deal -  and between midterms, house parties, and the sudden drop in temperature, finding a costume can sneak up fast. But don’t stress (or spend $80 on a Spirit Halloween outfit you’ll wear once). Kingston’s thrift stores and your own closet are absolute treasure troves for creative, affordable Halloween looks.

Here are some Halloween costume ideas you can easily thrift or DIY with what you already have -  perfect for students on a budget.

Commerce or Science Student Ideas

• Men in Black = Grab that interview suit, add some glasses, and you have the perfect costume 

  

• Mad Scientist = Your science lab coat. Add goggles, gloves, and chaotic hair.

Spooky Classics — Thrifted Edition

• Fortune Teller = Patterned skirt, shawl, gold jewellery. Carry cards or a thrifted crystal ball (or snow globe)

• Scarecrow = Flannel shirt, overalls, straw hat. Add stitched makeup and hay (or paper) in your shirt cuffs.

  

Group & Duo Costume Ideas

• Scooby-Doo Gang = Each color is easy to thrift: purple for Daphne, orange for Velma, green for Shaggy, blue for Fred. 

• Spice Girls = Baby = Pink outfits, Scary = Cheetah, Ginger = anything union Jack, Sporty = tracksuit or gym clothes, Posh = black clothes

• Magic Mike = Blue jeans, white top, everyone already has, a tie and a backwards cap. If you can afford a few dollar bills, add them to the pockets. 

  

  
  

• Peaky Blinders = get yourself to the men's section, find a waistcoat and flat cap and voila

  

Where to Thrift in Kingston

If you’re new to the local thrift scene, have a look at our Find Fashion map too. 

Final Tips

Borrow and swap - Ask housemates or friends before you buy - costume swaps save money and the planet.

DIY details - Cardboard accessories and a bit of makeup can completely level up a simple outfit

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