Scarily good savings 🎃💰

Halloween is one of the best times of the year to get creative and have a laugh with your mates. But if you’re a uni student, you might not want to splash out on an expensive costume that you’ll only wear for one night. The good news is, you don’t have to! There are plenty of ways to put together a killer Halloween look on a budget. Here’s how you can create an awesome costume without breaking the bank.

1. Shop second-hand on Vinted

Vinted is a goldmine for students looking for affordable Halloween costumes. Whether you’re after a full costume or just a few bits and bobs to complete your look, you’ll find plenty of second-hand bargains on Vinted. The great thing about buying second-hand is that it’s not only cheaper, but also sustainable – you’re giving clothes a new life instead of buying brand-new items that you’ll only wear once.

• Tip: Search for individual pieces rather than full costumes. For example, if you’re planning to dress as a witch, look for a black dress or cape and then accessorise with a hat and broom. You can often find unique and quirky items that will make your costume stand out from the rest.

2. Raid your wardrobe

Before you head out to buy anything, have a rummage through your own wardrobe. You’d be surprised how many Halloween costumes you can create with clothes you already own. Have a black turtleneck? Pair it with black trousers and go as a burglar. Got a flannel shirt? Tie it around your waist, add some fake blood, and you’ve got an instant zombie lumberjack costume.

• Tip: Basics like plain T-shirts, jeans, and old shoes can often be repurposed for DIY costumes. A little creativity and some makeup can turn your everyday outfits into something spooky.

3. Get crafty with DIY accessories

Sometimes, the best costumes are the ones you make yourself. Craft stores and pound shops are great places to pick up cheap materials to create your own accessories. Think face paint, fake blood, and cardboard props. With a bit of creativity, you can make any👻hing from a sword to a pair of fairy wings on a budget.

• Tip: You can find tons of DIY tutorials online for simple Halloween props. Want to be a cat? Make your own ears from black card and glue them onto a headband. Going for a vampire look? Use red lipstick as blood and some craft paper for DIY fangs.

4. Hit the charity shops

Charity shops are another fantastic option for finding Halloween costume essentials at low prices. Many charity shops have dedicated sections for costumes and fancy dress items during October, so it’s worth checking out your local stores. Even if they don’t have full costumes, you can often find great accessories, jackets, or themed clothing to build your outfit.

• Tip: Charity shops are perfect for finding vintage clothes. If you’re going for a retro or historical costume, like an 80s rocker or a Victorian ghost, you might find the perfect piece in a second-hand shop.

5. Swap with friends

Why buy when you can swap? Ask your friends if they’ve got any costumes from previous years they’re willing to lend or swap. You might have the perfect accessories for their costume, and they might have just what you need for yours. Costume swapping is a great way to save money and still come up with a fresh look.

• Tip: Make it a fun event by having a pre-Halloween costume swap night with your flatmates or friends. It’s a chance to get creative and maybe even come up with some group costume ideas.

6. Use makeup to your advantage

Makeup can be a cheap and easy way to transform any outfit into a Halloween costume. Even a basic black outfit can be turned into a spooky look with the right makeup. Think skeleton face paint, gory scars, or a simple cat-eye. If you’re not confident with makeup, there are plenty of YouTube tutorials that show step-by-step how to create the perfect Halloween look.

• Tip: If you don’t have fancy face paint, don’t worry! You can use basic makeup items like eyeliner, red lipstick, and foundation to create most Halloween looks.

So, get creative, have fun, and enjoy your spooky night out without worrying about your wallet!