With the first few denim jacket days and nights filled with firepits and s’mores, the spooky season is officially here! This year, I’m extra excited for Halloween because I’ve decided to throw a costume party. There’s nothing like getting to spend a few hours outside of reality in someone else’s shoes (and clothes.) When it comes to costume shopping, my rule has always been to shop secondhand first. Just like so many holidays, Halloween generates a ton of waste that gets sent to landfills at the end of the season. Why contribute to that when you can find something even more perfect at a thrift store like Goodwill®? Not to mention, it’ll be a fraction of the price!
When it comes to seasonal stock, every Goodwill is different. I’ve walked into some Goodwill stores that have full costumes on display and ready to be purchased and worn. Others seem to specialize in decorations more than costumes. Still, others might not have anything specific to the season, however their selection of clothes, shoes and household items provide the perfect foundation for an awesome, creative costume or DIY decoration. Sometimes, it’s all in working with what you have on hand.
Of course, you can make a difference in what your local Goodwill store has in stock, too. Take some time at the start of each season to go through items from previous years that you may have outgrown or decided are no longer your style. Bringing them to Goodwill can make someone else’s day. You never know when it might be the exact item someone else is looking for. At the same time, you’re giving back to your local community because sales from donations go directly into free job training and resources for people in your community.
Ready for some Halloween costume inspiration? Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing the next time you browse the racks at Goodwill.
- Classic Animal BFFs
Looking for a costume in a pinch? Animal print clothes can be some of the easiest ways to get festive this season. All you need is an animal print top or dress, ears, and a creative makeup idea! You can make this even more unique by being a “Beanie Baby” animal and cutting a red heart out of cardboard as an oversized necklace.
Photo: @makeupbyleyla
- Diva Barbie
We’re all still in awe of Margot Robbie’s performance in last year’s Barbie movie. Check out this gorgeous pink sequined dress I came across at Goodwill that’d be perfect for your Barbie costume. Pair it with your natural curls or a blonde wig, and try to find a perfect pink jacket (or boa) to match.
- Cookie Monster
Not only will you have kids saying “trick-or-treat” at your door, but they’ll also be delighted to see Cookie Monster! Pull a blue fuzzy sweater off the rack at Goodwill and transform it by making some DIY cookie accessories. Bonus points if your treat bowl is filled with mini cookies for the big day
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