In need of a costume, but don't want to spend a bomb?! We've got you covered... in FAKE BLOOD!
It’s that time of year again... the nights are getting earlier (and frostier), and our sweaters and coats are getting hauled back out of the garage. This can mean only one thing: Halloween is around the corner!
But how will you top last year’s costume, you ask?
Well, forget taking out a mortgage to look jaw-dropping this year, we’ve got 5 costumes that are totally DIY-able and won’t break the bank...
1. Bring Hollywood to Salford, and be Saltburn’s Oliver and Felix...
Whilst Barry Keoghan spends most of his time these days being (maybe) in a relationship with pop starlet Sabrina Carpenter, we can’t forget his breakout role in the blockbuster ‘Saltburn’ last year. The film arrived just after Halloween in 2023, so we’re predicting we’re going to be seeing Oliver and Felix lookalikes galore this year (not a bad thing). These party costumes would work great for a pair or equally solo!
For Oliver’s costume, get your crafts out to papier-mache some horns. Next, grab an old white suit jacket/shirt in a charity shop, and paint the leaf design on (if you’re feeling ambitious) and SORTED!
For Felix’s costume, grab a cheap vest from Primark (if you don’t have one already), and any blue jeans you have already will work. For the wings we recommend using a wire clothes hanger, bending into shape, and attaching feathers (can get these from any craft shop cheap), and finally spray painting gold.
2. Try out Jenna Ortega’s style and be Wednesday Addams for the night...
Everyone was watching Netflix’s show ‘Wednesday’ earlier this year, so there’s never been a better time to go as the infamous Addams family member if you’ve been thinking about it. This costume is pretty open and Ortega wears a variety of different looks on the show.
THINK WIG! A cheap wig will do, and make sure you braid with the signature double plaits for maximum effect. A simple black dress and white collar would look great, and if you have anything with black and white stripes to add, everyone will know who you are going for.
3. Brat summer might be over, but we’re expecting to see a lot of Charli XCX lookalikes this year...
It’s been Charli XCX’s year, and we’re guessing people all over the internet can’t wait to show off their DIY Charli XCX costume this year. All you really need is the signature all-black sunglasses (and you have to keep them on all night), your hair down (or the longest brown wig you can find) and one of her signature tees.
You can easily create your own version of her famous quote t-shirts, find an old blank t-shirt, crop it, get a sharpie out and have fun! We recommend printing out your quote on paper, placing it between the front and back sides of the tee, and tracing the outline before you fill it in with your pen for best results.
4. Get your yeehaw on and go as a Cowboy/Cowgirl!
We all have at least one mate with a cowboy hat lying around from a Taylor Swift or Harry Styles concert. If you manage to wrangle the hat, you’re half way there! Any denim jacket will do (bonus points if you add tassels).
There’s no rules to this costume, so pull whatever you have in your wardrobe that works! Think bandanas, cow print, denim, leather. Tip: check out Pinterest for more inspiration. Sky’s the limit.
5. If gore is your thing, Carrie could be the best DIY costume with the ultimate WOW factor...
This is by far the messiest costume on this list, but will definitely impress your friends. Find a cheap white dress (or one you already have but don’t mind destroying with fake blood), and don’t be shy! You can use fake blood from the pound shop or online, or alternatively red makeup to create the effect. Super DIY and everyone will know who you are dressed as.
While you’re at the pound shop, don’t forget to pick up a cheap tiara to finish the look. Tip: apply the blood on the dress BEFORE the day you wear it, so it can dry and is less likely to rub off onto your mates!
No matter which costume you decide on this year, it’s all about having fun. Plus, it always feels more rewarding when you pull together your outfit DIY-style, and at least you know that you won’t accidentally match with someone else wherever you’re going.
So, get your craft on, and have a go at one of these costumes!