Halloween Costumes – Recycle Ideas for Adults

After the summer months there are three major celebrations before the year ends. Halloween in October, Thanksgiving in November, and Christmas in December. Costumes may be worn at all three events for private parties, public functions, school and church activities, the theater, and other social functions.

If you are a very busy person you may wish to recycle last year’s costume for a new look and to save time. It is not difficult to do so. Here are some suggestions to get you thinking about how to redesign the costume.

Changing the fabric of the costume may be as simple as dyeing it other colors, changing the blouse, shirt, skirt, or pant, add or remove fabric accessories such as scarves and ribbons, wear certain parts of the garment larger by stuffing with a cotton filler or create rips or tears in the garment.

Change or replace Accessories:

1. Don a wig or hairpiece and other facial hairs
2. Use a different mask or apply facial makeup
3. Wear a large rubber nose or ears
4. Wear unusual glasses
5. Change clothing gender
6. Change footwear or walk on stilts or wear roller skates.

After making these new changes another character will emerge.

If you wish to make another costume rather than recycle, here is a list of steps to begin the process for a new costume.

1. Choose a character
2. Select a mask, facial makeup, or an alternate method to cover head and face
3. Review the contents of your closet and bureau draws
4. Wear hair pieces, facial hair, ornaments, scarves, or hats
5. Footwear
6. Essential accessories

If there are any clothing, props, or accessories that cannot be constructed with your skills, rent or purchase that item.

The most important first step is the character choice. Draw and write your description on a sheet of paper. Allow mistakes to occur here, not after starting to make the costume.

Make a list of supplies needed for sewing, assembling, and construction.

Designing and assembling a costume should be as much fun as attending a Halloween party. Time management is important to avoid unnecessary stress.

It’s in the details. Another element of designing is to refine accessories. A particular hairstyle or a prop complete the appearance of the character. A witch wears a pointed hat and rides a broom, a clown has a red nose, a wizard carries a magical wand, and an angel has wings.

Depending on the personality it is advantageous to make sure that the identifying prop is available. Sometimes this can be a problem. I made this mistake one time and I will not do it again!

1. Know how the costume will be used:
2. Is it a private party or a public event?
3. Is it to be held indoors or outdoors?
4. Are you participating in a parade?
5. Is there a costume contest? What are the categories?

These questions will help to determine if clothing is to be worn under or over the costume for coolness or warmth, the strength of garments and props to hold together in outdoor weather, and comfortable for hours of wear.