Create or Make your OWN costume... from those you bought in the past

A great trick is to take an old costume and dramatize it. Go as the same character from last year or the year before, but use makeup and hair accessories to spin the original costume. In other words, use this holiday as a chance to over do it!

For example:

Cheerleader becomes Corpse Cheerleader

Use dark eye shadows, black eyeliner, blood red lipstick, and press on black fingernails to transform "Suzy Q" into a character from the night of the living dead. Tease your hair, rip the fabrics, and "dirty" the uniform with real dirt. Throw a little fake blood on the pom poms and be sure to say "Go team...!"

80's gear becomes Napoleon Dynamite (buy a red fro wig)

Get out those moon boots and tight jeans, because it’s easier to dress as an 80’s character than you think. Simply wear a red fro wig and cheesy glasses, dark blue jeans stuffed into your moon boots with a white t-shirt…this costume is ready to go in minutes.

Old Bridesmaid dress becomes Gothic Princess

Transform a sweet and innocent princess into a dark goddess of the night. Apply dark makeup (lots of eyeliner), shimmery lip gloss, do your hair up in a french twist and use glitter hairspray. Stick fake spiders in your up do. Adding a black sash or velvet ribbons is another way to "darken" a bright costume to get the Halloween effect.

Marilyn Monroe becomes Trashy Movie Star

Take that Hollywood halter and throw on a feather boa. Do it up with oversized sun glasses, an exaggerated mole, ratty hair, pearls and of course...a liquor flask and you have just joined the real Hollywood gang!

Mrs. Kennedy becomes Monica Lewinsky (remember the cigar!)

Use a traditional "first lady" dress but if it's royal blue, this will surely be best. Don't forget black sunglasses, a french hat, white gloves and a cigar and many will not even have to ask who you are. Acting obnoxious and walking in with a man dressed as Bill Clinton is another dead giveaway.

Your Mom's workout clothes becomes 80's Aerobic Instructor

One of my personal favorites...dig up some workout clothes that include spandex and leg warmers. Find a head sweat band and wristbands to boot, wear a side pony tail and lots of light blue eye shadow. Then cut an old college sweatshirt and let it hang off one shoulder. Why this ever went out of style...I will never know.

Black Suit becomes Jake or Elwood (Blues Brothers)

Wear a black suit with a white shirt and black tie. Complete the costume with black sunglasses, a black hat and warm up your vocals for a night full of fun. A great costume for two best friends, one tall and one short. Hitting up a party in Chicago wouldn't be bad either...

Travel Gear becomes Honky Tourist

Find an oversized Hawaiian shirt, white undershirt and khaki shorts. Then grab some binoculars, sunglasses and a straw hat. Be sure to pull your socks to your knees and wear sandals (with socks!) Put the binoculars and your camera around your neck. Poof! You're "that guy!"

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