Budget Halloween costumes

The season of pumpkins, sweets and trick or treating is upon us yet again (it only seems like 5 minutes since last Halloween doesn’t it?!) and there’s a good chance that a lot of you are on the lookout for Halloween costumes. Whether you’re going to a party, trick or treating or dressing up for work, you want to look the part, but being the best-dressed at Halloween can get expensive.

Here are a few costume ideas from us that make maximum impact with minimal budget…

• Emojis - everyone loves them, and costumes are cheap and cheerful. Some you could go as are Sassy girl - literally all you’d need is a pink top (and a sassy hand motion), Dancing lady – red dress (as many ruffles as possible), Dancing man – purple suit/shirt (Saturday Night Fever pose essential)
• Alternatively you can buy masks/t-shirts/entire outfits of actual emoji’s and really expand your selection – heart eyes, crying laughing and monkey-covering-eyes would be out go-to’s. Take a look here for some ideas.
• 50 shades of grey - this is great, and so simple - attach a load of paint colour cards to a black t-shirt et voila - see what we mean here
• Minions - yellow top and dungarees (preferably a yellow hat/goggles too)

• Tetris piece - paint a cardboard box to look like those familiar old-school cubes - it's bulky but brilliant
• Bank robber - black trousers, stripy top and a mask/swag bag which you can get for cheap online (or might even have from a previous idea)
• Mafia - great for a group of friends - suit up, shades on and stand around looking menacing all night.
• Cowboy/cowgirl - think denim and plaid shirts - tassels and fake horse optional (but always recommended)
• Creepy doll/puppet - this is all about the makeup - you can find some amazing YouTube tutorials showing you how to do this. Even better - other than some white face paint, chances are you (or someone you know) will have all the makeup you need for this look
• I conic movie starts - think of iconic movies (either scary or not) and raid the charity shops to find any bits you don't have - think on the level of Pulp Fiction, Alien and Grease, where most people are likely to recognise key characters.

There are literally thousands of costume ideas online. If you’re feeling short of inspiration then Pinterest is a great place to start but remember – you can adapt everything so it fits your budget.

What are you dressing as for Halloween this year?

Did we miss anything? Let us know by sharing your tips!