By Haley Beets
Sugar rushes and cute costumes are memories from Halloween’s past. College Halloween doesn’t hold the same magic as it did in our youths. Halloween falls during the rush to finish midterm papers and cram for exams.
Oftentimes, schoolwork comes first, and holiday preparations are forgotten until the last minute.
Pre-packaged costumes cost at least $20, which usually is money that students prefer to spend on food or entertainment.
There’s no need to stress out about finding an affordable costume, because you probably have all the pieces you need already.
The following list of costumes can be made with items in your closet plus a quick trip to the store or thrift shop.
- 50 Shades of Grey: Wear an entirely grey outfit from your closet. Then attach paint swatches, which can be found at hardware stores for free, with tape or safety pins. You may not like the
Sophomore Shayna Herr as Katniss Everdeen book, but party guests will appreciate the play on words.
- Waldo: Pair a red and white striped shirt with jeans, a stocking hat and eyeglasses. If you don’t have glasses, lens-less glasses can be purchased for less than $5. For added fun, hide at parties and text your friends “Where’s Waldo?”
- Rosie the Riveter: The only things this easy costume requires are a denim shirt, red lipstick and a red bandana. If you don’t have a denim shirt, they can be found at most thrift stores. The lipstick and bandana can be purchased for under $1. This is a classic look that history buffs and vintage enthusiasts will love.
- Cereal Killer: This look is for the pun lovers. Affix as many boxes of cereal as you can find to your clothing and carry a plastic knife. You can don a “Jason” style mask to convey the “killer” part of the costume.
- Katniss Everdeen: This one is timely with the approaching premiere of “Catching Fire.” The most important elements of the costume are braided hair and a toy bow, which can be found in the toy aisle. Katniss wears dark pants, tall boots and a zippered jacket. To get into character, say “I volunteer” whenever possible during the course of the evening.
- Bunch of Grapes: Buy a package of green or purple balloons. Coordinate your shirt and pants with the color of the balloons and affix the balloons to your clothes. Avoid sharp objects the rest of the night.
- Macklemore: This is the thrift shop Macklemore, so a fur coat and pompadour hairstyle are must-haves. The rest of the outfit is up to your creativity. Plaid shirts,
Sophomore Shawni Mutter as Rosie the Riveter gold chains, sunglasses and even pajamas work for this costume.
- Operation: Use construction paper to cut out shapes from the game Operation and tape them to your clothes. Color your nose red with marker or lipstick. Make a loud buzzing noise if people enter your personal space.
It’s no secret that college students are master procrastinators, so start working on your costume now. It’s not too late to have a magical Halloween.
