DIY costumes easy, fun

Going out and buying a costume can get pricey or even boring, but with these DIY costumes, you can show off your creativity and personality. These costumes look great once completed and require little effort and time to make. This Halloween, there's no need to spend a lot of money on your garb; take a look in your closet or local thrift store and you'll be surprised with what you can find.

Hippie:

Bell-bottoms: It might be possible to find a real pair, especially since they come back into fashion every so often. If not, try a wide flare leg pant jean.

Tie-dyed shirts: This is an article of clothing that should be easy to find since they've never really gone out of style. Or feel free to tie-die you own shirt.

Fringed shirts and vests: If you're lucky, you might be able to find one of these in someone's closet or at a thrift store. You can also improvise by cutting strips in old shirts. Make a vest out of a T-shirt by cutting down the middle, cutting out the collar and removing the sleeves.

Peasant blouses: You can try hunting for these flowing flower-child shirts at your local thrift store.

Long, flowing dress or skirt: Try to look for floral or ethnic art patterns.

Accessories:

Jewelry: Long strands of beads or jewelry made of natural materials like shells or hemp. You'll most likely find these just from looking around the house, but if you need to buy them, look for appropriate jewelry at a dollar store.

Footwear: Sandals are best for the hippie look. Going barefoot is even better if it's possible.

Other: If you want to go the extra mile, try adding a pair of John Lennon glasses. You can usually find cheap fashion sunglasses at your local department store if you don't already own a suitable pair. If you're a girl, you can also add a little something extra by letting your hair down and adding a couple braids. Also, try adding to your costume by painting peace signs, flowers and slogans on your body.

80s Girl:

Find some old jean shorts or a jean skirt you can ruin. Then take it outside, and sprinkle a good amount of bleach all over to acid wash it. Get a big sweater from Goodwill or any other thrift store and cut out the neck. Wear the sweater off the shoulder with a bright tank top underneath. You could also try wearing really colorful leggings or tights with bright or intricate patterns. Wear lots of chunky necklaces and jewelry. Have fun with your makeup by using bright eye shadows, red lips and cheeks. Wear your hair in a side ponytail and tease it as much as possible.

Last Minute Costume Ideas

Tom Cruise in Risky Business:

This is a really simple costume you can throw together last minute at little cost to you. All you'll need is an oversized dress shirt, white socks, white boxer shorts and a pair of Wayfarer-inspired sunglasses.

The Good Ol' Toga:

Everyone has bed sheets, so all you have to do is wrap a sheet around you toga style and pin it in place. Wear gladiator sandals if you have them. If not, go barefoot or find another pair of sandals. You can pick up some leaf garland at the Dollar Tree for a headdress. A gold rope tied around the waist can also help accentuate your toga.