Halloween is just around the corner, but if you don’t have your costume yet, there’s still time to do some second hand shopping. Putting together a costume can cost a lot of money, but don’t worry. If you shop at thrift stores you can save a whole lot of dough.

Here are some great money saving tips from a second hand shopping guru that will help you keep your expenses down. By shopping at second hand stores you can be creative and have fun at the same time. Here are 4 tips to get you going in the right direction.

Tip #1 – Be Creative

Think outside the box and be creative. Write up a list of items that you’ll need to buy to make the costume complete. Then hit up your local second hand stores and go for it!  Search up and down the aisles while sourcing all the parts of your costume. Check out all the racks and displays for those key pieces to make your costume come alive. Be as creative as you can because that’s what makes it fun.

Tip #2 – Shop at Second Hand Stores

Pick a morning to get up early and focus solely on second hand shopping for some inexpensive Halloween costumes. You may have to visit a few of your local second hand stores to score all the pieces for some great costumes, but you’ll still end up spending a fraction of the price that a costume shop would’ve charged, and the selection and prices will be excellent.

Tip #3 – Look for Solid Colored Tops and Bottoms

Look for solid colors when choosing pants and tops. A pair of blue jeans can be the basis for a farmer’s costume. A white blouse can be the beginning of a nurse’s costume. Also, solid black separates are your key to success for costumes. Black clothing can be the inspiration for many traditional costumes, such as Frankenstein, Dracula, Captain Hook, witches, cats etc.

Tip #4 – Do It Yourself

If you’re a crafty person why pay expensive retail prices when you can make your own costumes for yourself and your kids? It’s so much more rewarding and it’s cheaper. It’s simple and easy to put together costumes. Get started with these simple directions.

Items Needed

• Solid color shirts, pants, dresses & coats
• Shoes & boots
• Hats, scarves, jewelry & accessories
• Craft felt & fabric markers
• Key pieces – masks, stethoscopes, etc.

Directions

• Decide on a creative costume idea
• Find the needed items while second hand shopping
• Put your costume together & make necessary alterations
• Add remaining touches – paint, dye, felt, fabric markers, etc. 
• Try your costume on to make sure it fits & looks great!

Don’t spend tons of money at costume shops when you can create your own for less. You’ll find the cute costumes that you’ll need second hand shopping at the Arc Stores in Chico, Paradise, and Oroville. Visit the one nearest you today!