Check out some of the suggested costume ideas that you can recreate by yourself through your thrift store treasure finds. Let loose of your creativity and resourcefulness and craft the trendiest and Insta-worthy costume this year.
Are you going to a thrift shop to piece together a Halloween outfit? Here’s a collection of clever and affordable thrift store Halloween costume ideas you can choose from.
Watching individuals in their homemade costumes is half the fun of Halloween. Sure, it’s simpler to go with what’s in your closet, but what’s the joy in that? To DIY thrift store Halloween costumes, the first place to source your materials is by checking out several thrift stores.
It’s not easy finding the precise thrift store Halloween costume you’re looking for, but with patience and resourcefulness, you’ll be able to create one for yourself. This guide will help you through the aisles by suggesting Halloween costumes you can easily design from thrift store finds.
Thrift Store Halloween Costume Ideas
Let go of the ghostly and witchy costumes this year. Here are some clever thrift shop costume ideas that can bring out the creativity in you:
1. Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany’s
This iconic Hollywood film, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” inspired this effortless but identifiable outfit. Some of the components could be sitting in your closet now, but if not, you’ll surely get them from your local thrift stores.
Look for these items:
- Sleeveless black shift dress
- Pearl costume necklace
- Headpiece encrusted with jewels
- Black Heels
- Long black gloves
- Cigarette holder
2. Velma from Scooby-Doo
Dress up like everyone’s favorite smart cartoon character for the night. Gather some pals and complete your gang’s Halloween costumes from thrift stores with Freddie, Daphne, Shaggy, and Scooby-Doo costumes.
Look for these items:
- A bright orange sweater
- Skirt with red pleats
- Bright red pointed-toe ballet flats
- Lime orange calf-high socks
- Confidently nerdy eyewear
- Magnifying glasses
3. Dora the Explorer
This easy costume is fantastic for adults and children because it requires so little time and effort to put together. A monkey is a huge plus.
Look for these items:
- Pink shirt
- Orange shorts
- Purple backpack
- Sneakers
- Bracelet
- Short brown wig with bangs
- Stuffed monkey
4. Indiana Jones
A famous saying, “Whatever you do, do it like Indy,” refers to the action man Indiana Jones; and an Indiana Jones costume is perfect for Halloween. Many items you’ll need to create this iconic costume are probably already lying around your home, but if not, a trip to the thrift store can help you round off this ensemble.
Look for these items:
- White shirt
- Button-down shirt in olive or khaki
- Khaki cargo pants
- Brown hiking boots
- Wide-brim hat
- Leather whip
- Satchel
5. Cleopatra
Cleopatra has been celebrated in various media, from film and literature to art and print. She was one of the most well-known rulers in history and Egypt’s final independent pharaoh. Being Cleopatra for a day would be a dream come true. This Halloween you can dress up in an exotic Cleopatra costume.
Look for these items:
- A black, straight, shoulder-length wig with bangs
- Colorful drape dress
- Hair ornament, find the biggest one
- Statement necklace
- Iconic eyeliner make-up
6. Hamburglar from Mcdonald’s
This famous McDonald’s mascot is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to construct with items you already have sitting around the house. But if you can’t find some of these items, you can definitely do so in a thrift shop.
Look for these items:
- Black-and-white striped shirt
- Black hat (Pro-tip: Take a witch’s hat, cut the top off, stitch it, and add a yellow ribbon to finish it off)
- Hamburger tie: Construction paper
- Black cape
- Mask (Pro-tip: Make your own by tearing up an old black shirt)
7. Where’s Waldo
Let the people find Waldo in you by dressing up like him this Halloween. This is one of the thrift store Halloween costume ideas that is simple and easy to recreate.
Look for these items:
- Shirt with red and white stripes
- Striped beanie
- Black-framed eyewear
- Wooden cane
8. Scarecrow
For trick-or-treating or a fall gathering, dress up as a scarecrow but skip the filthy straw. This is a terrific thrift store Halloween costume for both children and adults.
Look for these items:
- Sunhat or straw hat
- Boots
- Distressed jeans
- Plaid shirt
- Temporary scarecrow tattoos
9. Sheriff
Instead of spending a fortune on a sheriff outfit, take a style hint from the Old West and shop for an old-fashioned sheriff’s outfit at a thrift store. Grab a friend to be your deputy, and you’re good to go for the evening.
Look for these items:
- Jeans
- Chambray button-down shirt
- Cowboy boots
- Red bandanna
- Cowboy hat
- Sheriff’s badge
10. Clark Kent
Putting on Superman’s secret identity is a breeze. Layer a Superman T-shirt under your business suit and complete the look with a Clark Kent hairdo and black rimmed glasses.
Look for these items:
- Superman logo shirt
- White or blue button-down, partially unbuttoned to show “S”
- Tie
- Black slacks
- Dress shoes
- Black-rimmed glasses
11. Mary Poppins
The classic fictional character Mary Poppins is the ideal role model for a Halloween costume. A Mary Poppins costume is arguably the best thrift store Halloween costume you can buy.
Look for these items:
- White-collared button down
- Red ribbon
- Black bowler hat
- Black skirt
- Black tights
- Large carpet bag
- Umbrella
12. Sockhop Sweetie
Let’s head to the party! A ’50s poodle skirt girl is the ideal go-to bargain costume—and it’s one you can throw together at the last minute when you go thrifting.
Look for these items:
- Plaid, pink, or black knee-length skirt
- Cat-eye glasses
- Cardigan in pastel colors
- Lace-trimmed socks
- Pink flats, sneakers, or saddle shoes
- A square scarf or neckerchief
- Poodle appliqué: Pin a computer printout or a patch from a craft store on your skirt.
Conclusion
With Halloween coming up this month, there is a wide selection of witty, amusing, and downright brilliant thrift store Halloween costume ideas floating around that don’t require much effort or money. If you have some Halloween makeup, basic craft supplies, and some extra time on your hands, you can absolutely pull off these looks. You can make them yourself, get them at a thrift shop, or even make do with items already in your closet.
Celebrate Halloween with Haven House and Thrift Store.
Halloween is a time to let loose and get creative with your costuming by exploring clever and trendy thrift store Halloween costume ideas. You can scour your friendly neighborhood thrift shops, such as Haven House Thrift Store, the go-to Destin thrift store, looking for items that your chosen character costume entails. You can rest assured you can find everything you need for your Halloween ensemble at your local thrift store, and it’s available at a very competitive price. Visit us now and prep for your stylish Halloween costumes.
