By Chole Rhoden

Your Halloween costume this year doesn’t have to come pre-assembled in a bag for over $60; instead, you can piece it together yourself for under $20! You probably already have some pieces in your closet and the rest are just waiting for you on the racks of the thrift store! Think pirates, vampires, witches and so on. Most of these iconic Halloween personas can be achieved through layering and finding the right staple piece. I went ahead and put together a few examples for you with some gems I found at Park Avenue thrift in Duluth!

For the pirate look, first and foremost, fill a flask with rum. Next, search for a vintage blouse of some kind and layer it with a vest! Add some baggy pants or a flowy skirt; bonus points if they’re tattered. Accessorize with a belt or scarf tied around your waist and perhaps an eye patch. If you can’t find a pirate hat, then a bandana will work wickedly! It also doesn’t hurt to add some fish nets to your ensemble and a shabby pair of swashbuckler boots. Lastly, don’t forget the smudged eyeliner! 

As for a vampire-inspired costume, a flowy blouse will work just as well, though an elegant bell-sleeve top or dress would be killer for this look. Keep an eye out for dark reds and deep purples at the thrift store as you piece together your mysterious and moody vampire outfit. Pair it with a corset or vest, vintage-looking jewelry, lacey gloves, a dreadful smoky eye and just a smidge of fake blood around your mouth to really sell it!

Hopefully this guide can help spark some morbid curiosity for your costume this Halloween, whatever the wicked occasion may be!

Try These Locations!

• Furkids Thrift Store in Peachtree Corners
• City Thrift in Lilburn
• Southern Thrift Market in Norcross
• Alley’s Attic in Lawrenceville