DIY Quick Costumes

October 31st is a favorite costume holiday for many, but Halloween isn't the only costume event of the year! Many people throw costume parties no matter what time of year, and in late winter and early spring, Mardi Gras and Carnivale offer adults several big costume party holidays.

Having a fun costume doesn't have to be difficult, expensive or uncomfortable. Remember to take into account temperature and activity. What works well for trick-or-treating outside when it's cold might not work so well for an indoor party and vice versa. If you're going to be dancing, remember that you're going to be sweating a lot and want to be able to move all parts of your body.

Think about how much you need to see out of the costume and if you need to be able to eat or drink while wearing the costume. Does wearing makeup make your face itch, or can you go for a few hours without touching it? If you sweat too much does your makeup run? Are you just happier in a big coat and a funny hat?

When costuming little kids, make sure whatever you dress them in still makes it easy to take them to the bathroom. Also, be mindful that they often will smear fancy makeup, or pull off wigs and hats constantly if they are still toddlers.

All these considerations make for a more pleasurable dress-up experience. Now get out there and Be Fancy!

There are a few ways you can come up with a costume or funky outfit on short notice and they often also work well for those who are trying to dress-up with little or no budget.

The "All Black Fallback" - It's quick, it's easy and most likely it's already in your closet. Yes, I'm talking about dressing in all black and then just doing something costume-like from the neck up. This works really well when you have to suddenly switch from "real-life" to going to a party, for sudden last-minute invitations or even spontaneous moments of fun. This can be anything from jeans and a long sleeve black t-shirt to a tuxedo (good for guys or gals!) You can add a wig, a mask or even a really wacky pair of eyeglasses and you're good to go!

The Cape - If you own a cape or cloak, this is often a quick and versatile costume all in itself. Any number of characters start to appear as soon as you put on a cloak: vampires, elves, wizards, Red Riding Hood, damsels in distress, monsters. If you keep what you wear under it simple and low-key, the cape can make your look become a lot of things. Simple ones can be sewn at home, cheap ones can be found at Halloween stores and if you want to get functional and fancy, get one at the Renaissance Faire.

The Cross-Dress - The best example I ever heard of this was told to me by a couple who had a fall wedding in the afternoon followed by a costume party that same evening. On the way from event #1 to event #2, they pulled over the car and switched clothing so that when they showed up at the party, she was wearing the tuxedo and he was in the bridesmaids dress. That trick works best when you are a couple that is very close in height and size, as those two people were. Hit the thrift store and buy clothing that is gender-reversed. A fake beard for the ladies or funky wig for the guys often completes the look.