Halloween Costume on a Student Budget

Time flies and before you know it it’s Halloween and it’s time to get dressed up. But what makes a good Halloween costume, and how can you find one on a student budget in the middle of a living crisis…

Fear not, here are some of our top tips on how to get a strong Halloween costume for this year on a weak budget!

Charity Shops

Charity shops are bursting with Halloween costumes this time of year! Grab some friends or take a self-care solo trip to your closest charity shop for some inspiration. You can go for an entire outfit or get some accessories and details to add to what you already have.

Not only is it kind to the environment to get a second-hand outfit, but it’s also very kind on your wallet.

Swap with Friends

Was your friends Halloween outfit extra fire last year? A great way to save some money but change up the costume wardrobe is to borrow from/swap with a friend!

They might have a full Halloween costume or maybe a “normal” piece of clothing that you can combine into a character. The only limit is your imagination.

Costume Shop

Soirée Dress Up & Party is one of Brighton’s go to for fun fancy dress. Selling everything from gloves to hats and wigs to entire outfit packs, there is sure to be something there for everyone.

With a varying price range, it can be a great place to find a statement piece or core part of your Halloween costume, without breaking the bank too much.

If not, it’s always a fun browse, but don’t leave it too late! A few days before Halloween most of the good stuff will be gone.

Vinted

Looking for a Halloween costume that’s good for the environment and your wallet at the click of a button? Vinted is the option for you.

Browse through thousands of thousands of Halloween costumes, and don’t forget to filter for size etc. or you will be looking for hours! Now that Vinted has expanded it’s deliveries, you might even find a fun outfit straight from the US or Australia?

The options are endless, but don’t forget to factor in delivery times when ordering to avoid disappointment.

Our Top 3 Halloween Costumes

1. Zara Larsson (Y2K, sparkles, bright colours, blonde wig, microphone, dolphins)
2. Performative male (tote bag (bonus point if Trader Joe’s), matcha, Labubu, beanie, jeans)
3. Police officer (hat, badge, baton, blue shirt, handcuffs)

Make Up/Face Paint

Make up goes a long way when it comes to Halloween outfits. Want to save as much money as possible whilst also staying in your comfortable everyday clothes? Make up will do the trick.

You only need white and red to create a killer clown face, or black and white for a haunted nun look. Maybe even old school with a tiger or a butterfly… Borrow a make-up kit from a housemate or a friend to save even more, sharing is caring.

Go the extra mile with special contact lenses, false lashes, gem stones and maybe even face glitter (think Zara Larsson).

Superdrug, Boots, fancy dress shops, charity shops etc. all sell face make up kits that can give your simple outfit a spooky Halloween look.

Most importantly, whatever costume you choose to wear, have fun + feel confident + stay safe.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!