Halloween is one of the only opportunities to take on a new identity and become someone else - showing off how creative you can be without spending a lot of money is only one of the perks. For those not wanting to spend $20 to $50 on an elaborate store bought costume, here are a few simple ideas that can easily be put together with items probably laying around most students' dorm rooms.
The first rule of thumb when putting together a cheap and easy costume: think simple and fun. For students on a budget, it's important to use things you already own or spending money wisely on a few accessories, rather than buying a brand new costume you may never wear again.
Before paying full price at a party store, scout out other options. Look for pieces at a thrift store like the Salvation Army, or discount stores like Big Lots and Marshalls.
Even dollar stores sometimes have inexpensive pieces - cowboy hats, wands, capes, glasses, fake colored hair, plastic guns and knives, magic tricks, feather boas, Hawaiian leis and a plethora of other options.
If you're really gung ho about Halloween and "Sparky" is willing to sit still long enough, dress up your dog as well. If he refuses, use him as an accessory. Stick him in your purse and become Paris Hilton.
A classic option for girls is "the school girl." This costume, although somewhat overdone, is easy with a plaid skirt, a white or matching color button up shirt, and knee high socks from your closet.
Some students go against the grain and aim for a costume they know no one else will have.
"I want to be a skunk for Halloween this year because they're so cute and it's original," said Amber A. Small, a junior political science major. "I just thought it'd be fun to mix it up."
For guys there are plenty of easy options to look Halloween party worthy with minimal effort. There is always the pirate, especially popular due to the summer release "Pirates of the Caribbean, Dead Man's Chest." All you need is a ripped white undershirt, a pair of black pants or jeans, some form of vest, a handkerchief on the head and an eye patch (try the dollar store, or make one with string and black felt).
"I'm going to be a pirate for Halloween, just because I think it'll be cool," said Amit Aharon, a freshman, physical therapy major. "I'm going to wear the eye patch and everything. It'll be so cute."
Picking a theme with a group of friends and going out as one cohesive group is a great way to get into the Halloween spirit - pick characters from a favorite movie or book.
"My roommates and I are dressing up as classic actresses," said Maria Profeta, a junior nuclear medicine technology major. "I'm going to be Audrey Hepburn, one of my roommates is going to be Marilyn Monroe and then another is going to be Sandy from Grease."
Another costume idea, versatile for both guys and girls, is the "Mexican Serape." Put together a sombrero, a bright colored poncho and a pair of sandals. As a finishing touch, buy a water gun from the dollar store.
"I'm going to be a sexy devil for Halloween," said Missy Perkins, a junior nursing major. "It's something that's really easy to be and I just felt like being something that would get people's attention."
Halloween is not only about how sexy or cool the costume is, but it can also be about getting back to the time honored tradition of scary and gory costumes.
Masks and some fake blood are a great way to go gory for less. Both go great with an all black outfit and maybe even a fake knife in the chest could be added for effect.
To take the gory costume even further, base the gory monster costume off of a notable scary movie character like Freddie from "Nightmare on Elm St.," Jason from "Friday the 13th" or Beetlejuice. Girls can don a white dress and long black wig and transform into a character from "The Grudge" or "The Ring."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
