Your Ethical Halloween Costume Guide
Stuck for Halloween costume ideas? Looking for DIY options that are quick, easy and low waste? Keep on reading to find some ethical Halloween inspo!
It’s the spookiest season of the year! While Halloween (sadly) isn’t as popular here in Australia as it is in North America, it’s still a fun excuse to dress up and get creative.
Maybe you have a party coming up — or maybe you’ve kindly volunteered to go trick or treating with your kids! Whatever the case, you’ll be needing a spooky costume.
The problem? Most store-bought Halloween costumes are low-quality, flimsy, and made from synthetic materials. They’re worn once then thrown into the back of your wardrobe. Plus, they’re super expensive. Keeping this in mind, let’s run through some alternative options.
Tips For an Ethical Halloween
- Costume Swap!
This is — by far — the easiest option we’ve come across. Message your friends and see what costumes they might have hiding in the back of their wardrobe. Maybe you require something really specific to finish off your costume, like a pointy witch’s hat, bell-bottom jeans, or a bright wig. This is a really great last-minute option if you don’t have time to make or buy your costume. If you've got a neighbourhood/community Facebook group, post in there and see if you can organise a Halloween costume swap!
- Rent it out!
You only need a costume for one night, right? Renting a costume is an easy, affordable, zero waste option — plus you don’t have to worry about storing it afterwards. Lots of party shops, costume shops and local theatres will rent out hundreds of different costumes and accessories around Halloween. Just make sure you keep it in good condition for the next person that wears it!
- Thrift it!
This option is a bit more time consuming, but it’s definitely the most fun. If you’re looking for a vintage item to finish off your costume — your local second-hand store will probably have it! There are so many hidden gems and unusual items that can only be found in thrift stores. Don’t have time to scour through racks of clothing? Check out Facebook Marketplace, Etsy, Depop, Gumtree or eBay for specific items or complete costumes! Many people want to get rid of old costumes in the quickest, easiest way possible — so you’re guaranteed to find a bargain.
- Make it!
Are you the creative type? Making your Halloween costume yourself can be affordable, fun and rewarding. Plus, your costume is guaranteed to be one-of-a-kind! Here are some simple ideas to get your creative juices flowing…
Easy Ghost Costume
BOO! When it comes to Halloween, you really can’t look past a simple ghost costume. Start off with a layer of black clothing, then drape and pin white cheesecloth or white fabric around you. Finish off the look with pale makeup and a dark smoky eye. If you're really strapped for time, an old sheet with eyes cut out will do the trick!
60s Hippie Costume
Peace & Love! The best thing about a hippie costume is that its highly customisable and instantly recognisable. Simply pop on a flower crown and some circular sunnies and you’re good to go. As for clothing? Think: Loose, earth-toned clothing with floral or paisley prints, tie-dye shirts and bell-bottom pants. Bonus points for a peace symbol necklace!
Bob Ross & Happy Little Tree Costume
This one is for the couples! Simply cut out leaf-shaped patterns from green felt and stick/pin onto a brown jumper. For Bob, all you’ll need is a paint palette, a paint brush and a curly brown wig. Bonus points if you bring a baby squirrel plushie with you!
Frosted Animal Cookie / Fairy Bread Costume
Yum! This costume is super cute and super easy. First, stick some colourful Pom Poms on a white or pastel coloured dress. Next, use some cardboard to cut out an animal shape and animal ears. Paint them white and cover with Pom Poms. For an Aussie twist, cut out a bread shape and pop some fairy wings on — now you’re fairy bread!
Scarecrow Costume
This is a fun one if you’re into makeup. Pair the scarecrow makeup with a pointy hat (or straw hat), overalls, and a loose green top. Stick or stitch some random fabric patches onto your outfit for a more authentic look!
Corpse Bride Costume
Lastly, a scary one. Well, not that scary — but it definitely could be! Pair a ripped, white lacy dress with black gloves and pearls. Apply pale, ghoulish makeup and fake blood. Think: Lindsay Lohan’s bride costume on Mean Girls.
Make this Halloween an ethical one! Swap, rent, thrift or make your costume — and most importantly — have fun with it! Tell us about your Halloween costume plans in the comments below.
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