Costumes: An Anthology

I’m surprised I didn’t post anything about Halloween costume-making last year. But by now I have two years’ worth of costume concocting photos. Mwa Ha Ha. Would you rather buy your costume or make one? Or maybe you have a tried and true go-to that you wear annually. (I wore my pirate costume 3 years straight. I was in a pirate phase.) I’m definitely a fan of making something out of existing clothes or thrift finds.

I found this awesome mask that would have worked great for last year! If you’re curious to try DIYing a Halloween costume, I’ve got a couple ideas – some take more time than others. I kind of wanted to be a piñata this year, but I had enough assembly with my owl costume last year.

2013

I had a ton of fun making myself into an owl! Know that it takes a lot of time and patience.

I started with a bunch of felt, feathers and two old dresses.

I started by cutting and overlapping oval shapes.

Then I sewed a bunch of the shapes together into a strand.

I tried to keep them looking textured by offsetting different colors.

I could then string them around this hooded dress, like Christmas tree lights, and hide the stitching between layers.

And that’s the best photo I have to show for it! This year I’m seeing a bunch of pre-made owl costumes, but what’s the fun in that?

2014

Joe’s dad told us awhile ago to be Tarzan and Jane, so we decided to make it happen! Joe is obviously a natural Tarzan within. I needed to channel my inner Jane.

So many options: The Jungle Jane version, the Disney version, Jane Goodall. I kind of mixed all of those ideas and found a few cool pieces to bring it together.

I found some wooden and beaded jewelry at the local Goodwill as well as this clutch and bow.

This is my favorite! Panama Jack hat for $1.50.

I ran some twine through the eyelets to hang off my back.

I recently bought this pair of shoes that seemed colonial/new world adventurer.

I had this top already in my wardrobe, but found this long mustard skirt.

Jane from Disney wears a plum neck tie ascot thing, but I just attached this to the skirt belt in back.

So I’d say the night was a success! Joe just threw a leopard print blanket around his waist and a cool wooden necklace (also Goodwill.)

Here’s the full Jane. Joe was fully embracing Tarzan, talking in the third person and probably would have climbed some trees, if not for his kilt getting in the way. Now if only we had a pet Cheetah sidekick.

What’s everyone else going as for Halloween?