It’s that time of year again when everyone swears October is their favorite month, obsesses over pumpkin flavored foods and drinks, and costume shops pop up down the street from your apartment (if you’re in the city).
With midterms falling during the weeks prior to Halloween who has the time or money to shop for a Halloween costume?
Luckily, DePaul students have a year-round, well-stocked costume shop Chicago Costume across the street from the Lincoln Park campus.
“Throughout the year we get a lot of people for comic conventions or theater productions,” Sarah Krehlo, a sale associate at Chicago Costume, said. “Halloween is going be crazy, wall to wall.”
For many students questioning this year’s costume choices, one of the main factors is something that’s quick and cheap.
“I’m thinking about being something quick, something that I can put together on the fly,” said DePaul student Brooke Beatty. “Yeah, I’m definitely ‘a day of’ type of person.”
“I like to pull Halloween costumes together from different places,” said Kristin Monroe, a DePaul senior. “I haven’t figured out what I am going to be I’m still looking for something cool.”
You’d be surprised at what costumes you can create with the clothes in your closet and a few accessories from a costume store. Below are some ideas on what to be for Halloween at a low cost.
The movie/TV costumes
Harley Quinn
Despite what film critics thought about “Suicide Squad,” it’s undeniable that the characters of the film have become immensely popular – especially Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn. The leading star of the film has every Halloween wig section stocked with a blonde wig that has pink and blue tips at the end. Harley Quinn’s hair may be distinct but an outfit transformation is very much possible. Grab a cropped white shirt from the closet and pair it with some black shorts. Pick up lace stockings to put under the black shorts and add black Converse or any black athletic shoe to complete the look.
Jon Snow
There may not be another television show on air that has gained as strong of a following as “Game of Thrones.” With fans continuously guessing what’s to come in Season 7 this next summer, there is no better time to dress up as your favorite characters than this Halloween. No better character choice would be the legendary Jon Snow, essentially the show’s main male lead at this point. As long as you nail down the northern accent and sword skills, Jon Snow would be a solid Halloween costume for this year.
The current events costumes
Michael Phelps
After the Olympics this summer it’s only right to pay homage to the most decorated Olympian of all time. A blue speedo is optional, but considering the temperature drop that normally happens around Halloween it might not be the most fun. Blue basketball shorts could work too. After grabbing a medal from a costume or craft store (if you don’t already have one) you are now Michael Phelps.
Kenneth Bone
Not many people can experience the immediate stardom that Kenneth Bone went through this week after simply asking a question about energy policy at last week’s presidential town hall debate. His bright red sweater and thick mustache quickly caught the eyes of viewers as many took to social media to express their adoration for the undecided voter. The combination of the red sweater, mustache and disposable camera is bound to be one of this year’s most popular Halloween costumes.
Social media costumes
Joanne The Scammer
If you are active on Twitter, then you are probably familiar with the hilarious persona Joanne The Scammer. With over 600,000 followers on Twitter, her simple coat, black heels and obvious blonde wig are a Halloween costume must. Grab a faux fur jacket from the thrift store and pair with any black heel to re-create the look.
Snapchat filter
Although Snapchat’s initial release was in 2011, face filters are new to the scene. Pick your favorite filter and recreate it with a group of friends. Draw the dog, flower, bee, etc. of famous filters on cardboard paper. Cut them out and string it to your face for a unique costume idea.