Quick Costumes on a College Budget

1. Rosie the Riveter

The famous Rosie the Riveter is a classic American icon that most people can identify. It’s a simple and cheap costume that is easily put together. All you need is some kind of collared, blue shirt, which can be purchased from the local Goodwill/thrift store, and a red bandana. The shirt can be picked up for less than five dollars and the bandana costs $1.97 at Walmart. As for the pants, that’s up to you! Dark wash jeans or some kind of black pants are recommended. Red lipstick is a great addition to this costume. Wet N’ Wild lipstick at CVS is just $1.99.

2. Lumberjack

This costume is extremely simple and may not require you to purchase anything. All you need is a plaid shirt, preferably red and black plaid. That’s the only part of the costume that you may need to purchase, and you can get a plaid shirt just about anywhere. Your best bet is to visit a thrift store or Walmart. You also need black pants (or leggings!) and any type of black shoes. That’s all there is to it! The best part is, is that this is also going to keep you warm and comfortable. (P.S. Don’t go full lumberjack and carry a real axe, but a foam one would be a nice touch.)

3. “Mean Girls” Fan

This is a great costume for all of you “Mean Girls” lovers. Steal Regina’s look  buy cutting holes into a white tank top and then wear a purple (or any other  color you already have) camisole underneath. There you have, now you are  totally fetch. White tank tops can be purchased at Walmart for very cheap, or  you could even see if a friend has one you could use! (Just make sure he/she  isn’t expecting it back.)

4. Heisenberg

If you’re a “Breaking Bad” fan, dressing up as Walter White’s alter ego, Heisenberg, is too good to pass up. Plus, it’s really simple. All you need is a black pork pie hat (or something similar) and a pair of black sunglasses/regular glasses. With those simple items, you are “the one who knocks.” A black pork pie hat can possibly be found at a thrift store and/or Walma rt. The price of the hat is a little pricier at Walmart ($13.95), but it is the perfect hat for Heisenberg. If you can’t grow facial hair in time (or at all), use a brown eyebrow pencil to draw yourself a moustache and beard.

5. Tinder

This is not only going to be an easy costume, but a hilarious one. All you have to do is cut out a red “X” and a green heart (♥). Tape these both to whatever shirt you want and there you have it! You can have fun with this costume no matter where you go. The best part is this is completely free and you shouldn’t have to leave the comfort of your house to find supplies.

6. Amy Pond

I know there are tons of Doctor Who lovers out there, and this costume is perfectly simple for Whovians. Wear normal clothes and write tally marks all over your face and arms. That’s all there is to it! This is another costume that is completely free, which makes it even better.

7. Wayne’s World

Party time! Excellent! Take on a classic movie and dress up as either Wayne or Garth. Put on your favorite black t-shirt or band t-shirt which can be bought from the thrift store. Next, you need a pair of jeans. For Wayne, wear a black hat with something that reminds you of the 90s on it. For Garth, try to tease your hair into a mullet and wear black-rimmed glasses.

8. 404 Error

All you need is a white shirt and a sharpie. You may want to go pick up a cheap white shirt from the thrift store so you don’t have to use one of your good ones. Simply write “404 Error: Costume not found.” This for those of you who really didn’t have time to plan a costume and you’ll be ready to go in less than five minutes!