The trick to putting together a quick Halloween costume isn't a trick at all...not when you start with the "costume" pieces you already have in your closet.  What? You say?  You don't keep your Halloween costumes in the closet with your every-day clothes?  Of course not.  But many of those everyday clothes are actually considered "costume" pieces and very different from the basics discussed in the previous post.  Costume pieces are detailed, decorated in ways that prevent its look from being changed easily.  They may have distinctive top stitching, rhinestones, rivets, embroidery that make them limited in terms of the occasion they can be worn.  Often times, people who feel like they have nothing to wear, actually have a closet full of costume pieces.  These interesting pieces are creative, distinctive, and add zest to your basics.  A truly efficient closet will have both, with more basic/classics and less costume/trend items.   So how do you take those costume pieces and turn them into an actual Halloween costume?  Here are a few ideas for something quick, easy and inexpensive. 

​Take your trench coat and turn it into a detective or femme fatale.  

Turn a jumpsuit into a grease monkey.

​How about a plaid lumberjack shirt?  Put on the fake beard and ax and you're good to go.  

Dad's old plaid blazer makes an amazing Mad Hatter costume.

Using heavy black boots and as the inspiration, a mad scientist was created.  Add crazy hair, lab coat, black rubber gloves from Walmart and you're ready.

A black leather jacket, may have been a motorcycle jacket originally and makes a great 50's Greaser, or Harley Rider.  I put this look together for a client, taking what he already owned and adding a black leather jacket from Forever 21.  

Taken a different direction, there may be a certain something you've been eyeing, but couldn't justify spending money on, now's your chance!  Dress it up for Halloween and then wear it everyday.  

I used to be one of those people who thought if the clothing didn't have detail or personality to it, it wasn't for me.  If it's too simple, it's boring and I'll never wear it.  This was fine until I had a closet full of pieces that would only work with one other thing, and soon became tired of wearing that same combination.  Talk about boring!  I have since learned the "beauty of basics" from Judith Rasband.  These are clothes with simple lines and shapes and generally minimal patterns.  I love that they don't attract a lot of attention to themselves so I can easily change how they look to fit my mood and occasion.  They don't get boring quickly because they are so versatile.  They actually allow me more freedom to be creative!  I've found a couple of basics for you this month in fabulous fall colors, with a great scarf and beret to be all the more winter ready.  

1.  Sweaters - the Loft's stitched tunic sweater and Nordstrom Rack's turtleneck sweater in cream, dark olive, burgundy and other fabulously fall colors. $20

2.  Nordstrom Rack's straight ponte knit skirt.  A rock solid basic in too many colors to count.  $17

3.  Nordstrom Rack's geometric blanket scarf in colors that will add fullness to your lips and sparkle to your eyes! $20

4.  Old Navy's basic sheath dress, fabulous all year for oh so many occasions.  Dress up or down with layers and accessories.  $22

5.  The classic beret.  Get it in camel, black or raspberry, if you're a Prince fan.  Looks chic in any color.  $13