Costume Pieces - Only for Halloween??

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. 

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The first step is to consider the stereotype associated with your costume piece.  Next, google costumes that fall under the stereotype.  And then add accessories, the fun part!  

​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.  

Still needing a little inspiration?  I'm just a click away.    

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