Anybody can walk into a Halloween costume store and plop down $50 for a generic costume-in-a-bag and be ready to go as anything from a sexy stewardess or French maid to a cute Cookie Monster or Tootsie Roll. But where’s the fun in that?

This Halloween, with a bit of planning and creativity, you can rock a costume that is cute, sexy and original – not to mention bargain priced! Rather than risk showing up at your fright night fest in the same “naughty nurse” costume as five other women, try one of the ideas below for a (relatively) cheap and easy way to rock your Halloween costume.

Travel Back In Time

Halloween gives adults the chance to play dress-up and explore any era that catches their fancy. Whether you deck yourself out in a campy cavewoman costume (furry boots, “bone earrings” and a stylish fur vest) or an ’80s material girl (fingerless lace gloves, off-the-shoulder top and big blonde hair) time-traveling costumes are always a hit. Below are a few ideas on how to travel back in time in style:

Greek Goddess – Find a loose-fitting white tunic or billowy white dress that stops above the knee. Use gold cord to wrap around your waist and chest, creating an interesting pattern with the material. Top it off with last season’s gladiator sandals, big gold earrings, an arm full of bangles and a dusting of gold eye shadow. To really bring off this look, purchase some silk, wired ivy from an art supply or fabric store and shape it into a pretty little head piece.

Mad Men Maven – Fashionistas will love this retro chic nod to the stylish ladies of AMC’s Mad Men. Whether you choose the icy blonde immaculate princess look of Betty Draper or the va-va-voom sex appeal of head-turning Joan Holloway, a Kennedy-era costume is classy, feminine and flattering. Hit the vintage stores to find the perfect dress-preferably something that pulls in at the waist and emphasizes your bust-and style your hair into the perfect updo, with make-up that is just so. Finish the look with a playful prop; a fake cigarette (remember, they still thought smoking was healthy!), a martini glass or a prim pair of white gloves and pillbox hat.

Hollywood Hotties

Live out your celluloid fantasies by stepping into the role of your favorite Hollywood starlet or movie character. The key is to pick someone with a signature look that lots of people are bound to recognize, otherwise you’ll spend the whole night saying; “Have you seen Eat, Pray, Love? I’m her. Get it? The gelato cup?” Below are a few suggestions on how to look like you’ve just stepped off the silver screen:

Mia Wallace (played by Uma Thurman) from Pulp Fiction – This easy-to-achieve costume requires very little assembly-a brunette wig with a blunt cut and bangs, a crisp white shirt, cropped black pants and a little fake blood under the nose-but plenty of cooler-than-cool attitude and a willingness to show off your “twist” skills.

Poison Ivy (played by Uma Thurman) as seen in Batman & Robin – Uma seems to always get the sassy iconic costumes, and this comic book villainess is no exception. Find a bright red “mermaid” wig and have fun with the sparkly eye shadow and eyeliner. Find something form-fitting in green or a red one-piece bathing suit with green tights and cover yourself with fake ivy from a craft store.

Jackie Brown (played by Pam Grier) in Jackie Brown – Capture some of Pam Grier’s saucy bad-ass attitude with a retro, curve-hugging navy blue suit jacket and skirt, white butterfly-collar shirt, jaunty neckerchief, pilot’s wings, nametag, flight bag and a fake pistol. Hair should be worn down and in loose waves to achieve the full effect.

Lydia Deetz (played by Winona Ryder) in Beetlejuice – This goth heroine is fun and easy to pull off with enough white face powder and black lace. Use black hairspray, available at most costume shops for about $5, to mold your hair into a spiky, high ponytail. Form shorter pieces in the front into little spikes that come down over your forehead. Cover your face with a thick layer of light powder and line your eyes with black makeup, giving yourself dark under-eye shadows. Don a black dress, preferably with lace, and black tights and you are ready to go!

Holly Golightly (played by Audrey Hepburn) in Breakfast at Tiffany’s – Be the chicest lady at the party by dressing as one of the most beloved female film characters of all time. Slip into your most flattering little black dress, long black cocktail gloves, a beautiful updo and piles of sparkly costume jewelry. Props include a mile-long cigarette holder, big black sunglasses and a little paper bag to hold your tasty, but dainty, breakfast treat.

Last-Minute Suggestions for Winning Halloween Costumes

 

When a last-minute invite for a Halloween soiree pops up in your inbox and you’re nowhere near done gathering supplies for your sure-to-be adorable cowgirl-from-Mars costume, don’t fret – improvise! With a quick trip to the craft store or a rummage through the nearest junk closet, you can put together a Halloween costume to get you through the night.

Sexy Zombie Secretary (or businesswoman, librarian, etc.) – Turn your everyday wear-or a more creative version thereof-into a horror show. Wear a normal outfit, or choose a theme, and do up your face with gray pancake makeup, black under-eye circles and fake blood. It’s amazing how much more interesting a sexy “executive” costume is when it becomes a Sexy Executive…of the Undead. Slump your shoulders and lurch around the party asking for “braaaaiiiinnnns” and you’re sure to get a laugh or two.

Have Pun With It! – For those who love to inject a sense of humor into their Halloween costume, use supplies from around your house to go as a walking pun; a serial killer (empty miniature cereal boxes affixed to your outfit and a fake knife as a prop), cat burglar (all-black outfit, cat ears and a bag filled with your stolen goods) or a ceiling fan (write “Ceilings are the Best!” on a white T-shirt, throw on denim cut-offs and carry a sign that says “Ceilings are No. 1!”)