With Halloween just around the corner, many parents are feeling the pressure to find the perfect costume for their little ones without breaking the bank. For parents of young children, buying a costume they will grow out of immediately can seem like a waste of money. A children’s clothing expert has shared how you can skip the expensive store-bought outfits and make your own budget-friendly Halloween costume, using items you likely already have at home.
Sonja Adams, founder of Tigertags.co.uk, comments: “We know that Halloween can quickly become an expensive time for families, especially with little ones. That’s why we’re encouraging parents to get creative this year with simple DIY costumes like the skeleton vest. It’s not only affordable but potentially of no cost at all if you use a baby grow that your child has already grown out of. Plus, it’s a great way to avoid the fast fashion of one-time use costumes while still ensuring your baby looks adorable and spooky!”
Here’s how you can turn an ordinary baby-grow into a skeleton costume that’s as adorable as it is thrifty.
- Gather Your Materials
The best part of this costume is that it requires minimal materials. All you need is a white vest or bodysuit, a pair of scissors, and a black long-sleeved top or baby grow to go underneath. If you don’t already have these items at home, they’re inexpensive to pick up at most supermarkets or online retailers: 3 bodysuits for £3.50 at George, Asda.
- Cut the Baby Vest
Lay the white baby vest flat on a clean surface. Using a pair of sharp scissors, cut out shapes that resemble a skeleton’s rib cage along the front of the vest. You don’t need to be an artist to get this right! Simple, evenly spaced rectangles or oval shapes will do the trick. Cut off the sleeves and any poppers to form a vest shape.
- Layer the Vest Over the Black Top
Once you’ve cut out your skeleton design, all that’s left to do is layer the vest over a black long-sleeved top or baby grow. The black fabric underneath will contrast with the white vest, making the cut-out shapes stand out, giving the appearance of a classic skeleton costume.
- Optional Accessories
If you’re feeling extra creative, you can enhance the look with a few simple accessories. For instance, you could add a black hat with a skeleton face drawn on using white fabric paint, or even some themed leggings or tights to complete the outfit.
(image: tigertags.co.uk)
Creating a homemade Halloween costume has multiple benefits beyond saving money. It’s a fun, engaging activity for parents and can be done in just a few minutes, making it ideal for busy families. Additionally, opting for a DIY costume means you can avoid the fast-fashion pitfalls of store-bought outfits, many of which are used only once before being discarded. This eco-friendly approach ensures that you’re reducing waste while creating something special for your little one.
