Easy Homemade Costume Ideas for Halloween

Fall has arrived before we know it Halloween will be here. Coming up with costumes for the boys can sometimes be rather interesting as we refuse to routinely buy pre-made costumes.  This year is still up the air for my boys, so I thought it would fun to share what they’ve done in past years in case it inspires someone for their own family. What follows are some easy homemade costume ideas for Halloween or any other dress-up occasion.

Some of these, unfortunately, do not have pictures as I can’t find my copy of them to share. So descriptions will have to do.

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Easy Homemade Costume Ideas for Halloween: Young Children

This is the age range where we did tend to buy some ready made costumes. First off, you can often find gently used ones at resale shops for a good price. Secondly, little kids LOVE to dress up frequently. So, I didn’t mind having a few on hand for those preschool years.

Sometimes a desired costume is bought as a birthday or holiday gifts, like my youngest son’s Hulk costume last year.

You can find Marvel Avenger Costumes for Kids at Amazon if your local store doesn’t have the size you need. 

Easy Homemade Costume Ideas for Halloween: Older Kids & Even Adults!

This is the age range where we typically dig around what we have on hand in the house and cobble something together.

Last year we had a 50’s inspired costume for my 9th grader and a Rocky inspired one for my 6th grader.

My 9th grader wore a leather jacket which I’d been gifted in college from a close friend, a white t-shirt underneath, and he rolled up his jeans.  Sunglasses helped to complete the look.

For my boxer, he wore casual clothes with a hoodie and then sported boxing gloves and head protection.

A few years ago, one of my boys wanted to be a Jedi. A short robe over dark clothes and toy lightsaber is how we pulled off the look. Of course, if you don’t have the robe in house, it might be easier and almost as cost effective to order a Star Wars Costumes for Kids from Amazon.  

That same year, my third born son decided he was going to be a businessman.  A nice Land’s End navy blue jacket with church worthy attire he owned along with a large dark case from dad to act as a briefcase had him ready to go.  

Other times it has been even less elaborate.

This same child was a ‘hobo’ wearing a red hoodie and old pants and carrying an old pillowcase on year.  Another year, he wore a plaid shirt and jeans to be a farmer.

Does your family dress up in costumes for Halloween?
What’s your favorite costume you’ve pulled together in the past?

For another fun look at Halloween costumes, visit:

• Halloween Costumes Inspired by Movies by The Socialite’s Closet