At Goodwill, we believe creating your costume can be as much fun—if not more—than wearing it. Whether you’re preparing for Halloween, a school play, a themed party, or another special event, DIY or do-it-yourself costumes allow you to showcase your creativity while keeping things affordable. You can assemble a unique look with imagination and a trip to your local Goodwill.
Let’s explore some fun and easy ways to make your next DIY costume unforgettable.
Why DIY Costumes Are the Way to Go
When it comes to DIY costumes, the possibilities are endless! The beauty of creating your costume is that you can call the shots. Maybe you’ve dreamed up a character no one’s ever seen, or you’re re-imagining a classic look. Either way, you can tailor your creation to reflect your personality and sense of fun, inspiring you to unleash your creativity. Plus, DIY costumes are often more budget-friendly, and the materials you need can likely be found here at Goodwill.
At Goodwill, you’ll find everything from basic clothing essentials to quirky accessories—ideal for bringing your creative costume ideas to life. And while you’re giving new life to pre-loved items, you’re also contributing to a more sustainable way of dressing up, helping reduce waste, and positively impacting your community. The convenience of finding all your costume materials in one place at Goodwill can relieve the stress of costume hunting.
Fun and Easy Halloween Costume Ideas
Halloween is one of the most exciting times to get into DIY costumes, and Goodwill is your go-to spot for finding materials. Whether you’re going for something spooky, funny, or clever, we’ve got you covered with some simple ideas you can make in no time.
Classic Ghost: Grab an old sheet from Goodwill (or one you no longer use at home) and cut out a few eye holes. It’s an easy, timeless costume! You can add a modern twist by accessorizing with sunglasses, a hat, or even spooky makeup for a haunted touch.
Witch or Wizard: A black dress, cape, and wide-brimmed hat are all you need to conjure up this costume. To complete the look, visit Goodwill’s accessories section for a broomstick, cauldron, or spellbook.
Superhero: Have you got an old T-shirt? You can create your superhero emblem with some fabric paint or felt. Pair it with leggings or tights, and don’t forget to check Goodwill for fabric that can be turned into a cape. Personalize your superhero to make it your own—you can even use your initials as your superhero name!
Zombie: It is one of the easiest costumes to make using old clothes. Find a basic outfit, rough it up, and use face paint to add some zombie effects. At Goodwill, you can find clothes perfect for distressing—think ripped shirts, worn-out jeans, or old dresses to give your costume an authentic “undead” feel.
School Play or Party Costumes
Goodwill has everything you need to build a memorable costume if you or your child participates in a school play or attends a themed party. Whether it’s for a historical character, animal, or fantasy figure, we can help you find those finishing touches that bring the costume to life.
Historical Figures: Need a costume for a school play? At Goodwill, you can find blazers, button-down shirts, and long skirts that can easily be transformed into a costume for a historical figure like Abraham Lincoln, Amelia Earhart, or even Cleopatra. With some quick alterations, the possibilities are endless.
Animals: DIY animal costumes are always a hit! To dress a lion, bunny, or cat, start with simple clothing items like leggings, T-shirts, or hoodies. Add felt ears, a tail, and face paint for a complete transformation. We even have fabrics you can use to create custom animal parts like wings or spots.
Fairytale or Fantasy Characters: From princesses to pirates, Goodwill has a wide selection of clothing and accessories to help bring your fairytale costume ideas to life. Check out our selection of gowns, hats, and belts, and don’t forget to browse the accessories aisle for crowns, swords, or magic wands!
Funny Costume Ideas for Any Event
Nothing breaks the ice at a party like a hilarious costume, and the good news is, these are some of the easiest and most fun to make! With just a few pieces, you can put together a funny look that’ll be the talk of the event.
Tourist: All you need for this costume are a loud Hawaiian shirt, sunglasses, a sun hat, and a camera around your neck. For the full effect, add some sunscreen to your nose! These items can be easily found at Goodwill, making this a quick and humorous outfit to throw together.
Static Cling: Wear black clothing and use safety pins to attach random socks, dryer sheets, and other laundry items to your outfit. This costume will get laughs, and you can assemble it in minutes with items you already have at home or can find in Goodwill’s clothing section.
“Ceiling Fan”: If you love puns, this costume is for you. Wear a T-shirt that says “Go Ceiling!” and carry a pair of pom-poms. You’ll be the cheerleader for ceilings everywhere—and it’s a great last-minute costume idea!
Customize Your Look with Accessories
The little details often make a significant impact when it comes to costumes. Accessories are crucial to turning a simple outfit into something extraordinary, and at Goodwill, you’ll find all sorts of extras to complete your DIY masterpiece.
- Hats: From cowboy hats to fedoras to vintage bonnets, a hat can transform any outfit into a unique costume.
- Jewelry: Add a touch of sparkle or a sense of mystery with costume jewelry. Goodwill’s necklaces, earrings, and bracelets are perfect for everything from 1920s flapper looks to pirate treasure hunts.
- Props: Whether it’s a toy sword, a magic wand, or a plastic pumpkin, a well-chosen prop can bring your costume to life.
Why Goodwill is the Perfect Place for DIY Costumes
At Goodwill, we make finding the materials you need for any costume easy. Our stores are filled with gently used clothing and accessories at prices that won’t break the bank. Plus, shopping at Goodwill helps support our mission of providing job training and employment services to those in need. When you create a DIY costume from Goodwill, you’re saving money and giving back to your community.
So, whether you’re planning for Halloween, a school play, or a costume party, stop by your local Goodwill store to discover the hidden gems that inspire your next DIY costume. With a bit of creativity and our wide selection, you’re sure to make a statement at any event.
Find the closest location to you– happy costume crafting!
