This Halloween, be smart – not scary. Create easy DIY second hand Halloween costumes with items you can add to your regular wardrobe and wear again!
These eco-friendly halloween costume ideas for women are simple and cute – just the way I like it.
It may cause those of you who love Halloween to scratch your wig-covered heads – because you’re already wearing your costume, obviously – when I tell you that I’m not a fan of the spookiest of holidays.
Sure, I like costumes, and candy and even a tastefully told ghost story, but as with the majority of the holidays we celebrate today – Halloween is just so wasteful!
Why You Should Buy Second Hand Halloween Costumes
I’ve already harped on the wastefulness of Christmas. And at least Christmas is about something – peace and family and all those beautiful things.
But what’s Halloween about?
I’m not talking about it’s origins of remembering the dead, which I respect. But, nowadays, it seems all Halloween is about is buying a whole bunch of shoddily made stuff in order to celebrate one single day that has no actual meaning.
Costumes we’ll only wear once, decorations made of plastic and – the candy. Oh the candy! According to this infographic, Americans purchase 600 million pounds of Halloween candy each year. Candy with wrappers that end up in landfills.
This Halloween, I encourage you to go back to the basics. Instead of buying cheap Halloween costumes in a plastic bag, unleash your imagination and see what you can come up with for DIY Halloween costume ideas using things you already have at home.
Or, buy a few choice pieces second hand and then add them to your regular wardrobe to wear again.
Here are four ideas for second hand Halloween costumes. I hope they inspire you to create your own eco-friendly costume!
Treehugger
Of course this was going to be my first idea! These items also work for a hippie or boho-inspired costume.
Flowing Dress
Denim Vest
Scarf
Comfy Sandals
Plus…
Find a fallen branch and cradle it in your arms like a baby. If you’re going the hippie route, draw a peace sign on your cheek and slip in some funky earrings.
Modern Ballerina
Contrary to popular belief, ballerinas are not just little girls in pink tutus, here are some items to help you create a Black Swan inspired look.
Black Bodysuit
Black Tutu Skirt
Pink Tights
Black Lace Up Flats
Plus…
Throw together a DIY tiara, smudge on the black eye shadow and you’re ready to grande jete away.
Need help choosing eco-conscious furniture and decor for your home? That’s what I’m here for!
Superhero
This costume is modelled after the classic Wonder Woman, because you know you’re wonderful… right?
Red Top
Blue Capri Leggings
Gold Belt
Red Boots
Plus…
DIY a Wonder Woman tiara and grab an old piece of yellow rope for a magic lasso.
Elf
Think Lord of the Rings, not Christmas. Majestic, powerful and just super cool… if you’re a nerd like me!
Brown Tunic
Black Leggings
Brown Woven Belt
Brown Boots
Plus…
Pull the top of your hair back, add some tiny braids and whip up your own DIY bow and arrow.
Have a fun – and thrifty! – Halloween.
PIN ME!
Last Updated on September 10, 2022 (Originally Posted on October 14, 2018)
Shop sustainable brands for your eco-conscious clothing needs!
Former architectural technologist. Current treehugger.
I’m here to help you green your home – and your life.
Subscribe to the Of Houses and Trees monthly newsletter and I’ll send you my FREE list of “The 8 Best Places to Buy Eco-Conscious Decor Online.”
What on earth is sustainable design? Learn all about this eco-focused design method and read the latest posts about green architecture, interior design and decor.
Sustainable living is more than just a thing treehuggers talk about. It’s about making conscious choices everyday. Read the latest posts on living with the planet’s wellbeing always in mind.
Visit the Of Houses and Trees sustainable product directory and support brands trying to make a difference in the world.
Find out more about our 40 acres of land in Parkland County, Alberta and the sustainable home we built amongst the trees.
Need help creating the home of your dreams? Care about the planet? You’ve come to the right place! check out my affordable, sustainable e-design services.
Having a had time choosing paint colours? I’ve got you – and your walls – covered with an interior paint palette sure to compliment your home.
Have questions about creating an eco-conscious home? Go ahead – ask me! Sign up for one of my free online interior design consultations and ask me anything you want.
These are wonderful ideas and I completely agree as I make my way through the big box stores and think of the entire area as not only waste but a waste of time. There is very little originality or creative thinking in buying a plastic cape, hat, glasses, and blood. So much blood. I asked my granddaughter what she will dress up as this year and she said a zombie nerd. Last year she was a zombie cheerleader. I asked her why she had to always be something dead. Or bloody. She looked at me and did not understand the question. She is 10. But there is hope as her older sister will be a cowgirl using mostly items she already wears as she is – well – a cowgirl who rides horses. I’m just glad it’s only one day and that the world and marketers haven’t managed to squeeze it into Halloween Week. Yet.
I already feel like Halloween has been spread out into a multi-week event. Essentially as soon as back-to-school marketing is over, it’s Halloween marketing, and then of course Christmas comes earlier every year. I think we need a time of the year where we are preparing for absolutely nothing and buying absolutely nothing. Okay – I’ve just made up my mind. It’s happening!