Halloween Costume Tips from SDMT Resident Costume Designer – Janet Pitcher!

As a costume designer, I love putting other people in costumes, but don’t often costume myself except for the occasional Halloween party. Before working in theater, I made all my kids Halloween costumes and now make them for my grandkids too!

I often receive requests for costumes from friends and family and have a few tips to make it fun to put your own costume together from pieces in your own closet and some accessories from thrift shops or online shopping. Once you determine your theme, start by looking in your own closet for pants, shirts, skirts, and jackets which make a great base for your costume. Thrift stores and vintage shops are a great source for fun pieces to add to your look. Amazon and other online shops are a quick and easy way to add accessories like knock off vintage jewelry, headbands, scarves, hats and swords. Be creative and have fun putting your own special costume together this Halloween! Here are some fun inspiration photos of past costumes.

Titanic exhibit– a long skirt, white lacy blouse and a vintage style peplum jacket can turn into a perfect look as a Titanic passenger. Add some fun vintage style jewelry to complete the look.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pebbles and Bam Bam!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These two are my favorite! Made with Fleece fabric and faux fur, this can be done with little to no sewing. Fabric glue to add the spots and a package of polymer clay to make your own “bone” buttons. Matching trick or treat bags complete this look. And if its cold outside, its wonderful to add flesh colored long johns to keep them warm.

Pirates with Mickey (For our Halloween Disney cruise)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pirate costumes are a very simple look to put together with a few thrift store finds.

A puffy shirt and peasant blouse with a long skirt or baggy pants to start, then add a great vest or bodice and a coin belly dancer skirt. A pirate hat or head wrap off Amazon and a foam sword are great finishes to complete this look.

Mary and Bert

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A ruffled blouse, mid calf long skirt and black jacket with a red scarf, bow tie create Mary’s costume. Glue flowers on a simple black hat and add a tapestry bag and umbrella to be practically perfect in every way. For Bert, a tweed coat, vest and open collar shirt with slacks is complete with a knit scarf and drivers cap. For his chimney sweep, a broom stick is painted black then 1/2 foam ball with the broom bristles stuck into it with a little glue to secure. Fun and easy costume project.

Roaring 20’s style is easy with an online purchased flapper dress. Then add some long pearls and a sequin headband. Long gloves and a true vintage Stone Marten fur complete the look. My date looks perfect in his own suit with a matching blue satin vest, bow tie and pocket square. (Another inexpensive Amazon purchase)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whatever alter ego you assume this Halloween, be creative to make it uniquely you and by all means have a ghoulishly wonderful time!