We have some incredibly creative people who write for FanGirl Nation. So, as Halloween arrives on Wednesday, we want to show off the creativity of some of our staff writers by publishing photos of costumes we ourselves have put together for the holiday.
Jessica Malik
Broken doll:
I used this Simplicity pattern and got my fabric at Joann:
The skull fabric actually glows in the dark! I made a few modifications – I shortened the skirt (I’m petite), and I also made the underskirt separate from the dress as it is initially supposed to be one piece. The pattern is pretty easy to use even for beginners. My wig came from Amazon, and I made a bow to match! For my makeup, I simply used white pencil liner under my eye to make my eyes larger and liquid black liner to define the new bottom lid, and put fake eyelashes on it. I also used the liquid liner to create cracks like a porcelain doll would have.
To finish it off, I used the liner again on my elbows and knees to create joints. I have since bought doll tights from a local costume shop for when I wear it again!
Wayne’s World:
I made these costumes for my husband and myself in a very short amount of time! I ordered my dress and gloves on Amazon. Unfortunately the dress was nearly see-through, but I had a nude colored slip in my wardrobe, so be warned if you end up buying the same one! You could also check local second hand shops for something similar. The earrings were purchased at a cheap jewelry store, and the guitar is from a Rock Band set I already owned. There are many of these at second hand shops! As for my husband, the hat and wig came from Amazon. I purchased the jeans from a second hand shop and put rips in it and he had the black shirt in his closet. Voila! Instant couples costume!
Mermaid:
I made this mermaid by first drafting out a flared skirt based on my measurements. There are patterns that can do this for you! The skirt was a stretchy material so no zippers needed. For the top, I used an old strapless bra (from your closet or even, yes, the second hand store) and purchased plastic shells from a party shop and sewed them on. I covered the rest of the bra in a matching stretchy fabric. Then I painted the shells with acrylic and glued on rhinestones. I added strings of small pearl beads for accessories. With makeup, I used lots of shimmery pastels and glitter around my eyes. I bought colored clip in extensions for my hair and used a curling iron to give my hair mermaid waves! Beware, only minimal dancing in the costume!
Louis from Left 4 Dead:
This one is easy! All the items can come from your closet or a second hand shop. I purchased all the clothing pieces from a second hand shop. I splattered red acrylic paint on the top to look like blood. Use any old toy gun and spray paint it matte black. Next, get a first aid kit from really anywhere (if you don’t have one already, then now’s the time to get one!) and simply paint a white cross on it. After that, sew black webbing on it for shoulder straps. Finally, a brown colored plastic bottle and a ripped towel make a perfect molotov. Now you’re ready to fight zombies! Oh, I forgot the pills. Pills here!
Amanda Conley
Negan from The Walking Dead:
Dr. Facilier from The Princess and the Frog
The methodology for this outfit has been to embellish pieces that I can and use closet staples I already own and lots of paint and time.
Samantha Kitts
Sombra
Costume bought from Miccsotumes. They sell GREAT costumes are have a pretty accurate size chart. They also offer reasonable prices and are still open for delivery!
Thane Krios
This was made entirely be me. I sculpted the mask, patterned the clothes, painted myself and had a whole lot of fun in the costume.
Anastasia from Claymore
I made everything except the wig and sword. It took me 3 days to make this costume. I used craft foam, contact cement, reflective silver material, velcro and lots of stretch polyester.
Kratos
Made entirely by me. First time I used SO MUCH LEATHER.
Vicki Mejia-Gewe
A Before and After Costume*
I am not as elaborate in my creation of costumes, preferring to improvise from my own closet mostly, but I still exercise creativity. My mother and I dressed up in this 2-part costume, doing a before and after pair. My mother wore an old dress and carried a feather duster. I wore a pretty dress, jewelry I had made of Swarovski crystal, and the tiara from my wedding. Read below to see what our costume was, if you can’t already guess.
Little Red Riding Hood:
I wore a red dress from my closet and bought a velvet cape and a picnic basket from Amazon. I filled the basket with cookies that I handed out to the kids at my church in our Halloween party. Since I don’t have a wolf stuffed animal, my German shepherd, Max, volunteered to pose as the Big, Bad Wolf.
1950s’ Outfit:
I started with a 1950s’ style dress I already owned, with a petticoat underneath. I put on a cream colored cardigan with just the top bottom buttoned. I then pulled my hair back in a pony tail and tied a purple scarf to it. I threaded some Swarovski Crystal pearls into a necklace and wore a pair of pearl drop earrings to match. I finished off the outfit with white tennis shoes and bobby socks. The only thing I had to purchase was the scarf for my hair.
Rosie the Riveter
WE CAN DO IT!
For this costume, I wore plain black slacks and a denim shirt with the sleeves rolled up. Unfortunately, I am too large busted to be able to button my XXL shirt, so I had to wear a red camisole underneath to match the hair scarf I bought from Amazon. To top off the outfit, I wore Rosie earrings and socks. And finally, I put on bright red lipstick ro fit with that worn by women in the 1940a.
* So what was our costume? Cinderella BEFORE and AFTER!
And what is Halloween without getting to dress up our fur babies?
Liberty – the San Francisco Giants fan
The San Francisco Giants won the World Series for the third time in 2014, so our sweet Liberty, who has since crossed the Rainbow Bridge, dressed in her favorite scarf to celebrate.
Teddy Bear and Quentin – Candy Corn Scarves
Quentin – YoDog
I confess that I purchased this YoDog costume from The Greater Good, which donates its profits towards animal rescue efforts. I also purchased the costume of Bark Vader for Teddy Bear, but though he is only 60 pounds or so, the largest size was too small for him. So he wore his candy corn scarf again this year.
