It’s days away from Halloween, and we’re sure our Chicago models are looking for costumes, just like we still are at our modeling agency! Just like everyone else, though, we don’t have a fortune to shell out on fancy costumes. Luckily, our tradeshow models are great at working with what their given, getting creative and making do! We’re taking notes from them to come up with some easy, cheap costume ideas. 

We need to operate on a budget, and use what we already own to construct a great costume. You might be surprised at the fun, funny and cute costume options you might be able to pull out of your closet.

Halloween Costume in your Closet by Ocean Model Group

For instance, everyone has a trendy pair of oversized sunglasses. Pair these with a little black dress, a tiara and a cigarette, and you’ve got Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Put the glasses with a messy bun, sloppy white wifebeater and a bag of Cheetos– and it’s pre-comeback trashy Britney Spears! You might have a similarly trendy fedora hat. If you don’t want to go as a fedora-sporting Hollywood starlet, (Sam Ronson, Lindsay Lohan, Britney etc.), you can incorporate the hat with a trench coat to be a sexy spy, or a whip to go the Indiana Jones route. The knee high black boots that many girls have can be used for a black cat or Catwoman Halloween look, or to channel Posh Spice-era Victoria Beckham. Old dresses from high school dances, either yours or, better yet, your older sister’s, can make perfect throwback costumes– think Carrie (with blood added), 80s prom queen, Molly Ringwald in Sixteen Candles, or you can emulate any of the ladies from the original 90210. A chunky or geometrical necklace like the one pictured above is perfect for attempting a Cleopatra outfit, especially when accompanied by metallic bangles and gladiator sandals. And always remember, a sheet makes a perfect toga if you really run out of time!

Whether you shop the thrift stores, shuffle through your closet or construct your costume yourself, remember you don’t need to drop a lot of money to have a clever costume this Halloween- you just need a little creativity!