Every year, I grow more and more unimpressed with retail costume selections. The neverending aisles filled with shiny polyester and flimsy accessories are frightening. Between the poor quality, wasteful use of materials, and complete negligence of inclusive sizing, it’s impossible to find anything that feels authentic. If you’ve given up hope on finding quality retail costumes like I have, it’s time to switch things up and take matters into your own hands. Here, you’ll find a step-by-step guide on how you can build a DIY costume on a budget, while dumping cheap fast fashion.

Step 1: Gather Inspiration

Start by exploring Pinterest or your favorite visual platform. Collect images of your costume’s theme or character, as well as examples of how others have executed it themselves. A vast amount of references will give you plenty of ideas to uniquely curate your own. Now take a look inside your closet. Chances are you might have an item that works perfectly with your idea. Take note of what you still need and make a list for your next stop: thrifting.

Step 2: Thrift Like a Pro

Before you even think about looking online, check your local thrift stores. My local go-to spots are St. Vinnie’s and Ghost Town Outfitters, both of which have seasonal sections that make finding Halloween pieces a million times easier. The key to a successful thrift trip is simple: look at everything. You could find the holy grail of your costume in that rack you debated on looking through. Remember that!

Step 3: Layer, Alter and Accessorize

If a piece doesn't fit perfectly, it can easily be fixed. To skip the hassle of sewing, safety pins are your best friend. They’re perfect for quick alterations and double as an easy way to attach an emblem or accessory.

When it comes to styling, layering will take your costume to the next level. Combining textures and colors will give your outfit depth, turning what could’ve been a bland replica into something that looks intentional and wearable. The creativity a thought out costume exudes will be a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

Step 4: Hunt for Accessories and Craft Supplies

While you’re thrifting, scour the jewelry, belts, scarves and even the craft sections. I often find items I hadn’t even thought of for my costume in these areas that end up bringing it all together. If there's still a craft item you need like those safety pins or heavier paper for props, check out Mecca. This local gem carries hundreds of secondhand craft items at unbeatable prices, they often even let you decide your own price, making it both budget-friendly and sustainable.

At the end of the day, DIY costumes just look better. Forming your own piece by piece results in a natural flow between your pieces and a more authentic representation than anything you’ll find out of a pre-packaged bag. You’ll look better, feel more comfortable and actually reuse what you wear instead of letting it sit in the back of your closet. So skip the polyester this year and create something with substance. Trust me, people notice the difference when your costume looks put together instead of pulled out of a bag.