Make Your Own Harry Potter Costume

by Hannah L
(San Francisco, CA)

This year, I have changed my Halloween plans some.

Usually I go out at the last minute and buy a Halloween costume for 40 bucks.

This year I can't afford to do that so I am making my own Harry Potter costume! Well, I am going as Ginny, since I am a redheaded girl already!

I found my old college graduation robe which is black. I bought a patch from amazon that has the Hogwarts logo on it and sewed it on the front. I bought a striped tie from Target. I already own a gray sweater and white collared shirt. I am going to wear a black skirt, knee socks and Mary Janes.

The best part is the wand. I went in my yard and found a stick. I then covered it with twine to make it bumpier. Then I painted the whole thing black. For fun, I added a little silver glitter.

Voila! Ginny Weasley for under 10 dollars!

If there is a particular character you want to be, I suggest googling images of the person and studying closely. See what you are able to get away with omitting, and what is necessary for the costume.

Also, dressing up as a real person is usually less costly.

For example, Sarah Palin would be great if you already own suits and have brown hair. Buy a pair of glasses and make yourself a campaign button and you are done! Take a look at yourself and work what your mother gave to you.
If you are dressing up children, have them help you! My niece helped me with my costume, she had lots of great ideas. You don't need to be a master sewer to come up with great and execute great costume ideas!

Another tip is to go shopping after Halloween for next year. This might not work well with kids old enough to voice their opinion, as they will probably change their mind next year, but great for babies and adults.

The clearance prices are amazing.

Take a trip to your local thrift store. Many even have Halloween costumes, but if not they might have old wedding dresses (bride of frankenstein, black dresses (witches) red bridemaids dresses (devil) ugly flowered dresses (sofa) or more!

This is a great place to go if you aren't sure what you want to me, they often can spark your imagination!

Another great idea is to find clothes you were going to give/throw away and attach them all over you. You are a pile of laundry! My point is, take inspiration from anywhere you can get it, and you will be surprised at yourself.

Even if my financial situation gets better, I won't be paying 50 dollars for a costume next year as I discovered with just a little effort, I can look great on Halloween for much less!