Costumes on a Budget: Where to Spend and Where to Save

A good costume does not need a big budget. It needs the right few pieces. Spend on those, and make or find the rest.

Spend on the pieces that say who the character is

Every character has one or two things people look for first. Get those right and the rest can be simple.

• A hat, wig or headpiece that is instantly recognisable.
• A signature colour, worn head to toe.
• One key prop: a wand, a book, a basket, a sword.
• A distinctive top layer, such as a cape, a coat or a dress.

Before you buy anything, name the two things that make the character obvious. If a stranger would miss them, spend there. If nobody would notice their absence, save.

Save on the pieces nobody looks at

Plain items rarely need to be bought new. Most of what sits under the character pieces can come from a wardrobe.

• Plain trousers, leggings, tights and long-sleeved tops.
• Shoes. Comfortable everyday ones are usually fine.
• Belts, scarves and simple jewellery.
• Anything that will be hidden under a cape or coat.

Check the cupboards first. Ask friends and family. Charity shops and school swap sales are worth a look too, especially for plain clothes in the right colour.

Mix bought and home made

You do not have to choose one or the other. Buy the piece that is hard to make, and make the piece that is easy.

Hard to make well: wigs, structured hats, masks, anything that has to hold a shape. Easy to make: paper crowns, felt badges, painted cardboard props, a tabard cut from an old sheet, a tail from a stuffed stocking.

A bought item next to a home made one looks better than you would expect. What matters is that the colours and the overall shape match the character. Small rough edges are part of the charm, especially on a child's costume.

If you use face paint, do a small skin test first. Check the label on anything you put on the skin.

Use one base for several characters

A plain base can become many characters. Pick a simple outfit in a neutral or useful colour, then change the extras.

• A plain dress or tunic can be a princess, a villager, a fairy tale heroine or a schoolgirl from a favourite book, depending on the apron, cape or accessory.
• Dark trousers and a white shirt work for a pirate, a detective, a wizard's apprentice or a character from a school story.
• A long cape or cloak can be a hero one week and a villain the next. Change the collar, the clasp or the prop.
• A green or brown base suits woodland characters, outlaws and creatures.

Keep the base in good condition and store it flat. Then you only need to add the next character's headpiece and prop.

Buy things that can be passed on or reused

A costume that gets worn once is the most expensive kind. A few habits make it go further.

• Choose pieces that could be worn again as ordinary clothes or for dress-up play.
• Pick a size with a little room, if the fit allows. Adjustable straps and ties help.
• Avoid gluing or cutting things you might want to reuse. Pin, tie or stitch loosely instead.
• Keep the costume together in one box after the event, props included.
• Share with siblings, cousins and classmates. Swap with other families at school.
• Pass on what no longer fits, or sell it on if it is still in good shape.

Wash and dry each piece according to its care label before you store it. Fold it, do not stuff it, and it will be ready for the next person.

A simple plan

Start with the character and name the two things people will look for. Buy or make those first. Fill the gaps from your own wardrobe. Then think about who could wear it next.