Creating a memorable costume doesn't require spending upwards of $100 on a manufactured costume. A search through your closet and basement combined with a few inexpensive items will give you everything you need for a costume that stands out in a crowd. Bear in mind that if you're planning to wear your costume to a convention, most have strict rules regarding when and where you can wear prop weaponry.
Comic Book Heroes
DC Comics' 1990s version of Starman bypassed the traditional superhero costume in favor of a trenchcoat, a pair of goggles and a sheriff's badge as an insignia. You can recreate the look of the Crimson Avenger, a 1930s hero, with an improvised cape, hat, domino mask and a pair of toy revolvers.
If you own army fatigues or have a local military surplus store, creating a Sergeant Rock costume is simple. A replica sidearm to accompany your fatigues will work, and wearing a surplus or replica helmet along with going a few days without shaving will make the look complete.
Rock Star
Rock star costumes give you the opportunity to dress for excess along with a variety of costume choices. David Bowie and early Roxy Music offer a wealth of inspiration for glam costumes and you can find items such as feather boas and lam vests at vintage clothing outlets and thrift stores.
You can achieve a classic metal with leather clothing and the right accessories. An oversized cross or pentagram works well to capture the essence of Black Sabbath or Iron Maiden.
If you need a quick, easy rock star costume, grunge is your answer. With a plaid flannel shirt and jeans that have seen better days, you've got Eddy Vedder's 1990s look down cold.
Slasher
Dressing as your favorite movie slasher is another costume choice that's easy to pull off. Whether your want to make a splash as Friday the 13th's Jason or Halloween's Michael Myers, your essential costume ingredients are coveralls, a prop knife or machete, and a mask. You can find cheap replicas of Jason's 1960s-era goaltender mask at a department store or get the real thing from a sporting goods retailer for a few dollars more.
While Michael Myer's look came from a modified William Shatner mask, you can recreate his cold, dead visage with white theatrical makeup and tousled hair.
Vampire
While a few vampires in literature and movies have a bestial appearance, more tend to follow Dracula's style and elegance as a template. Wearing formal attire modeled after Victorian or Edwardian fashion with a cloak creates a classic vampire look, or if you prefer something more contemporary, wear fashionable black clothing with a stylish pair of sunglasses. Complete either ensemble with a pair of fangs and you're ready to make your suitably dramatic entrance.
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