Most people love Halloween as they are so passionate about dressing up, the spooky season, and the overall culture of Halloween. But most students passionate about this season struggle to celebrate due to wanting to spend as little money as they can.

But how does lack of money affect Halloween?

Well, Halloween consists of dressing up and going out, which can be expensive as the average cost of a Halloween costume at Spirit Halloween is around $40. Students work hard to earn money, and to spend it on a costume is difficult for them. 

That is why Ricardo Marquez started the tradition of creating his own Do-It-Yourself (DIY) costume, it is a perfect alternative to save money this season. 

He mentions how last year he dressed up as a clown and made two costumes from scratch. He first sketched out his ideas in detail and started his work. 

 Marquez mentions how commercially made costumes can have sizing issues. 

“They are usually non-stretch, which means that if it doesn’t fit you, it doesn’t fit you,” said Marquez.

But on the other hand, he mentions that by building his costume he can customize it to his size and make it flattering for himself, whereas costumes in stores may not be flattering for all.

Marquez acknowledges the fact that it takes time and effort to create a costume from scratch, however, he says that it is well worth it.He adds that it lets him be creative and have fun so he can create a real-life costume based off of his mental image.

Another plus about sewing his look is that he can reuse fabric. Usually, fabrics are cheap in stores like Michael’s and Walmart, and some supplies are too.

This offers a terrific opportunity for students passionate about Halloween to make their own unique costume.  For example, Marquez mentions how he is reusing his last Halloween costume and taking it apart so he can use the fabric for this year’s costume. 

This is great for lower income students or families that want to join in on the festivities of Halloween, so not only is it cheaper to build a costume but it can be reused and built to personal standards.

So go ahead and do not be spooked to create a personal horror masterpiece as it can be a better option for students and Halloween lovers who want cheap, reusable and flattering costumes for this Halloween.

Victoria Valadez is a contributor for The Prospector and can be reached at  [email protected]