Creative DIY Halloween costumes made entirely second-Hand

Halloween is the ultimate time for creativity, but it is also one of the most wasteful holidays of the year. Every October, millions of cheaply made, synthetic costumes are bought for a single night of wear, only to end up in landfills by November.

This year, skip the packaged plastic costumes and embrace the thrill of the thrift! By shopping for everyday clothing on Sellpy, you can easily put together iconic, pop-culture-inspired Halloween costumes that are not only more authentic but completely sustainable. Plus, you get to keep and wear the pieces long after the holiday is over. Here are some of our favorite second-hand costume ideas.

1. The 90s Grunge Icon

Nostalgia is in full swing, and a 90s grunge look is arguably the easiest and most comfortable costume you can put together.

  • What to look for: Search Sellpy for an oversized, worn-in flannel shirt, baggy vintage Levi's (with some strategic rips), and a classic vintage band tee. Finish the look with some scuffed combat boots and dark eyeliner. Best of all? You will probably wear these pieces all winter long.

2. The Matrix Hacker

The sleek, cyberpunk aesthetic of the late 90s is timeless and instantly recognizable. It is all about head-to-toe black and lots of leather.

  • What to look for: Filter the outerwear category for long, black leather trench coats. Pair it with tight black basics, chunky black boots, and a pair of tiny, narrow vintage sunglasses. This look is effortless, incredibly chic, and uses pieces that are highly trending right now.

3. The Preppy Gossip Girl

If you prefer your Halloween a little more glamorous, channel the elite prep-school aesthetic of the 2000s.

  • What to look for: Search for pleated tartan mini skirts, crisp white button-down shirts, tailored blazers (bonus points for crests or piping), and colorful headbands. Brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, and vintage Zara are goldmines for this aesthetic.

4. The 70s Disco Star

Embrace maximum glamour and bold silhouettes with a retro 70s disco look.

  • What to look for: The louder, the better! Filter for flared pants, metallic or sequined tops, wide-collared shirts, and platform shoes. Don't be afraid to mix wild prints. These statement pieces are always fun to have in your wardrobe for future parties.

Ready to get creative this Halloween? Below, we have linked our curated Halloween Edit to help you find the perfect pieces for your sustainable costume.

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