Budget-Friendly Ways to Channel Your Inner Child on Halloween
Skip pricey grown-up costumes and build a playful look from items you already own. With leggings, jeans, tees, and a few extras, you can create an outfit that works for an office Halloween bash or a night of trick-or-treating.
By Harper Mitchell
When Halloween rolls around, adults often get dressed up for parties or head out trick-or-treating with children. Rather than spending a lot on an elaborate costume you may wear just once, you might consider putting together a little-kid look as a money-saving option. Using some basic pieces and accessories, your leggings, jeans, and roomy shirts can become a tribute to a cherished childhood memory.
Costume Concepts for a Toddler Vibe
The toddler years sit between babyhood and childhood, a time when a child might still be in diapers and toting a bottle or pacifier. Toddlers are often short and somewhat round, so baggy clothing can help create the impression of a young child. Footed pajamas or a long, warm nightgown, a teddy bear, and light-up shoes that flash with each step can keep you cozy as you make your way from house to house collecting treats.
For a toddler-inspired statement, sew two or three tiers of ruffles onto pink or blue sweatpants, or attach a large fabric bow to the back of your leggings. Complete the look with a polka-dot T-shirt or a matching sweatshirt for a cute pairing. Another option: wear a bodysuit, layer a frilly tutu over leggings, and practice ballet moves.
Timeless Outfits for a Little Kid
Looking back at your own childhood can spark many ideas for classic little-kid costumes. Begin with traditional black-and-white oxfords, which come in adult sizes, and pair them with white knee socks and an oversized smocked dress in gingham or a floral print. A white Peter Pan collar, a hair bow, and a doll in a matching dress will help you look like a classic child.
If dresses aren't for you, try a farmer boy look. Wear jeans with rolled cuffs or denim overalls, a checked or plaid shirt, and a cowboy hat. Use a light brown eyebrow pencil to add freckles. If the weather is cold, don't forget a warm jacket.
You can also draw inspiration from movies or TV. To dress like the little kid from "Up," find a light yellow or khaki shirt and cap, tan or brown shorts and boots, and an orange scarf. Create a merit badge sash covered with buttons. Carry a triangular orange flag on a stick and a few brightly colored helium balloons tied to your tan or brown backpack.
Contemporary Kid Costume Ideas
To transform yourself into a modern little kid, put on Vans or Converse sneakers and baggy jeans. Add a T-shirt or hoodie showing your favorite superhero or athlete, or wear a football or hockey jersey with a baseball hat. If you're a devoted superhero fan, drape a colorful towel or small blanket over your shoulders as a cape. Bring along a skateboard, football, basketball, or hockey stick if you're into sports, or your favorite book or comic book if you prefer.
For a girly look, wear jeans or leggings with boots or rain boots. An oversized sweater, a hair bow, and a small backpack or purse finish the outfit. Pinks, grays, and purples are often popular girl colors, but don't overlook blues and yellows. The idea that boys wear blue and girls wear pink is a modern invention, so don't let it limit your Halloween costume choices. Wear the colors that make you happy and put on a big smile to blend right in with the other big and little kids.
