With Halloween just a day away, you might be tempted to run to the shop for a last-minute costume, or order one via next-day delivery on Amazon. But did you know that 83 percent of costumes are made from fossil-fuel derived plastic? And that an estimated 2,000 tons of plastic waste–the equivalent to 83 million bottles–is created every year in the UK, just from Halloween costumes?
That’s why you might want to reconsider your panic purchase this year, and instead take a more DIY approach using something that’s already in your wardrobe. Luckily, a whole host of TikTokers have been sharing their genius upcycled costumes, providing plenty of inspiration.
Below, see some of the best upcycled costumes on TikTok so far this Halloween.
Persephone, the goddess of spring
“I wanted to go as a Greek goddess for Halloween, and as the goddess of spring I thought Persephone would make such a beautiful ethereal look! I also wanted to make it out of mostly second-hand items and give them a new life because not only is it a more sustainable way to make things, it’s also so much easier than making something completely from scratch! I originally went thrifting to find a white dress that I could dye and use for a Greek goddess look – and while I didn’t find a white dress, I found a white vintage bustier that fit me perfectly! To make it into my Greek goddess costume I draped white fabric into a skirt and sleeves, and even dyed it a touch green for more of a spring-time look. The flowers I added were all leftovers from another crafting project I made!” – @CrescentShay.
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The Joker
“I did not want to purchase a pre-made Halloween costume this year; I wanted to create something fun using my own clothes. As a Joker fan, creating a DIY costume of the comic book Joker made my heart dance. The idea started with the yellow corset made from upcycled fabric. I had it pinned for about two years and am not sure why I never finished it but I was determined to get it done this month. Next came the purple pants I’ve had for years. The colour had been fading, so the plan was to dye it to restore the color. I also found this sparkly green top that needed to be cropped and this purple jacket that I made a while ago that completed the outfit perfectly. I played around with it on my dress for a bit, then it was time to sew, cut and dye. As the look came together I added accessories: a jewelry pin, bow tie and belt. As a fun bonus the individually upcycled pieces are now ‘new’ clothes to add to my closet.” – @ArielleSidney_
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An upcycled mermaid
“I’ve had this sequin dress that I got on Depop for three years but never wore it as it had this unsightly white piping and an odd neckline. I got it made into a skirt at my local tailor and now it’s a part of my rotation. The colors reminded me of a rainbow fish so I led with that palette to put together a muted and shimmery mermaid look. I like that the tones in this costume are more Our Planet than The Little Mermaid.” – @TheFashionNap
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Schitt’s Creek’s Moira Rose
“To create this look, I wore my husband’s white shirt and a hand-me-down coat. The necklace was made from small trophies I’d purchased at the Dollar Store as giveaways, as well as a coin necklace I’ve had for years. I’m wearing my Moira wig which I wear for many of my Moira Rose looks. My hat is an old sunhat covered in a trash bag with hair-coloring gloves for fun.” – @TheRealJenniferKirkeby
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Oscar the Grouch
“As an upcycler who uses trash to make clothing, it was only fitting for me to dress as Oscar the Grouch for Halloween. In the spirit of Oscar, I used various forms of trash to make the outfit, as well as other second-hand materials that would have otherwise gone to waste.” – @AnnaMo.1
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Peaky Blinders
“This was a completely last-minute project as I suddenly realized the day before that I didn’t have a costume! I was scouting the internet for ideas, trying to match up characters with items that I already owned, or I could quickly make. Peaky Blinders worked perfectly as I had an old pair of skinny jeans, my dad’s flat cap, and a shirt from my brother’s wardrobe which he hopefully won’t notice is missing. The skirt was very quick and easy to make as there was just one seam that needed unpicking and stitching back in a different place, so this only took one hour. The shirt took a little longer to figure out how to fit it around my body, but a few darts and hems later, it started to take shape. I really enjoyed making this costume as I was challenged to use everything that was already in my house, and make it work.” – @Handmade.ByIssy
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Beyoncé as Foxxy Cleopatra in Austin Powers: Goldmember
“Every year my Halloween costumes become less scary and more of an alter-ego. This year I really wanted to incorporate my Afro and dress as an important figure within the Black community. I channelled my inner make-up skills and used one of my favorite jumpsuits from Peachy Den, my very ’70s boots and a fun charity shop find for my belt which replicated the “Foxxy” belt Beyoncé wore in Austin Powers: Goldmember.” – @Isla