Five Low-budget But Not Totally Low-effort Costume Ideas for Halloween 2022

Coming up with a Halloween costume is hard, but these times are harder. While some may want to go all out and spend extra on their costume for Halloween this 2022 — the economy is in shambles — so we're channeling our inner Kourtney Kardashian to say, "Kim, there's people that are dying."

You can have a blast at your Halloween party this October without dropping a ton of money on a custom-made outfit or a niche costume. Here are some low-budget costume ideas you can consider, some of which you can whip up by just digging through your closet and other items you can buy for cheap online. This is the domain of the naturally artistic, but even those who claim to have no creative bone in their body can still, well, manage.

The Fanny-packed Tourist

Ahhh, the fanny pack-sporting, sunhat-wearing, camera-snapping, binocular-toting tourist. Can you get any more stereotypical than this? You'll likely fall under the "Basic" category of costume-wearers on Halloween, but 1). you probably have this entire getup in your wardrobe and 2). you get to look unapologetically tacky.

Dig for a polo, printed or otherwise, from your closet, khaki shorts, white socks, and strappy sandals. If you don't have the latter, slip-on slippers can work just fine. If you don't have a camera or binoculars as props, you can opt instead for a giant sunhat, preferably straw, and a fanny pack. This fanny pack from Lazada Philippines is currently on sale for P89 and comes in black, grey, and blue, while this straw fedora costs P79.20.

Wednesday Addams or, Better Yet, Morticia Addams

Ladies, you can have a ball dressing up as Halloween icons like Wednesday or Morticia Addams without spending a fortune. Since the Addams family only wore black, you're sure to find basics in this color in your closet. The hair is a major factor here, though; if you don't have long hair, you can get this long, black wig made of synthetic hair on Lazada Philippines for only P255.

To look like Wednesday, wear the wig and part your hair in the middle before styling two long braids. You can either sport a black sweater and a black miniskirt on top of a white collared shirt or a long-sleeved little black dress on top of a white collared shirt, and black shoes. Black tights are optional but resting bitch face is required.

If you have a sweeping long-sleeved black dress or black maxi skirt and a black long-sleeved top at home, then Morticia is the way to go. Don the wig, a smoky eye, and red lipstick to finish off the look. Red nail polish is optional, as well as white face paint to look ghostly pale. No face paint, no problem. Baby powder shall do just fine.

A Sheet Ghost

Hear us out. It's not that we've run out of ideas, but we're sorely concerned for the socially anxious who want to party on Halloween but are, well, socially anxious. If you've caught "A Ghost Story" starring Rooney Mara, then the non-scary ghost in that supernatural drama film is the peg.

Old white drapes or a white bed sheet will work here (just make sure you've gotten permission from your mother five times). Get a pair of scissors and cut two holes for your eyes. 

Cost is zero pesos, but you do run the risk of being the object of your mother's vexation.

Zombie? Mime? Silent Actor? Witch? Frankenstein? The Joker?

The possibilities are endless with face paint. The creative and artistic will have no problem coming up with their own characters in this regard, but for those who aren't so may just as well try. This oil face and body paint on Lazada Philippines is currently on sale for P90.69 for the 12-color palette alone and P120.78 if you also want two brushes with the set.

The face paint is non-toxic and suitable for adults and children alike. It is also water- and sweat-proof, perfect for when you get sloshed at your Halloween party. Have fun and get creative!

V

Remember, remember, the fifth of November, gunpowder, treason, and plot... Who hasn't heard of V from "V for Vendetta?!" We can't say you have all the accessories needed for this costume, but we've got you covered for cheap.

First things first, you need a Guy Fawkes mask. You can get it here on Lazada for only P95.97. A flat brimmed hat is also essential as this is a signature of V. This black magician top hat made of felt can work and is priced at P154. A single pair of black rubber gloves from this store will run you P12.99. You can wear this black barber's cutting cape, which costs P73.24, in reverse for it to function as a traditional cape. And, of course, this shoulder-length black wig with bangs is needed to channel V. It's currently on sale for P137.66.

In total, these items are more or less P500, granted that you have a black long-sleeved polo, black slacks, and black shoes at home for the base of your costume. 

Now go and attempt to dismantle a fascist regime! Keyword is "attempt."