Every kid wants to be the one whose costume makes the neighbours say, “Now that’s clever!” Whether the goal is scary, goofy, or glitter and glam, this year’s trends lean toward sustainability and putting a creative spin on classics. Read on for show-stopping looks that won’t break the bank or harm the planet.
What’s trending this year?
Mash-ups and reimagined classics are where it’s at. zombie-princesses, Think vampire-mermaids, superhero-lizards. or Pop culture inspired looks (Wednesday Addams or Mario Bros.) are still hot, but kids are also leaning into eco-creativity by using what they already have and making it creepy or adding an unexpected element. The ultimate goal is to stand out and turn heads. Bonus points if those heads turn all the way around.
Here are a few clever, eco-friendly, and fun ways to whip up a one-of-a-kind look:
1. Hit your local thrift shop for unexpected treasures. A velvet blazer can transform a kid into a mini magician. A 90s prom dress will look hauntingly perfect on a ghost bride. And some old flannel, a toy ax, some beaver teeth and a tail, will turn you into the most authentic lumberjack ever.
2. Why buy new when you can borrow? Host a costume swap with friends or neighbours. It’s like a fashion show, but with pumpkins and plastic fangs. Even if you don’t trade full costumes, swapping single pieces (a cape, a hat, or a wig) can spark totally new ideas.
3. Encourage kids to mashcup costume components for maximum originality. Last year’s pirate hat plus a unicorn horn? You’ve got a “piratecorn.” My daughter paired her cousin’s bee costume with some ghoulish make-up and trick-or-treated as a Zom-bee. It had the neighbours buzzing. The more random the combo,
the better.
4. Accessories can make a costume. Cardboard wings, tin-foil swords, or even glow-stick wands add flair without costing much. Making them is half the fun.
Don’t Try This At Home (Author’s Confession)
When I was in fourth grade, my school had a costume contest. The grand prize was a giant sack of candy that I was hell bent on winning. So, I set out to create the most epic homemade costume ever: a disco space monster.
Apparently Saturday Night Fever and Alien (which both came out around then) had made an impression on me. My plan involved a silver bodysuit from a past dance recital, papier-maché, and green paint from my parents’ garage. I was a 10-year-old on a mission, wielding a box cutter and spray paint. I had never felt more alive… though after wearing the toxic alien head for about twenty minutes, I felt somewhat less alive. Thankfully the winner (me!) wasannounced before I passed out.
The takeaway here (besides “please supervise children with toxic paint and sharp objects”) is that creatively crafted costumes aren’t just fun, they’re legendary
Skip the mass-produced costume in a bag. I mean, do what makes you happy (aka do what your time and budget allow) but if you’re up for the challenge, unleash your inner creative genius! Raid closets, trade with friends, mix and match, and explore thrift shops for inspiration. Not only will your kids’ costumes be unforgettable, you’ll also be teaching them the joy of creativity and the value of repurposing what we already have…
Local Links
Barkin’ Bin Thrift Store
511 Pinegrove Road, Oakville
omhs.ca/donate/thrift-store
IODE Thrift Shop
432 Kerr Street, Oakville
iode-angelabruce.ca
Salvation Army Thrift Store
356 Kerr St, Oakville
3245 Fairview St, Burlington
Stardust Dancewear and Costumes
4155 Fairview Street, Burlington
stardustdancewearandcostumes.com
BY LISA THORNBURY
