Every kid wants to be the one whose costume makes the neighbours say, โNow thatโs clever!โ Whether the goal is scary, goofy, or glitter and glam, this yearโs trends lean toward sustainability and putting a creative spin on classics. Read on for show-stopping looks that wonโt break the bank or harm the planet.
Whatโs trending this year?
Mash-ups and reimagined classics are where itโs 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. Itโs like a fashion show, but with pumpkins and plastic fangs. Even if you donโt 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 yearโs pirate hat plus a unicorn horn? Youโve got a โpiratecorn.โ My daughter paired her cousinโs 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.
Donโt Try This At Home (Authorโs 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-machรฉ, and green paint from my parentsโ garage. I was a 10-year-old on a mission, wielding a box cutter and spray paint. I had never felt more aliveโฆ 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 โplease supervise children with toxic paint and sharp objectsโ) is that creatively crafted costumes arenโt just fun, theyโre 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 youโre 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 kidsโ costumes be unforgettable, youโll also be teaching them the joy of creativity and the value of repurposing what we already have…
Local Links
Barkinโ 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