13 Fun Adult Halloween Costumes To Find in the Charity Shop

The shops are filled with every kind of Halloween costumes right now; you could be anything from a spooky witch to a bottle of ketchup. But if you want to get creative – and save money – why not hit the charity shops and see what you can put together yourself? Here are 13 ideas to inspire you…

1. White Sheet Ghost

Okay, not a lot of creating in this one, but if you are pressed for time – and money – and don’t want to cut up mum’s best white tablecloth, this one is for you.

You can pick up a sheet for next to nothing at the charity shop. Why not grab a bundle and do a group costume? You could go for creepy, or funny – and you can wear something comfy underneath. Bonus!

2. Scarecrow

A checked shirt, some old jeans, and a broom handle through your sleeves, and you are done! Maybe take the broom handle out if you are indoors, though. Might make it hard to eat your trick-or-treating sweeties.

3. 90s bridesmaid

Yeah, bridesmaids weren’t always dressed as subtly as they are now. Remember the sleeves? They were so fabulous. Bring them back!

Seek out the shiny satin, the pastel colours, the puffiest of sleeves, and relive your childhood princess fantasies for Halloween. Then keep it in your cupboard in case the kids ever need to be collected from school by a princess.

4. Gym Teacher

You will probably want to buy your own whistle for this one, but a nice shiny tracksuit and some old-school trainers, and your costume is complete.

Bear in mind, for some of us, this will be the scariest costume of the night. It has been a long time since I had to do anything resembling a bleep test, and yet the nightmares are real.

5. A Sheep

This is a cosy costume for a cold Halloween night. Find a pair of black or white leggings and a long sleeved top, then wear a fleece-lined gilet inside out. Add some floppy ears, and you are a Halloween sheep. This would make another great group costume – and you could even have a shepherd rounding you all up.

6. A Peaky Blinder

Brummy accent optional, murderous rages inadvisable – this is a costume that will be instantly recognised and easy to put together. A suit and a flat cap; if you were to try to buy this costume at full price, you would be paying out quite a bit of money. In the charity shop? A few pounds. Halloween win!

7. Carmy Berzatto, from “The Bear”

Find a white t-shirt and a blue apron, mess up your hair a little and draw on some tattoos – done. You could carry a saucepan around with you, for added authenticity – and you are sure to find one in your local charity shop. Carmie also had a giant chef’s knife, but don’t carry one of those around, it’s not a good idea.

If you don’t have the hair for a Carmie costume, why not try…

8. Richie Jerimovich from “The Bear”

Ahhhh Richie. We love that big ole silly loveable man.

There are two options here; Richie’s tracksuit era, or his “I wear suits now” era. Just carry a few forks with you, and everyone will know who you are. And love you.

9. Cruella DeVille

It is getting colder, and the charity shops are bringing out the winter coats. If you come across something floor-length, fabulous, and furry (faux, if you prefer,) you have yourself the makings of a Cruella costume.

Add some red lipstick, killer heels and a bit of attitude, and off you go!

10. Wham!

It’s no secret that we love the 80s. And so of course an 80s themed Halloween costume is going to be a winner for us. White shorts, a Hawaiian shirt and some super-white teeth and you will be ready to party all night. This costume should be really cheap to put together as a lot of the charity shops are selling off their summer stock at discounted rates.

11. Zombie

This is a quick and easy costume to put together – just destroy any clothes you feel like wearing on Halloween night.

However, if you pick something up for just a few pounds in a charity shop, you won’t have to ruin your own clothes. Any shirt and trousers from the pound rail will do, and there you have a super-budget-friendly DIY costume.

12. Wednesday Addams

A black dress and a white shirt = the perfect Wednesday costume. And you could probably wear it again, which is real value for money as far as Halloween costumes go! Make sure not to smile, and practise never blinking for authenticity.

13. Barbie

If you love thrifting, you will really enjoy putting this costume together. Anything pink and fun, pick it up. Rainbows, sunshine, all things fashion; this is your chance to hit the charity shops and shop like Barbie herself.

Happy Halloweening – and Good Luck with the Thrift

There you have it, 13 ideas for fun costumes for Halloween that won’t break the bank. Give yourself plenty of time to hit those charity shops, and enjoy the thrifty foraging!

Take a look at our 50 tips and tricks for successful thrifting, and best of luck!