Halloween on a Budget
The budget-conscious guide to finding the perfect Halloween costume
October 27, 2016
Leaves have begun to fall, school is in full swing and everything is suddenly pumpkin spice; Halloween is just around the corner. With social events, trick-or-treating, and of course, costume day at school, the stakes can be high for finding the perfect Halloween costume. But cute costumes can come at a high price. Which is why a budget a Halloween may be the perfect way to go; because honestly when are you ever going to wear that crumpled up costume in the back of your closet that you swore you were going to wear again?
First, let’s start with the always reliable fairy costume. This look never disappoints and at the Assistance League Thrift Shop of Orange, it’s extremely affordable as well. Including wings, the shirt and the tutu, the total comes out to $9.00.
Now for a crowd favorite, the Gogo Dancer! This dress (belt included) came out to a whopping $6.00 (which is the same cost as a jar of asparagus from Whole Foods, believe it or not).
For an eternally classic look, the poodle skirt is a popular choice. At a price of only $7.00 for the shirt and skirt, this costume is practically begging to be bought.
For a slightly more abstract look, “80’s Dad” is the perfect costume (and at only $6.00!). This eclectic mix of orange, loose-fitting pants, paired with a truly tacky collared shirt creates the undeniable image of the everyday man circa 1985. Once explained, this costume is easily visible; however, a more modern misinterpretation may be “Las Vegas man who spends too much time in casinos.” Either way, it definitely makes an impression.
A budget Halloween is completely doable! Each of these costumes totaled to under $10.00 which is pretty impressive in this day and age. Look beyond the overpriced Halloween boutiques and instead check out something a bit more fringe.
![BUILDING THE FUTURE: Plans to build tennis courts and a new Performing Arts Center will be started and completed in the coming years. This will benefit students and athletes alike as they will enhance both the Athletic and Performing Arts Departments and bring much-needed venues and state-of-the-art spaces to campus. “You want to be rooted in that tradition of the school when [it comes to] these projects, we’ve always got to be innovating and moving forward,” Vice President of School Relations Scott Melvin said. Mock Renderings courtesy of Mater Dei High School.](https://thescarletscroll.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mater-Dei-Tennis-Court-and-PAC-e1780632956112-1200x672.jpg)
![GET UP Students laugh and dance at a school rally. All the events and rallies hosted by ASB help bring students together and make school an enjoyable place to be. Senior Maddy O’Connor believes ASB keeps everything together and the school spirit alive. “A lot of things wouldn't be as organized [without ASB] and it'd be kind of boring,” O’Connor said. “ASB brings joy to Mater Dei, and pretty much [all things] cool.”](https://thescarletscroll.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/HEIF-Image-1200x800.jpeg)