When Halloween rolls around, Penn State students can dodge pricey outfits by turning thrift‑store finds and closet staples into memorable costumes.
Key points
- Thrift stores like Goodwill often carry the core clothing items needed for a Halloween costume, dramatically lowering costs.
- Using existing wardrobe staples (jeans, crew‑neck shirts, flannel) can cut preparation time to minutes.
- Campus‑specific themes (e.g., LiveOn employee, Nittany Lion) resonate with fellow students and boost recognizability.
The weekend of Halloween often arrives before many students have a chance to plan their attire, and spending $50 on a one‑night outfit can feel out of reach. In a recent piece for Onward State, senior Malea Nadeo shares a handful of costume concepts that keep costs low while still delivering on creativity, all sourced from Goodwill or items already at home.
One of the simplest suggestions is the “Willard Preacher” look, which requires just a red crew‑neck shirt, a pair of jeans and, optionally, a book titled “Come Be My Follower.” The outfit leans on everyday wardrobe pieces, making it a quick assemble‑and‑go option for anyone short on time.
Quick Thrift-Store Finds
For those wanting to showcase school spirit, Nadeo outlines a cowboy‑themed ensemble dubbed “Nicky the Cowboy,” pairing a cowboy hat, flannel or button‑down shirt, a Penn State sports tee, and a belt with a large buckle. A matching “Nittany Lion” costume can be pulled together with an all‑brown outfit, a fuzzy coat, a striped scarf and, if lucky, lion ears found in the thrift bin.
Campus‑centric ideas include the “Campus Bunny,” which mixes a fluffy robe, bunny ears and an Easter wreath for a playful duo with a potential “Campus Squirrel” partner. An abstract but conversation‑starter option is the “Neeli Bendapudi’s Raise,” featuring an all‑green outfit and a gold purse to symbolize the university president’s salary. A recognizable “LiveOn Employee” look needs only a LiveOn shirt and a navy hat, while the niche “IM Referee” costume calls for a black‑and‑white striped shirt, black pants and a traffic‑cone‑style prop.
Campus-Themed Costumes
All of the suggested costumes can be assembled in under an hour, and the majority of the pieces are expected to be available at local Goodwill stores, keeping the total spend well under $20. Nadeo notes that the optional props—such as the follower book or a pumpkin basket—add flair without inflating the budget.
Reader questions
What are the cheapest items needed for a DIY costume?
Basic clothing such as a crew‑neck shirt, jeans, a hat or a flannel can often be found for a few dollars at thrift stores, and many costumes require only one or two additional props.
Where can Penn State students find these costume pieces?
The article recommends Goodwill locations near campus, where donated clothing and accessories are regularly stocked at low prices.
Can these costumes be put together quickly?
Yes, most of the suggested outfits rely on items that are either already in a student’s closet or can be assembled in under an hour after a quick thrift‑store run.
Source: onwardstate.com
