Holi-daze: Frighteningly Frugal!

I don't buy costumes at the store. They take all the fun out of everything AND, once H-ween is over, what the heck are you supposed to do with them? It's not like you're going to dress as the Queen of Hearts when you go to work.

That's precisely why I'm a fan of the DIY/use-your-own-clothing costume phenomenon. If I made it myself, then it was probably way cheap and therefore okay if I donate it immediately. And if I use my own clothes, or buy something that I know I'll wear again, it makes even more sense.

So today I was perusing Target.com while I ate pizza for breakfast, and I came across this Olive Oyl costume:

It's only $25.50, which isn't bad for an adult costume, but I feel like you could find actual clothing to wear instead of the paper-thin polyester that might fall apart by the end of the night. Let's start with a shirt:

No, it doesn't look exactly like the costume, but remember, we're going for things you'd wear again. So it's okay if it deviates a little if it means you'll get more use out of it. This particular top will only set you back $3.80. And that's regular price! (Yes, it's from Forever 21. How did you guess?!)

Now for the skirt we can do a couple of things. Some gals like to be scantily clad on Halloween, so if that's you, Forever 21 also has a skirt that would work for Sexy Olive:

(Please don't wear it with those ugly shoes. Barf.) The damage? $9.50.

And for those who want to be a little more covered up:

From Overstock, this one is a tad pricier at $17.99 but I think it's a little more wearable (and generally more flattering) than a micro mini.

So if you go for the hot-to-trot look, you're spending $13.30, and if you're going for a more traditional Olive, you're looking at $21.79. Either way, it's less than $25.50 for clothing you'll wear again. (Note: the Target costume does include a wig, but you could just put your hair in a low bun and probably be a lot more comfortable.)

Have you picked your costume yet? Are you shopping your closet or doing the pre-packaged thing? Are you kicking yourself like I am because Olive Oyl would be SO EASY and you're stuck sewing layers of ruffles? Do tell.