I’ll use any old excuse to dress up- so it’s natural i get a little over-excited when Halloween rolls around.  But I’m loath to spend money on cheap rubbishy costumes that will be trashed for a night, and then swiftly kicked under the bed once the hangover sets in – especially when there are so many options to reuse what we already have and flex the ol’ creativity muscle.

You’ll be surprised at what you can put together with items you have lying around the house. Promise!

Last year, Miley and her giant hand, Sharknado, Despicable Me’s Minions, Grumpy Cat, Duck Dynasty, Day of the Dead and Breaking Bad were all a staple at Halloween parties, so what will the top trends for this year be?

Here are some of my favourites – AND tips on how to make them yourself! 

Katy Perry’s Psychedelic Cleopatra from Dark Horse (above) 

 

This looks complicated, but all that’s needed is a black wig, a painted cardboard cut-out for the head gear, and LOTS of bling. If you need inspiration, check out my friend Mary from Theme-Me  who did Tutankhamun as one of her many costumes as part of her year-long challenge to wear fancy dress every day for a year (crazy girl!)

Disney’s Frozen

Frozen was hailed as Disney’s biggest hit since the Lion King, and in turn captured the hearts of big and little kids everywhere so it’s no surprise this is tipped to one of the biggest costume trends for Halloween 2014.

Sure, you can buy a ready made outfit, but all you really need to pull it together is a blue dress or boots and a cape, your hair into a long braid (for Elsa) and ribbons for Anna (you could also buy a wig).

Maleficent

Angela Jolie made a spectacular Maleficent; and if it’s success at the box office is anything to go by, curved devil horns and long black dresses will have their moment this Halloween. All you need is a slinky black dress, a black scarf for the turban, and some black feather wings. Don’t forget a scepter to complete the outfit.

Here is a great tutorial on how to make the horns:

Nikki Minaj Anaconda

It wouldn’t be the MTV VMAs without some serious shock factor – and Nicki Minaj’s performance of Anaconda bought plenty of that (complete with wardrobe malfunction). If you ever needed a reason to pull out that green sparkly bikini you’ve been saving for a special occasion, here it is. Just pair with a bit of green make up as ‘scales’ on your legs. Booty thrusting optional.

The Hunger Games 

It’s fortunate timing that the final instalment of The Hunger Games is due to hit theatres after Halloween – rock a Katniss-inspired costume to celebrate the occasion – don’t forget your bow and arrow. Or, find the brightest wig you can find, go crazy with over-the-top  make up and go as Effie.

Lego movie

 

Lego is back even bigger than ever thanks to the bespoke movie, once again making parents everywhere cry out in agony when they trod on hidden ‘tooies’ lurking in the carpet.  This is an easy one to do as a dress up – fashion a cardboard box into a cylindrical shape, cut out eyes and mouth, and paint yellow.

Love this tutorial on the Instructables.

Day of the Dead

This was a HUGE trend last year, and it shows no sign of slowing down – in part, because its so easy to put together, and combines scary and pretty so well. You’ll need some flowers from the hair and some creative make up – wear black and lots of jewellry!

A HUGE thanks to the incredibly talented Cupcake Photography for letting me use their images.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Was it really more than 20 years ago I was eating a toasted cheese sandwhich and watching Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles after school with my brother?

It may have changed a bit since the first cartoons, but Turtle power is back in all it’s CGI glory.  There are plenty of ready-to-wear costumes available but these can be expensive (and be honest, when are you going to wear that turtle outfit again, hmmmm?) or you could make your own by using a tight green long sleeved shirt and tights, and stuffing to make the ‘muscles’.  For the shell, use a large baking dish spray painted green. Finish with a scarf for the eyes and some nun chucks or Samurai swords.

I love this tutorial on how to make one for kids.

Ice bucket challenge

Bucket on head. Simple.

William Wallace

This is a great year to show off your Scottish heritage, just on the heels of Scotland’s failed bid for independence at the polls. Blue face make up, a kilt and a plastic sword should see you through.

Horse of Course:

When President Obama shook the hand of a Horse Head Masked person earlier this year, he unwittingly put it on the top of Halloween 2014 costume trends. Here’s one you can buy 

The Hobbit

Take inspiration from Peter Jackson’s juggernaut and dress yourself up as a dwarf complete with beard, braids, cloaks and fanciful hats.

If you’re looking for more DIY costume inspiration, check out Theme-Me – Mary has some truly inspiring ideas – and lots of them!

 What trend did I miss for 2014? Let me know in comments below!