Do you dress up for Halloween? Once I started, I couldn't stop! I usually go trick-or-treating with the kids but whether you're walking your kiddos around the neighborhood or handing out candy at your door, it feels so much more festive if you're in costume. This year I'm not going all out but decided to add leggings and a costume accessory kit to the softest most comfy sweatshirt I'd purchased from Walmart...times 3! It's really the best type of costume because it's cute, cozy, and you can wear it again (without the antlers). Whenever I've created semi-DIY costumes, I've always shopped Walmart fashion for basics and accessories. Keep reading to see the 3 fun costumes I created with the $11 sweatshirt you absolutely need in your life plus butter-y leggings you won't want to take off- all from Walmart.

The "Base:"

For each costume, I started with a cozy sweatshirt and leggings. It's so soft, a great length (I'm tall so it will be longer on most of you), and comes in 4 great colors. I've worn it nonstop since I got it a couple of weeks ago. At just $11.98, I can't believe it's not sold out yet (but it's selling out in some sizes so grab it while you can)! The leggings come in a bunch of colors and the price can't be beat. They're comfortable, soft, and slimming and honestly rival a brand's we all know and love (rhymes with shmulu shlemon. haha). SIZING NOTE: I sized up in the sweatshirt. I always size up in leggings and did the same here, so I'd say order whatever size you normally wear when it comes to leggings.

Costume 1: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

I loved (LOVE) 80s fashion. This easy DIY 80's girl costume is so fun. The accessory kit is adorable and an easy way to 'dress up,' without a lot of hassle. I also added leg warmers, and bright makeup for a rad costume. 

 

Today I want to share the cutest little last minute DIY costume with you!  I got this idea the other night and tried really hard to share it with you this morning to make it a little less last minute but then life with three littles happened.

When my church's youth director asked for help making DIY sheep and cow costumes for the Christmas recital, I didn't hesitate! I love using my DIY skills for worthwhile causes. These costumes take some time but are really not difficult. And how cute would they be for a Halloween costume?! I didn't grab detailed shots along the way, but honestly you don't even need those detailed shots. This is EASY!  Here goes!

I know it's late...but if I "save" this post for next year it will never happen.  So if you like this idea, you have about 72 hours to make it happen or you can pin now and use later!

Six months ago I pinned this.  Six months prior to that, I decided Genevieve would be a peacock this year after my mom scored an adorable teal shimmery tutu at Wal-Mart for 75% off.  So I revisited the tutorial I pinned a week ago and made my own version of the costume.  Here it is:


I followed the instructions for the peacock "feathers" to a T.  I sort of free handed the shapes onto the felt.  I attached them to blue ribbon with pins and tied the ribbon to the tutu.  I like that it's not permanent because she loves this tutu and after tomorrow I can take the feathers off and she can wear it for dress up, which tends to happen on Sundays during Patriots games.  Don't ask me why.

quick tulle cutting technique.

Speaking of the tutu, I wanted something more frilly than the one Shauna over on Shwin & Shwin made.  Believe it or not I've never made one of the no-sew tutus.  I know--check my pulse. Am I alive?!  So I checked out the tutorial Shauna referenced here.  I loved the illustration of how to tie the knots in that post but wanted something a bit more detailed so I did a quick search and landed on this tutorial by Treasures for Tots. I like how full hers are and her quick tulle cutting technique.  I actually used that technique a couple of years ago for the tulle poms I made for Genevieve's birthday, but I probably wouldn't have thought to do the same thing for the tutu. Anyway, I followed her instructions using a full spool of brown tulle (25 yards) and half a spool (about 3 yards each) of glitter cobalt blue, gold, and teal.  The spools of tulle were 50% off at Hobby Lobby, which was awesome. How many times have you reasoned that making something yourself would be cheaper than buying it only to spend more on materials and supplies than a store bought item would have cost?!  anyone?  I also made Genevieve's tutu about an inch longer than the one she was making for the tutorial.



For my first tutu, I'd say it came out pretty great!  I love it and so does Genevieve.  Here are a few more photos:






Sources:
In case you're wondering, the T-shirt came from Wal-Mart. I added a leftover strip of cobalt blue tulle to the front of it.  The wings are from Dollar General (which became obvious by the way they wouldn't stay upright!), the felt was from Micheal's and Hobby Lobby (cheaper at H.L.), and the peacock feathers were from Hobby Lobby.  I've had the feather-y headband forever.

I was mad that Genevieve just missed out on Halloween last year (The bun in the oven needed a bit more time to bake!).  I kept saying to Joe, I want to put her in one of those little bunting costumes (the pea in the pod is my favorite)!  Joe in his calm way told me to just wait, that I'd have plenty of Halloweens to dress her up for.  And since I really didn't have a choice, I agreed. Now that she's too big for the bunting variety I had to find a new favorite.  But looking at adorable little kids in the cutest costumes ever was hardly a chore!  Here are some of my favorite affordable options!  And don't worry mommies of little boys, I included some cute boy options for you too...