I absolutely love Halloween. Second to Thanksgiving, it is my favorite holiday. And, most likely, second to Christmas, (by my guess) it is the least ethical (between the chocolate industry’s abhorrent labor conditions, the destruction of property, the racist and sexist costumes, and the complete waste of a one time wear, environmentally toxic costume, Halloween is a mess!). And the costumes are the most destructive part.

But, there are ways to make it less destructive, or even completely ethical. I know it is so tempting to run out to the just-popped-up-on-every-corner Halloween shop and pick up a costume, I get it. I am tempted to do that this year myself, with a toddler and one on the way. For me, the easy solution is often the best solution (and the best way to try to get another nap in). But, I will resist. Here are some ideas to help you find an ethical halloween costume. 

Wear Something You’ve Already Worn

As a child, my sister was a clown for about 5 years in a row. She wore the same rainbow tinsel wig and my mom’s harem pants, along with a face full of makeup. One year, she had another costume all picked out and ready to go, but the clown really spoke to her, and right before we left, she put it on. At the time, we weren’t thinking about ethical fashion, but man, if this girl didn’t nail it. If you are lucky enough to find a “signature costume,” go for it!

If you are not that lucky, repurpose an old one. We have a costume box for just this reason. We have been able to repurpose our own, dress up our friends, and be ready for just about any costume party!

If you don’t have an idea of what you want to be, go through your closet (and your significant other’s, your roommate’s, your BFF’s). You might be surprised what you’ll find. Get a few accessories and Wham! There you are…Brian Wilson on the eve of the San Francisco Giants winning the World Series:

Have a black dress? You’re a witch, a cat, a horse, you name it! Have black tights and a leotard? Another cat! You probably have a cowgirl outfit, a hippie, a dated homecoming queen or Miss America in your closet today. Just get a little creative and dig deep!

Swap

While you’re digging deep, pull out your wigs, accessories, interesting boots, animal print, metallic, etc. Have your friends do the same. Get together, and there you are, your very own costume shop! I have a great faux reptile skirt that has made an appearance at many costume parties. My husband was an eighties gym teacher in my sister and my clothes (pictures are inappropriate for the public ;).

Shop Second Hand

Some of my favorite costumes have come from walking into a second hand store, with no ideas, and leaving with something awesome. It is amazing what you can find.

A few years ago while visiting my mom, I wandered into an awesome second hand shop. I was just killing time before a hair appointment. I found this awesome dress. I knew I needed it. Would I get a group of gals together and be Blanche from Golden Girls? I didn’t know, but I knew I loved it and had to have it. Fast forward a few weeks, and we are “Eighties Ladies on the Prowl.” Alex is wearing an old dress of my mom’s that has gotten SO many wears since her early ‘90s Christmas party.

One Man’s Trash …

Is another man’s treasure. Trash is often a great start to a costume. My friend was a box of Franzia (complete with a personal wine bag), using a shipping box from a (very large) Amazon purchase. Oh, how I wish I had a picture of this…

Ideas to consider…robot, themed Barbie, Lego. Buzzfeed has 33 ideas, right here.

Costume Rentals

I have never rented before, but I have always wanted to. While on the expensive side, rentals are sometimes THE BEST costumes. They have so much detail and are usually so high quality!  Head to your local shop, or try Costumes Galore. Think of the rental shop as your 30 wears for Halloween.

Shop Ethically

If you must buy new, try to find something ethical. American Apparel is a gold mine for animal prints, metallics, and decade-specific costumes. Halloween is their biggest season, and for a reason. 

Or, start your costume with a solid sweatsuit or other re-wearable basic and accessorize. American Apparel is also great for this. Or, try Groceries Apparel, (completely eco-friendly, and made ethically in LA) This year, due to my larger than usual body size and rounder than usual body shape, I will be the Stay Puft Marshmallow (photos to come). I have a white prego tank (it is usually still warm here on Halloween), will pick up a pear of ethical white sweats, and diy the rest.

There are a few really easy and super timeless costumes that start out as basics, including a black cat, a witch, or a ghost.

DIY

I LOVE recycled plastic felt. It is just awesome. And every kind of headband, mask, tie, etc. can be made from it, sort of easily, and usually without sewing at all.

Have sewing skills? Why not make your costume? Our Fembot costumes were not eco-friendly (because of ALL that Polyester), but they were handmade. We all wore them again for a Mardi Gras party later that spring, and many times since. I have worn the boots and wig countless times (see Alex in eighties ladies). All of it is still in our costume box.

Last Resort, Buy New

But ethical. If you have something really specific in mind, and you must buy a new costume, there are ways to do it ethically. First of all, buy using the same (or at least close to the same) principles you would use to buy your ordinary clothes. Buy high quality, well made costumes. And, plan to wear it again. If you can’t wear it again, have a plan for it. Do you have a local theater company that might take a donation? What about a friend that might want to be that next year? Or an upcoming costume party? Just try not to buy and only wear once.

Halloween can be made into an ethical holiday. It just needs a little patience, and a lot of creativity. But, isn’t that part of the fun?