Are you tired of your Halloween costumes ending up in the back of your closet or the trash after the spooky season is over? It’s time to get creative and sustainable with your wardrobe choices. Those neon pink mini dresses, butterfly bralettes, and furry coats can become everyday staples with a little ingenuity.
Halloween costumes often pile up as students prepare for the multiple nights of “Halloweekend.” However, the issue of clothing waste is becoming increasingly critical, with around 85% of discarded textiles in the U.S. ending up in landfills or incinerated.
Many students opt for cheap, disposable costumes from online retailers like Amazon, designed to last only a night. Recycling old costumes is rarely a fruitful endeavor, as only 1% of recycled textiles find new life in this way.
Rather than recycling, consider the more sustainable approach of reusing your costumes. Fashion design professor Charquetta “ChaCha” N. Hudson suggests upcycling costumes into handbags, masks, or even bell-bottom jeans. Hudson emphasizes that the possibilities are endless, and you can create fabulous new pieces for yourself and your family.
If your Halloween costume was inspired by a movie character, you can easily integrate these costume pieces into your everyday attire. Layer them with existing clothing in your closet to create a cohesive and unique look.
But what if your Halloween outfit was exceptionally bold, and you’re not keen on wearing it to class? Natural fabric dye can work wonders in toning down vibrant colors. You can find fabric dye online, at craft stores, or even at Target. A touch of black or a darker hue can help your neon bodysuit blend seamlessly with your fall wardrobe.
Ava Lahijani, an SU sophomore and fashion design major, is a proponent of personalized wardrobes. She transforms Halloween costume pieces into “one-of-a-kind” accessories for her day-to-day outfits, adding a touch of uniqueness to her style.
When planning for Halloween, Lahijani advises against buying items that will only see the light of day during “Halloweekend.” Instead, invest in unique clothing pieces that can enhance your current wardrobe and serve as costume staples for years to come.
If your Halloween costumes are too extravagant to repurpose, Hudson suggests organizing a costume exchange. It’s an excellent way to reduce waste and enjoy a social event while finding new costume ideas.
Prioritizing sustainability and individuality is key, according to Lahijani. When you wear a piece that was once a Halloween costume, you’ll stand out in the crowd and contribute to a more eco-friendly fashion landscape.
Have a look at our shop @ Halloween Costume Upcycling
