Cheap frills

Need a last-minute costumeidea? Don’t want to fork outbig bucks? Michael Franco lays out a plan for those whoprefer not-so-fancy dress. Photography by Jing Quek

Whether it’s Halloween – a night of ghosts, goblins and sugar highs – or a fancy-dress party, for some people the scariest part of the evening is being stuck wearing an ill-fitting costume bought at the last minute for too much money. We’re here to help. All of these costumes take minutes to put together, cost next to nothing to make and won’t have you wearing leotards, fairy wings or make-up of any kind. And, if you’re lucky, you might even get a laugh.

(Left to right)
What you do: Get a baseball cap. Tape a leaf to the front of the brim. When someone asks what you are, blow on the leaf.
What you are: A leaf blower.
Perfect if: You enjoy blowing on something dangling in front of your face all night long.

What you do: This one is for the guys. Get a gift tag or make a super-sized one yourself. In the ‘TO’ area write: Women. In the ‘FROM’ area write: God.
What you are: God’s gift to women.
Perfect if: You don’t mind someone unwrapping you and giggling at what they find.

What you do: Get a baby doll and tie it to your backside with a belt, sarong or baby blanket. When you get someone’s attention (won’t behard to do), sit on the doll.
What you are: A babysitter.
Perfect if: Your daughter isn’t looking forher doll.


What you do: Wear a pair of plastic devil horns and a blue dress.
What you are: Devil with a blue dress on, of course.
Perfect if: a) You’re a guy and you’ve always wanted to be a horny little devil in drag. b) You’re a girl and don’t want to look beyond your wardrobe.

What you do: Dress normally. Carry a sign that says ‘On Strike.’
What you are: A nudist on strike.
Perfect if: You’re prepared to end the strike if the right offer comes along.

What you do: Carry a sign and/or wear some stickers that say things like ‘Go Ceilings!’, ‘Ceilings Rule!’,‘I (heart) Ceilings!’
What you are: A ceiling fan.
Perfect if: You’re someonewho can really keep your cool. (We couldn’tresist.)

(Left to right)
What you do: Get a toy airplane that is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. When someone remarks that you don’t have a costume on, show them the plane.
What you are: An aircraft carrier.
Perfect if: You are not actually the size of an aircraft carrier.

What you do: Affix an assortment of napkins, paper plates, trash bags and foam cups to your clothing. Make sure they are all white.
What you are: White trash.
Perfect if: You’ve needed the perfect excuse to dress trashy.

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Suit yourself
Wearing trash not doing it for you? For some high Halloween couture, check out these shops– they’ll be happy to transform you into a bumblebee, Elvis, or pretty much anything else your undead heart desires.

Costume City
It not only hasa wide selection of adult and kid costumes, but offers a variety of mascot suits as well if you really want a heavy disguise.
#09-03 Henderson Industrial Park,Blk 203 Wing A Henderson Rd(6270 1722, www.mycostumecity.com). MRT: Tiong Bahru. Mon-Fri 11am-6pm.

Masquerade
If you can dream itup, they can make it for you at Masquerade. Their speciality is creating bespoke costumes for any occasion. And we mean any occasion.
26A Bali Lane (6292 4889, www.masquerade.com.sg). MRT: Bugis. Mon-Fri,11am-6.30pm, Sat 11am-5.30pm,Sun 2-5pm.

Moephosis Costume Boutique
Special ‘Costume Ambassadors’ help you choose from more than 20,000 rentals, which can be loaned out for either three, five or seven days.
84 Joo Chiat Rd (6345 8731, www.moephosis.com). MRT: Paya Lebar. Mon-Sat 10am-6pm.