Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries
Serving Greater Cincinnati

Get Inspired with DIY Halloween Costume Ideas

Here at Ohio Valley Goodwill, October is one of our favorite times of the year. Why? For us, Halloween is a tradition of more than just tricks and treats “” it’s a fun way to express yourself while renewing and repurposing gently-used clothing, accessories, jewelry, and more!

Whether you’re going for a scary vibe or a funny, cute, or classic theme this Halloween, Ohio Valley Goodwill’s retail stores carry everything you need to create your own one-of-a-kind looks this spooky season, all for less than traditional big-box store prices.

Get inspired for a very happy Halloween with these DIY costume ideas: 

’80s-inspired zombie

Zombies are a classic Halloween creature, and one of the easiest costumes to create using Goodwill finds. If you want to give your zombie costume a retro twist, try embracing “˜80s fashion! Check your local Goodwill store for graphic t-shirts, denim jackets, fishnet stockings, sneakers or combat boots, and hair scrunchies. Complete your costume with “˜80s makeup like bright blush, dark eyeliner, and blue eyeshadow. If you’re going for a creepy vibe, you could even add a dash of fake blood “” many Goodwill stores have Halloween makeup to help you create this look!

Halloween Steampunk Costumes from Goodwill

Steampunk Costumes from Goodwill

Display of six pairs of fashion boots at Goodwill store

Boots from Goodwill

Victorian steampunk

If you’re not familiar, ” steampunk” combines the tradition and flair of the Victorian age mixed with sci-fi and technology elements. It’s a unique costume that’s sure to turn heads at any Halloween party! To build your own steampunk-inspired costume, shop at Goodwill for clothing and accessories like wool vests, frilled blouses, blazers or suit jackets with intricate details, tweed or corduroy pants, bowties and suspenders, and lace-up boots. Finish off your look with accessories like a top hat, lace gloves, and costume jewelry like a gold pocket watch, for example. If it’s cold out, a long coat works perfectly with this costume idea!

Mannequin dressed in blue athletic jacket and blue leggings

Blue athleisure outfit from Goodwill

Mannequin dressed in blue athletic long sleeved shirt with black leggings

Blue Top with Black Leggings from Goodwill

Fitness influencer

We’ve all seen those exercise influencers taking over social media with their fitness tips and routines. This Halloween, why not copy one of their cute and comfy workout outfits? Simply visit your local Goodwill store and look for exercise apparel like stretchy leggings, zip-up jackets, sneakers, and headbands. To complete the look, be sure to bring along your smartphone as an accessory “” every fitness influencer needs to stay social! We love this idea because you can easily wear exercise clothes in everyday life, so you can truly make the most of your costume all year long.

'80s costume from Goodwill

Halloween thrifting tips:

  • Shop early. If you want to get the first pick of Goodwill’s spooktacular Halloween selection, it’s best to shop early and often! Of course, Ohio Valley Goodwill always has you covered for last-minute Halloween costumes, too.
  • Think of a costume idea before you visit your nearest Goodwill store. In addition to the ideas above, you can find a lot of inspiration online! What’s your favorite TV show or movie character? What about a pop-culture reference, or a historical figure? The options are endless!
  • Browse all sections of the store. You may find hidden gems in the least expected places!
  • Use your imagination. Halloween is the perfect time to think outside the box and repurpose everyday items in a new way.
  • After Halloween, donate unused or unwanted pieces back to Goodwill. Make the sustainable choice and put old costumes to good use by donating them back to Goodwill instead of throwing them out. This way, you can keep Goodwill’s cycle of success in motion and keep reusable items out of landfills!
Halloween Comes Alive at Goodwill!

Halloween Comes Alive at Goodwill!

This Halloween, shop and save at Goodwill!

When you shop at Goodwill for all your Halloween essentials, you’re not the only one who’s in for a treat! Not only can you save big by shopping at Goodwill, but every purchase you make helps to support our mission of changing lives through the power of work.

Ohio Valley Goodwill’s programs and services provide valuable job skills training, career exploration, résumé assistance, worksite supports, and more for individuals with disabilities and local veterans. It’s an amazing feeling to know that just by thrift shopping at Goodwill, you’re helping someone in your community achieve personal and employment success!

Find your nearest Ohio Valley Goodwill store and get ready for Halloween fun today! We have 19 retail store locations in and around Cincinnati for your shopping convenience. Happy Halloween!