Cauldron

Issue date: 10/30/07 Section: A & E

Media Credit: Danielle Stillman

College students are well acquainted with money troubles-or at least the woes associated with not having any. When Halloween rolls around, students may be inclined to go into shock when they browse the Internet searching for their new costumes. Neewollah threads do not have to break the bank, though. Some costumes can be picked up in local thrift stores or may be hiding in the back of a closet. All it takes is some basic pieces and a little imagination.

For the Ladies

It is not hard to fashion a costume from the closet with a spot of creativity, and Audrey Hepburn can be an easy choice. Throw on your heels, little black dress, accessorize with black gloves-available at costume stores-and you are an instant Holly Golightly.

Another twist on the Audrey Hepburn theme is a black turtleneck, black skinny jeans and beret a la "Funny Face." Whatever you choose, you'll be sleek and chic with this classic choice.

A teacher is another good last-minute choice. By selecting a moderately cut shirt and skirt, adding a cardigan, and accessorizing with a book, ruler or apple, you can be at the head of the class with this costume. If you are feeling a little more courageous, opt to be a cabaret dancer. All it takes is a black racerback tank paired with some Soffe shorts and legwarmers-extra points if you can find a cane and bowler hat at a costume store.

For the ultimate in glam, if you have still got your prom dress gathering dust in your closet, take it out for a spin and enjoy the night as a beauty queen. Emphasize the theme by topping off your updo with a plastic tiara-found in the toy section with the dress-up items-and hit up a local fabric store for a length of white satin to be used as a sash. If you are feeling less like a prom queen and more like a Queen Bee, grab three friends and dress all in pink. Don a superior air, and you are the quartet from Mean Girls.

For the Gents

Closet-fashioned costumes are not just for the ladies. Wearing jeans and a plaid shirt paired with a big belt buckle, cowboy boots and a bandana makes for perfect cowpoke duds. Easy props can be a rope, for rounding up the cattle, or a stuffed animal, to represent a member of your herd. A variation on the Western theme can be the same plaid shirt but paired with overalls instead-add a shovel and you are a farmer.

NBC's "The Office" is wildly popular this year, and it is a snap to dress like your favorite co-worker. Dwight Schrute can be easily imitated by wearing a brown suit, an equally drab tie and a deadpan expression. Add the homely reading glasses-for sale at drugstores-and part your hair down the middle, and you are ready to keep the entire office in line. Other characters can be mimicked by donning office-appropriate wear.

Offbeat cartoon characters from childhood TV shows can be a hit at the party. The superhero Quailman, from Disney's 90s cartoon "Doug," is easy to build. By wearing a sweater vest, khaki shorts, and bright white briefs over your pants, you will be able to fight crime with patience and intelligence. Top it off with Quailman's signature headdress, a belt fashioned like a headband. You can stiffen the headpiece with a wire coathanger to make it sit just right.

A hobo can be a fun costume as well. Dress in your most threadbare threads and create a knapsack by tying the edges of a bandana to a sturdy stick. For extra points, get a good three days' stubble going and regale your fellow partygoers with grand stories of riding the rails.

No matter what your costume is this Halloween, being original does not mean shelling out wads of cash. A little creative spark and a few well-chosen accessories can go a long way.

And if you have a little spending money...

Greek Goddess

You'll need: one old sheet, about 12 feet of cord, green plastic leaves, gold acrylic paint (optional).
1. Decorate the edges of your sheet with the gold acrylic paint. You can draw swirls, flowers, vines, etc.
2. Cut a slit in your sheet to fit over your head. Stick your arms straight out so the sheet will be draped over you like a gown.
3. Put the middle of your cord around the back of your neck.
4. Wrap the cord over your shoulders, under your arms, and cross on the back of your waist
5. Cross on the front of your waist, then in back again. Finally, tie in the front.
6. Garnish your hair with the ivy green leaves for the ultimate goddess look.

Rock Queen/King

1. Girls: Hair spray your hair very seriously, throw on a mini skirt, fish net tights, and a t-shirt you think to be rock and roll worthy.
2. Guys: Spike up your hair, don't be afraid of the gel. Throw on some tight jeans, a black shirt, and pull out that leather jacket that's been storing in the back of your closet (pleather will work perfectly fine).
3. Go all out and splurge on some rub on tattoos, this is the time to wear them proudly. If rub-on's aren't your thing then a washable marker is a good alternative, however, I suggest good artistic skills.
4. Rock stars aren't complete without a mic. Make a hole in an old tennis ball and stick it in a dead extension cord. Slip a cardboard toilet paper tube around the cord as handle.
5. Now you're ready to Party Like A Rockstar

Funky Hippie

1. Purchase your favorite tie-die color and a plain white shirt. Tie a couple of rubber bands around the shirt and follow the instructions on the tie-die box.
2. Paint an old pair of pants (preferably bell bottoms) or a skirt with colorful flower prints or any other simple design.
3. If you're not ready to sacrifice any of your clothing then dig in your mom's closet to find the most unique,
4. Let your hair flow free and tie a head band or florescent scarf around your head.
5. Throw up your peace sign and your ready to roll back to the 60's.

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