Retail Therapy: Last-Minute Halloween Costumes

Forget wasting cash on costumes that'll never see the light of day (or night) again. These double-duty, easy costume ideas that will flatter your shape and find room in your weekly wardrobe, too.
Check out our easy, makeup based Halloween costume videos here!

By Leah Melby

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old navy red and white striped v neck shirt
Courtesy of Old Navy
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If You're Petite...

Go As: Where's Waldo

Horizontal stripes will add width to small frames, while a v-neck top will elongate your torso. Worn with a pair of cheap, round-frame glasses and a ski hat, this Where's Waldo throw-back is cheeky for crowded parties. Just remember to tamper the shirt's fuller size with a pair of cigarette skinnies or leggings to avoid looking like a barber-shop pole.

Old Navy V-Neck Tee, $10.50; oldnavy.com

va bien strapless bustier body brief
Courtesy of Va Bien
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If You Want to Slim Your Tummy...

Go As: A Sexy Secretary

Sultry costume lovers have a new secret weapon: Chic shapewear! Unsightly girdles are a thing of the past. Modern pieces are now made to look more like lingerie than figure-flatteners. Ladies with fuller shapes can let their bustier peep out of a white button-down at a costume party and then include it in their underwear arsenal the rest of the year. The tummy-control panels also make a smart, slimming substitute for traditional strapless bras.

Va Bien Ultra-Lift Strapless Body Briefer, $90; vabienusa.com

flirt harem pants
Courtesy of Flirt
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If You're Slender...

Go As: I Dream of Genie

Whip-thin figures can handle the extra size created by billowy fits, like harem pants. A nightmare for some, these pants are cut extra-wide in the thighs, with lots of excess, draped fabric to hide boyish hips. Get genie'ed up by adding a vest, lots of glitz, and flat slippers. Wear your loose-fit slacks in the real world with a plain top and fierce heels.

Flirt Harem Pants, $39.50; flirtcatalog.com

pendleton eddie bauer flannel shirt
Courtesy of Eddie Bauer
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If You're Busty...

Go As: Lumber-Jane

Ladies who need a bigger bra should pick a more covered-up (yet still sexy!) costume that will allow for hidden straps. We suggest channeling a sultry lumber-jack since a button-up style can be worn to show as much—or little—cleavage as you like. Pair the top with sassy cut-offs and suspenders for the ultimate heave-ho Halloween look, then save the cozy shirt for family gatherings and harvesty cook-offs.

Pendleton and Eddie Bauer Wool Shirt, $129.95; eddiebauer.com

Courtesy of Piperlime
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If You Want to Hide Your Thighs...

Go As: A Disco Diva

The most flattering pant cut for a bottom-heavy girl is the bootcut or flare variety, since wide openings will balance out fuller upper-legs. The 1970s-era bell bottom has also been having a renaissance as of late, so buy a pair now to get all Disco Fever on the 31st, and then rotate them into your denim circuit for the rest of fall.

Citizens of Humanity Angie Panorama Pants, $228; piperlime.com

Courtesy of Junk Food
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If You Want to Cover Your Arms...

Go As: Hipster Wonder Woman

Baseball tees have two-toned, longer sleeves that are ideal for covering troublesome upper arms. Pair your favorite ironic or vintage-superhero top with hot pants and tights (and maybe a little bit of face paint) to go as a lack-luster crime-buster. For non-Fright Night life, layer the blouse under a blazer to add edge (and ka-pow!) to your casual Fridays.

Junk Food Wonder Woman Raglan Tee, $42; junkfoodclothing.com

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