Choose a Sustainable Halloween Costume with Consignment Pieces

Halloween is the perfect opportunity to unleash your creativity and dress up in fun, fantastical outfits. But it’s not always easy to come up with the perfect look. Maybe you’re feeling creatively blocked or you’re looking for a more sustainable way to celebrate Halloween without overconsumption. That’s where consignment stores hit the Halloween scene! Shopping on consignment is the perfect way to find distinctive, pre-loved pieces that are as sustainable as they are unique and inspiring. In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to use consignment store shopping to create an exceptional costume that will make 2023 your best Halloween yet. 

Why find your Halloween costume on consignment  

Fast fashion contributes to pollution, resource depletion, and excessive waste. By choosing preowned pieces and costumes from consignment stores like Current Boutique, you’re reducing the demand for new production, conserving energy and water, and minimizing your personal carbon footprint in a way that leads us toward a more sustainable world.

Consignment is the most sustainable alternative to fast fashion (which includes places like Spirit Halloween). That’s because big box stores encourage you to buy a new costume each season that will only be used one day of the year. (You’ll probably never re-wear that $100 vampire costume.) That’s how these stores make money: by insisting you buy new costumes each year.

We’re not saying you should wear the same costume each year. Rather, we’re saying you can put together a unique costume with pieces you can wear year-round. Rather than buy a fast fashion pre-designed costume, put together an ensemble using a variety of consignment pieces that you can later mix and match with everyday outfits. For example, you can dress as a mermaid with a sparkly satin skirt and lacey bralette, both of which you can pair with different outfits throughout the year. Doing so will minimize your consumption, which is good for the environment and your wallet.   

Check out these 7 trends in fashion sustainability to learn more.

1. Unleash your imagination.

Creating a Halloween costume using consignment finds allows for limitless possibilities. Unlike store-bought costumes, consigned costumes are 100% unique – and 100% you. Consignment stores are a treasure trove of unique pieces, allowing you to craft an ensemble that perfectly brings to life your Halloween vision.

Let’s say you want to pull together a Risky Business outfit (tube socks, button down, sunglasses). Risky Business is a classic go-to because it’s easy to throw together. But it’s been done thousands of times, so how do you make it special? Purchasing the classic pieces on consignment will create a recognizable costume while adding a vintage, one-of-a-kind feel. Best yet, you can reuse these pieces for everyday wear as well. 

2. Choose a timeless costume. 

Consignment stores often carry pieces from various eras. One of the most fun parts of a consignment store is happening upon vintage or rare finds! This makes consignment stores the go-to for recreating timeless, nostalgic Halloween aesthetics, like a glam bombshell like Marilyn Monroe, a disco diva from the ‘70s, or a rocker from the ‘80s. Embracing a classic motif not only celebrates the past and helps you tap into a new, fun side of yourself, but it also discourages the wastefulness of seasonal costume trends that everyone else will be wearing this Halloween.

Pro-tip: Dress in a fashion era that already inspires your daily wardrobe so you can reuse the pieces. For example, if you love wearing ‘70s fashion, dress up as a hippie, disco queen, or your favorite ‘70s band.

3. Start with the consignment store hunt.

If you’re not sure what you want to be for Halloween, browse consignment stores before hitting Spirit Halloween. Scouring through racks and shelves will help you discover hidden gems that will unlock your creativity and inspire ideas for a one-of-a-kind costume. Plus, browsing consignment stores can be such a fun adventure in it of itself – it’s the perfect fall day date for you and a friend!

Check out these consignment shopping hacks to help you find the perfect pieces.

4. Start shopping early.

Start shopping for your consignment costume early, if possible. Consignment stores have unpredictable inventory that can vary from day to day, so you’ll want to give yourself ample time to explore different options. You may even want to visit a few different stores throughout the next couple months to find pieces that speak to your Halloween style.

5. Research ideas.

If you have a specific costume or theme in mind, research ideas on Pinterest or Instagram. Print or screenshot some of your favorite looks. These reference images will help you stay focused while shopping, and you can show the pictures to a Current Boutique representative to help navigate the store and find the pieces you’re looking for.

6. Add (more) accessories.

Sometimes a costume is less about the clothing and more about the accessories. For example, a white dress is just a dress, but add gold and teal jewelry, a black choker, dark eyeliner, and Trojan sandals, and you’ve got an Egyptian Cleopatra look. Or your favorite little black dress can become a Breakfast at Tiffany’s look with a string of pearls, some sunglasses, long gloves, tied-up hair, a cigarette holder, and a croissant. Consider how you can invest in different accessories to make your look shine.

7. Get it tailored.

If you find a consignment piece that’s close to what you’ve envisioned by not 100% there, consider getting it tailored. A few alterations from a seamstress (or DIY at home) can transform a good costume into a great one.

8. Use DIY embellishments.

Take your costume to the next level by adding your own personal touch with sequins, patches, or fabric paint. These embellishments are particularly useful if you’re wearing a punny costume, like writing “Netflix” on a red dress and carrying around an ice chest (for Netflix and Chill). But keep in mind that you may not want to re-wear these pieces if they’re too embellished or personalized just for Halloween. 

Sustainable Halloween costumes

Every choice matters when it comes to fashion sustainability, and even our Halloween costumes can reflect a commitment to a greener, healthier planet. By embracing unique consignment finds, you’re taking a stand against the disposable culture of fast fashion. Moreover, consignment stores offer a treasure trove of hidden gems, opening up a whole new world of one-of-a-kind costume possibilities. And you can re-wear these preloved pieces throughout the year, so you’re making a good investment for your wallet and the environment.

Start looking for consignment costume ideas with Current Boutique’s online store right now.