[Fwalandra]

Well, I've been thinking about cosplaying for this next ACen; but I know I won't have enough money to be able to do a decent one. Our town just got a temporary Halloween store that is filled from wall-to-wall with costumes. Would it be looked down upon by other cosplayers if I simply bought a Halloween costume and wore it? I really wanna dress up; but I have no motivation or cash to make/buy my own cosplay.

[Millions_Knives]

that is a strong possibility
your money may be better invested in a closet cosplay
(a character that would not be out of place in rl)
these cosplays can easily be cheaper than a Halloween costume
and you get more use out of it
as they normally are comprised of every day clothes

[Voxx]

Halloween costumes at stores are waaay over priced and the materials are incredibly cheap and crappy. I highly recommend not buying a costume at a Halloween shop yet you can find random pieces for a cosplay sometimes. I agree with Knives! A closet cosplay can be cheap and it isn't looked down upon at all (If you do it right). The clothing doesn't have to be right out of your closet. You can go through thrift stores and goodwill for a lot of closet cosplay. This doesn't mean that is the only focus of the cosplay. You will have to work on other elements, such as hair style/color/accessories/ect. Good luck!

[iHane]

I can understand the exact position that you're in. I think everyone at one point or another is so broke that they can't really afford a cosplay, and hence you just want to be like "Oh, god. I can't cosplay because it won't be good enough, BUT, I can buy a halloween costume and do it...is that good enough?" etc. etc. and I wouldn't necessarily look down on you for it, but I know a few people who would (mainly because all of those people put hours upon hours of work into their hand made costumes, so on and so forth). So. Like Millions said, it would probably just be better if you did a closet cosplay. Especially because there are so many that could be easily done. Pretty much, give or take one or two things that probably shouldn't be in a normal person's closet, you could probably do an easy The World Ends with You cosplay...just an example. ^w^

[-JUNK-]

i dont recommend Halloween costumes for my opinion to wear. but i do agree go to thrift stores i do just to find stuff i dont want to buy full price because im cheap


like for this years cosplay im doing mi not going out to spend $50+ on boots, go to a thrift store buy for $10 spray paint white and all that other fun stuff

This post has been edited by -JUNK-: 26 September 2010 - 01:13 AM

[obakasan]

I know of people who will use Halloween shop stuff (bought after Halloween when it's on sale of course - or someone is giving it away) for some basic accessories (like long gloves). Something to use as a "base" to build on (but not much as they are often flimsey), or just experiment with. Better to cut up some $1 item to get the feel for it before you start working on that $10 version...

*Sometimes* you can get decent quality items, but more likely not at the seasonal shops but at the "regular" stores.

If nothing else the stuff is fun to look at and maybe get ideas from.

And as always, rummage sales, yard sales, and thrift shops year round. A recent local church rummage sale here had boxes of fabric scraps (some expensive good stuff too), buttons, doll parts, belts, misc clothes of all sorts, toys & kitchen ware (that can become props), and a pile of "real" wigs. Hit one on $3 a bag day and clean up. Oddly enough I rarely see Halloween costumes offered.

[Emrys]

I think that the Halloween stores are a treasure trove for props, accessories and makeup stuff. I'm never really interested in the costumes or wigs they sell.

If you find a costume that you really like and can afford then there's nobody to stop you from getting it. However, you've got about six months between now and ACEN so there's ample time to make modifications or expand on it, if you choose to do so.