Five DIY Cheap Halloween Costume Ideas for Adults

During this recession or depression, having fun is more important than ever for adults as well as children. A good Halloween costume doesn't have to be expensive. Read on to learn how to make five great cheap adult Halloween costumes and become the life of the party without spending too much money.

Bargain Basement Ninja

Do you lurk silent and deadly in the dark? Does nobody see you coming until it's too late? This costume is as cheap and easy as they come.

What you'll need: A black long-sleeve shirt and pants and ideally boots -- but black shoes will work in a pinch. If you have boots, tuck the pants into the boots. If you have a black hoodie, you can use that. Otherwise, headgear should be a black knit hat ($2, Walgreens) or bandanna. Then tie a bandanna around your mouth and nose, and voila! Sneak up on your friends.

Props: A fake katana and fake throwing stars can be bought at most stores in the Halloween season for around $5-10. Don't bring any real weaponry, especially if people will be drinking! On a very tight budget, wrap a katana-sized stick in black tape -- or just go for the laughs and bring along a ridiculous weapon like a teddy bear.

Poorhouse Pirate

Sure, you could buy an expensive pirate costume, but why do it when it's easy to make a DIY one? The basic elements of a pirate Halloween costume are simple. Grab a brightly colored bandanna and tie it around your head. Tear or cut the collar off an old white button-up shirt and wear it with the top two buttons open, then grab a black or brightly colored vest or short-sleeve button up and throw it on over. Don't button this one, but instead tie it with a fabric scrap, and put a belt on over.

Dark-colored pants rolled up to the knee, or a ruffled skirt, with boots finish the look. Cheap toy swords are easy to come by, or strap a tankard to your belt. Yo-ho! Variations: try a shorter skirt and stockings for "sexy pirate" (or, for men, leave the top hanging open.)

The Even Easier Costumes

Do the above looks seem a little too annoying to pull off? If so, try these options: they're little jokes that don't require you to get very dressed up but will still get a laugh from your friends.

The Evil Twin

Wear an outfit that, while perfectly ordinary, is nothing like anything you'd usually wear. Dress like a hick, or wear something preppie or overly risque -- be "not you", and when people ask what you are, answer "(Your Name's) evil twin." Men should wear a fake beard for this one (or if they already have a beard, shave it off) -- women should change their hairstyle. Think alternate-universe duplicate: looks just like you, but is everything you're not. Play it up by acting unlike yourself, if the whim strikes you.

Doctor Love

Find a lab coat at a thrift store, then pin or sticker a red heart to the breast pocket. Congratulations -- now they'll call you Dr. Love!

Terminator Robot or Secret Agent

Finally, the easiest costume of all. How can you tell a terminator robot? Well, they look just like everyone else. Same with a secret agent, at that. Dress in everyday clothes and give the answer of your choice when people ask what you're supposed to be. Or say you're a serial killer, with an evil leer.

For more adult Halloween costume ideas, you can also learn how to make costumes from the 2009 Star Trek Movie or the original series.