Everyone is stinging this year from the economy and even if you are one of the lucky few who isn’t, you are probably trying to be thrifty as a hedge against the possibility of a financial bruising. So maybe one of the things that goes out the window (if you are an adult) is a killer Halloween costume. If you are anything like me, even as a so-called grown-up, Halloween might just be your favorite holiday, but this year, I can’t go out and spend the $60.00 on demon wings that I did the year before last. What is a girl to do?

There are a few things I remember from those lean college years when costumes had to made, salvaged, or invented. Here’s something simple and clever that you won’t be afraid to spill beer on – a flasher. Remember that old white t-shirt you were just about to tear into rags? Find yourself a black magic marker and a dark coat and use that all purpose marker to write, “I’m Naked!!!” on the front of the white t-shirt.

Garbage bags are ubiquitous, and useful for our purposes. Have a white garbage bag? Tear an extra hole in it and you have an instant ghost, tissue, or cotton ball! If the variety you have laying around is black, enjoy your raisin-hood. If your garbage bags are actually those little plastic bags with handles from grocery stores, it may be a little more difficult to figure something out, but if you live in a city but can still get your hands on some twigs, you can go as a bag-in-a-tree. (Although, I don’t advise this one, too many accessories.) If you are in a couple, the two of you can dress all in brown, get a piece of string to attach between you and find that old pair of sneakers that are worn out. You can go as two telephone poles with shoes thrown over the wire. (Does anyone know how that started?)

Admittedly, that last idea may be a little too involved, but if all else fails you can always just wear your favorite outfit, and if someone asks the question this year, “So what are you for Halloween?” lift your head proudly and say, “Myself, only more-so.”