Modern Halloween costumes do not have to be easy or unique. Zombies, ghosts, and witches are not the only simple costumes available. Movie character and super hero costumes can be just as much fun to wear. But, you can avoid the expenses involved in buying or renting a costume by making one yourself at home.

All you need to make a great Halloween costume yourself is some old clothing, a bit of make-up, some interesting accessories and accent pieces, and an exaggerated and original fashion concept. Consider the following possibilities.

A doctor costume is easy to put together. You just need an old white jacket or coat. Then, use some plastic tubing to make a stethoscope or find an old one yourself. If you want to look a little older, you can paint a red cross on the coat and give yourself a distinguished moustache. Then, see if you can get an x-ray photo from someone in your family that you can carry around with a clipboard. All that’s left is the treat bag.

The same white coat that can make you into a doctor can be used to transform you into a geeky nerd or a mad scientist. The important part is using the right accessories. A nerd needs a pocket protector and lots of pens, while the mad scientist might look great with an Einstein-esque wig. The more creative you let your imagination get, the better the costume will look.

A simple yet elegant dress and some fancy dress shoes can be the base for a great princess costume. Make the outfit unique by lots of jewelry, especially things that sparkle and shine. A princess needs a crown, necklace, ring, wand, and brooch. Don’t forget the royal make-up.

Silver foil and stick-on shiny artificial gemstones and beads are low cost ways of creating exaggerated jewelry. A brand name shopping bag would make an appropriate treat bag.

Old clothes can provide you with a truly believable hobo costume, too. You can rip some holes in and sew patches onto your costume clothing. A bottle in a paper bag, a well worn felt hat, and some face paint can make your get up quite convincing.

The hobo face paint should top things off, leaving you looking dirty and tired.