Create DIY Costumes on a Budget

Having a great Halloween costume can be costly, but it doesn't have to be. This year, save some cash with a do-it-yourself costume that showcases your creativity. The following costume suggestions can be made mostly out of items found around the house, or cheap odds and ends from the craft store.

Guys:

Don Draper - Grab that suit out of the back of your closet, slick back your hair and sip on some scotch while lighting up a cigarette to portray Don Draper of "Mad Men." Of course, you don't really need to drink scotch (ginger ale is a good look-a-like) and most costume shops sell fake cigarettes, too.

Green Lantern - So you're kind of lazy and your wife, friends or girlfriend insists you dress up this Halloween. Grab a green t-shirt and print off this symbol and safety pin (or use double-sided tape if you want to class it up a bit) it to the center of your shirt, and you're a lo-fi Green Lantern.

Ladies:

Sue Sylvester - You probably have an old track suit laying around somewhere (or can buy one pretty cheap) to dress up as Sue, the snarky coach of William McKinley High School's cheerleading squad. (from FOX's "Glee.") Pick up a whistle from a sporting goods store and buy a blonde wig if you want to go all out.

Masquerade - Dig deep in the back of your closet where you keep all of your old prom and bridesmaid's dresses. Pick the most lavish one, put your hair in an up-do and buy a mask (ranging from $2 to $25 depending on it's detail) to pretend like you're making your way to the masquerade ball.

Groups:

Crayons - Everyone wears a different colored, solid shirt. Buy construction paper and make a cone out of the corresponding color for a hat, and get elastic so it stays on you head. Purchase black adhesive felt, and stencil and cut out "Crayola." Then adhere the logo to the center of your shirt, and you're a crayon.

Publisher's Clearing House Crew - We've all seen the commercials. A suit-clad entourage carrying an oversized check, flowers and balloons greets a lady in her pajamas at the door. Most of this stuff is probably in your closet (a bath robe, a shirt and tie). Buy some poster board from a craft store for the big check, some balloons, a bouquet of flowers and you're all set.