MIDTOWN — Leaving your Halloween costume to the last minute may not such a bad idea.
With long lines and hefty price tags at some of Manhattan's costume stores, venturing into the depths of your own closet could provide a creative and interesting do-it-yourself alternative.
“The key is to use your imagination,” said stylist Dawn Del Russo. “You really are not going to wear the costume again so why not use whatever is in your wardrobe.”
An easy go-to option is to look like any major celebrity, and the woman of the moment is definitely Beyoncé, according to Del Russo. Not only does the singer have her own signature style with plenty of sparkle and flare, but the singer’s pregnancy also leaves room for some Halloween costume fun.
"Beyoncé is excellent for a do-it-yourself costume because she is a huge star,” said Del Russo. “We see her all over the red carpet, all over the television and in magazines.”
The key for any costume, especially celebrities, is exaggeration.
"You can really take their look and take it to the next level. Overdo it a bit. Exaggerate it,” said Del Russo. She suggested big, sparkly accessories were key to recreating Beyoncé's look.
Looking to the news headlines is also a key to a last-minute Halloween costume, according to Del Russo.
Take Occupy Wall Street.
“I think people are always looking for that controversial costume that is getting a lot of people talker,” she said. “You are going to be the one that everyone talks about whether they like it or not.”
Del Russo helped DNAinfo create last minute Beyoncé and Occupy Wall Street costumes. Here's a list of supplies to whip up one of your own:
DIY Beyoncé Costume Supplies
Tape
Pillow
Safety pins
Brightly colored sheet
Glitzy accessories such as huge earrings and bangles
Sparkly stilettos
Huge hair
Bold eye makeup
DIY Occupy Wall Street Costume Supplies
Scarf
Cardboard sign with political message
Mismatching clothes such as a bulky knit sweater and patterned skirt or striped pants.
Hat
Boots
