Want a show-stopping costume that’s totally original and easy to assemble? Blending DIY and store-bought costume pieces is the ultimate way to look amazing without going over budget or spending hours in the craft aisle.
Whether you're prepping for Halloween, a hen party, or a themed event, this hybrid approach saves time while letting your personality shine. Here are 10 clever ideas to help you mix handmade touches with ready-made costumes for your most unforgettable look yet.
1. Start with a Strong Store-Bought Base
Save time and effort by buying a ready-made costume that forms the core of your look like a pirate outfit, nurse dress, or superhero jumpsuit. Then build from there. Browse our costumes for sale to find your perfect base.
2. Customise Your Costume with DIY Patches or Paint
Add flair to store-bought outfits by painting designs, stitching on patches, or attaching themed buttons. This is ideal for uniforms or character costumes you want to make your own.
Great for: Superhero suits, military themes, denim vests, and cartoon-inspired costumes.
3. Upgrade Store-Bought Wigs with DIY Accessories
Got a wig from our wigs collection? Add custom touches like homemade hair clips, glitter spray, or themed ribbons to make it pop. Perfect for fairies, pop stars, or retro characters.
4. DIY Your Props for a Personal Touch
While you can buy fantastic props, making your own sword, wand, or sceptre adds a layer of fun and originality. A handmade prop can turn a store-bought outfit into a unique statement.
5. Create Your Own Face Paint or Special Effects
Use makeup, glitter, or fake blood to take your look to the next level. DIY special effects work well when the costume is simple but you want to add impact. Shop our facepaint and FX collection to enhance your character.
6. Add DIY Jewellery or Themed Accessories
Homemade bangles, medallions, or sashes can complement any outfit. This works especially well for Cleopatra, hippie, or burlesque themes. Want ready-made backup? Explore jewellery and accessories.
7. Make a Personalised Sash or Banner
Heading to a hen party or themed event? Add a customised sash using iron-on letters or fabric markers. Or use our design-your-own sash tool for a polished result with less effort.
8. Layer DIY Elements Over Simple Costumes
Turn a basic costume into a showpiece by layering DIY capes, vests, or robes. Use scrap fabric or old clothes to build your own overlays and textures.
A simple witch dress from our female costumes can be transformed into a full-on fantasy outfit with just a few tweaks.
9. Add Your Own Lighting or Motion Elements
Want to glow in the dark or catch attention on the dance floor? Add LED lights, fairy lights, or reflective tape to parts of your costume. Works brilliantly with futuristic, alien, or festival-inspired looks.
10. Mix Themes for a One-of-a-Kind Costume Mashup
Don’t feel limited to one idea, combine two characters or eras for a creative hybrid! Think: pirate-cheerleader, zombie-cowboy, or 80s-robot. Use our 80s collection or neon fancy dress to find parts to mash up with your DIY work.
Make It Yours and Make It Fun
Combining DIY with ready-made costumes lets you enjoy the creativity without the stress. Whether you're using face paint, handmade props, or just adding sparkle to a store-bought wig, your custom touches make the difference.
Need help pulling your look together? Get in touch with us, we’re happy to help with product recommendations or costume advice.