Do you need a costume for Halloween, a theme party or a play? If it is not Halloween, finding a great costume, quickly and at an affordable price can be challenging. Many costume shops are only open seasonally, so if you are shopping out of season, you may have trouble finding your items. For an affordable and creative costume, consider shopping in used clothing stores.

Millions of people donate and sell their unwanted clothing every year to charities, resale shops, consignment shops, flea markets and to online auction sites, and many of these items are from previous time eras. Vintage pieces can create great costumes that are affordable and unique. When you shop for costumes in used clothing stores, you will find quality pieces at affordable prices. Be sure to consider pieces that are iconic from a specific time era when you are creating your look. You could also consider being a cheerleader, a football player or other sports figure, a ballerina using old leotards and shoes or anything else that you can piece together from the items that you find. You may have to dig, but you will find something that you can use at t costume, even at the last minute.

To start, search your local physical used clothing stores by looking in the Yellow Pages, using your online search engine and asking for recommendations from your circle of friends. Make a list of stores that you would like to consider and then map out a plan to visit them. If you are looking for a big bargain, start by searching thrift stores and flea markets. You may need to be willing to dig, but you will be sure to find some great, inexpensive used clothing items to make a unique costume. Next, search your local resale shops as they offer a mix of old and new used clothing and are generally a bit more organized than a flea market or a thrift store.

When you are in the stores, be sure to ask the local sales representative for ideas. Tell them some of your thoughts and the type of event that you need a costume for. Sales representatives in used clothing stores are familiar with building costumes, as this has become a popular shopping method for people wanting to create a unique look.

When you are shopping on an online auction or consignment site, some used clothing items are sold in 'Lots'. You may want to steer clear of lots purchases since you are only looking for a few items for a single event. Be sure to read the item descriptions carefully so that you know what you are getting and take into consideration what the shipping costs are going to be in your overall sales price. When you are making your online purchases, be sure to use a secure site and a reputable company to ensure your security and your privacy.

Shopping for used clothing online and in physical clothing stores is a great way to build your costume at affordable prices. Be creative, think outside of the box and have fun when you are shopping for your costume.