Halloween is a stressful time of year. First, you have to decide which one of the many, many parties you’re going to attend. Then, you have to figure out how you’re going to get out of work on Friday. And of course, you’re going to have to find a costume. 

Now, no one’s asking you to go all out. But while the days of donning your best disguise and circling the neighborhood for candy are over, that doesn’t mean you want to be the sourpuss who shows up to the costumed party in your regular clothes and a pin that says “This is my Halloween costume.” 

Since you’ve made it this far without figuring out what to be, we’re assuming you don’t take your Halloween self all too seriously. Forego those packaged pieces of overpriced, cheap material (adding the qualifier “babe” to a random noun doesn’t make it a good costume, ladies) and throw together something with items you likely already have, or can find on the cheap. And remember, fake blood can go a long way.

Need a starting destination? Check out our 12 picks for where to find a Halloween costume in Boston.