College students might not have money to waste on a Halloween costume they'll only wear once, so original costumes can be created with clothing that is already owned or can be worn again.
Men:
• Harry Potter: Channel the cute wizard in a plain, dark-colored shirt or sweater, khakis and dark shoes. For this costume, it's all about accessories. Wear glasses, carry a wand and ruffle your hair. Finally, draw a lightning bolt scar on the middle of your forehead.
• Jay Gatsby: Make F. Scott Fitzgerald's famous character from "The Great Gatsby" come to life in a white, cabled V-neck sweater over a collared oxford shirt with white trousers. Part your hair on the side, and wear a newsboy cap. You'll look just like Robert Redford in the 1974 adaptation of the 1925 novel.
• A newsie: Disguise yourself as one of the handsome newspaper boys from the musical "Newsies" by wearing khaki pants, a white unbuttoned oxford shirt with rolled-up sleeves and suspenders. The key is to look slightly rumpled. Pair with a newsboy cap and brown shoes.
Women:
• Audrey Hepburn: Don't search for the perfect little black dress to become Audrey. Instead, wear what she sports in the Gap commercials: black skinny pants, turtleneck and ballerina flats. To further authenticate the look, side-part your hair and put it in a bun. For Audrey-like accessories, carry around a martini glass and a long, old-fashioned cigarette à la "Breakfast at Tiffany's."
• Porcelain doll/Stepford wife: Wear a brightly colored, floral sundress with feminine flats. Accessorize with a matching pearl necklace and earrings. Curl your hair in ringlets, and tie it half-up with a ribbon. Apply traditional makeup. If you're going for the porcelain doll look, powder your face first to make it look white.
• Grecian goddess: Slip on a wispy, white dress. Buy gold ribbon from a craft store, and wrap it around your waist and the sleeves. Dust bronzer on your face and body, and wear tan or light pink lipstick. Finally, slip on Grecian-looking flat sandals, and you're ready to go.
