PLATTSBURGH — It's the last minute for people without a Halloween costume, and more this year than ever, shoppers are keeping an eye on price tags.

While some people buy pre-made costumes, an overlooked resource for the creative minded are thrift stores — a less expensive alternative to store-bought costumes.

OLD UNIFORMS
Pedro Almodovar, a volunteer at the Salvation Army on Montcalm Street in Plattsburgh, said he has seen quite a few people coming in looking for costume ideas.

"Less people are shopping at malls," he said.

Some of the more popular items are old-fashioned suits, scrubs and correction uniforms.

For those who want to go retro this Halloween, the Salvation Army offers a range of styles, Almodovar said.

"We have clothing here from different eras."

As most of the donations come from either college students or the elderly, there are fashions both new and old.

Plattsburgh resident Lisa Marie made her own outfit this year from clothes she bought at the Salvation Army

"The base I got here," she said.

With a few modifications, Marie said, she was able to fashion an outfit for Geoffrey's Pub's upcoming costume party. She didn't want to give away what it is, however.

OLD PROM DRESSES
Peg Tucker, owner of the Fashion Exchange in Plattsburgh, said she has seen a lot of shoppers looking to make their own costumes this year.

"It seems like it's the last-minute people."

For those who aren't very creative, Tucker said, a gypsy outfit is always pretty easy to pull off.

With an old prom dress, a princess costume is a good stand-by for those still unsure about what to wear, she suggested. Witch and mobster are also easy to pull off.

Tucker said a man recently came in looking for a suit. His plan: to soak it in flour as part of his Frankenstein costume.

While the Fashion Exchange tries to carry only current fashions, Tucker said, many styles from various eras are popular today.

"There's so many things that are 'in.'"

Most years, the Fashion Exchange carries costumes, she said. However, her selection is limited this Halloween.

ADDING TO COST
Plattsburgh State student Valentina Capra said she has made her own costume before but won't be doing so this year.

The problem is that, as you buy more accessories to perfect your costume, she said, there can be a tendency to get carried away.

"You don't realize it. It will get as expensive as buying one. The only advantage is no one will have it."

UNIQUE
Bradley Schaeffer and Josh Spiro are getting creative this Halloween, putting together their own unique costumes.

By shopping at the Salvation Army, the Plattsburgh State students were able to find all the essential elements for a cheap but creative outfit.

With an old suit and some makeup, Spiro said, he is making himself a zombie costume with little effort.

"It's super easy and pretty cheap. Ten bucks, you got a costume."

With an old bright-blue trench coat and alien mask, Schaeffer will be donning martian-wear this Halloween. They agreed that making their own costumes was better than buying one in a store.

"It makes Halloween more personable," Schaeffer said.

For those who haven't put together a costume yet, they recommend people watch old Halloween movies for ideas, then go "thrift shopping."

Whether you're planning on being Spongebob Squarepants or a half-dead zombie this year, they said it's all about enjoying yourself.

"Get creative; have fun with it."