Look no further for a Halloween costume, Cassie Fairy shares her step by step guide to create a DIY look out of old clothes you can find in your wardrobe.
It’s Halloween and as usual I don’t have any budget for a costume for all these parties I’ll be going to. But I’m not worried about that because I personally think that Halloween is about making-do and creating some crazy costume yourself that no one else will be wearing – the tattier the better in some instances! I have therefore made my own skeleton costume using an old (and I mean ooolllddd) stretchy top and I’ll show you how to make one for yourself below.
You will need:
An old black top
A white top to wear underneath
A pair of scissors
A white pen or chalk
Step by step
Step one: Fold your top in half along the centre point. Step two: Use the chalk or white pen to mark out where you will be cutting out the ribs Step three: Cut out the ribs, making sure you’re cutting all the way through both layers of fabric. This will give you a symmetrical set of ribs on each side when you have finished cutting.
Step four: Cut out small triangles along the centre to create the spine bones
Step five: I even cut some bone shapes from the arms, which aren’t clear in the photo, but when I’m wearing it, you can really see them. Step six: Wear over the top of a white t-shirt to show off the shape of the bones!
I hope you’ll have a go at making this simple Halloween costume and enjoy your spooky celebrations, whatever you get up to!
Need some of the items above or would like to see our range of costumes? Head over to Oxfam Online Shop.
You took part in #SecondHandSeptember in your thousands. Many of you – celebs included – also got online to share your reasons why. Here are just some of our favourite quotes and posts.
1. ‘Inspiring change happens with action’ @akwearsthings
Five words that couldn’t ring truer. As history always proves, it’s when we get up and do something about the issues we care about that things start to change. More than 60,000 of you said no to new with @OxfamGB, showing the fast fashion industry the time for change is NOW.
2. ‘Our throwaway culture is having a huge impact on our planet’ @jessicamurae
We couldn’t have put it better ourselves. According to our #SecondHandSeptember survey, issues like waste and climate change were massive motivators for taking part. You can read more about the shocking impact of fast fashion here
3. ‘There’s nothing better than when you can combine a need for a new (to you) handbag with giving to charity’ @simplifyyourcloset
Posting on the International Day of Charity, Kaiza bigged up the benefits of buying second hand – for you AND for the causes you care about. Here’s just one way that shopping and donating with @OxfamGB can help fight poverty around the world.
4. ‘Shocked when I cottoned on that the textiles industry produces MORE pollution than aviation AND shipping combined!’ @sarajcox
The lovely Sara Cox was among some seriously savvy celebs who got tweeting to spread the word about #SecondHandSeptember and the shocking fashion facts that inspired them to take part. Thank you!
5. ‘It doesn’t have to be new to suit you’ @PrestonCP
Big thanks to Cats Protection Preston for supporting the cause too – and sharing yet another reason to love preloved. Pop into any charity shop and you’re guaranteed to find something special, basically! Check out our top tips on finding something you love – in a hurry.
If you’re following @oxfamgb ‘s #SecondhandSeptember you’ll find lots of great stuff in our #Penwortham shop at 77 Liverpool Road. It doesn’t have to be new to suit you.
6 ‘Oxfam offers a way to help reduce the harmful effect of ‘fast fashion’ on our planet and its people.’ @mssophiedahl
Covering everything from the impact of new clothes on precious water sources , to the poverty-busting power of buying and donating with Oxfam, we LOVED Sophie Dahl’s post. Inspired to put your unwanted clothes to good use? Find your local @OxfamGB store here
7. ‘I’ve been making a conscious effort to shop less and when I do, to shop second hand, to hunt out vintage gems and (most importantly!) to treasure the pieces I already have’ @fleurdeforce
When a vlogging queen like @fleurdeforce starts talking about the environmental impact of fast fashion, you know things are a-happening. Huge thanks for sharing your thoughts Fleur – and spreading the word!
8. ‘Each year, over 300,000 tonnes of clothing goes to landfill in the UK’ @zeroinonwaste
Shared by @zeroinonwaste this was one of the campaign’s headline stats and got loads of you talking. Thankfully, we could also share the fact that @OxfamGB saves more than 12,000 tonnes of clothing from landfill every year. Find out more about Wastesaver, our brilliant recycling and sorting centre, here.
9 ‘@OxfamGB & the world are trying to get people to think more about sustainable fashion. The most sustainable is wearing clothes which already exist’ @weemissbea
The brilliant Aisling Bea knows how to tell it like it is – and all about the many, change-making ways you can shop more sustainably. Like charity shops AND vintage AND renting AND borrowing AND swapping AND… choosing second hand and ethical brands for the costumes on your new telly show.
We knew you’d do Second Hand September in style. But we downright LOVED your outfits. Here are 30 of our favourites – one for every day of this incredible, change-making month
You wowed in preloved Stella McCartney and Armani. Made a super-cool fashion statement in a dyed vintage nightie. Even introduced us to the wonders of original Beatrix Potter knitwear… If anyone needed proof that preloved clothing can be stylish as well as sustainable, you provided it. Throughout #SecondHandSeptember you shared look after trend-setting look, inspiring even more people to say ‘no to new’. Here are 30 of our favourites – there were SO many more. Please keep them coming – September may be over, but the positive impact of choosing second-hand never will be.
There are lots of ways to say ‘no to new’ – @shinyshiny054 gave us 3-for-1, with her charity shop dress, ‘local clothes swap’ boots and decade-old jacket from her very own wardrobe 🙂
This stunning blouse shared by @thestylebalance has already had three owners and counting – preloved, re-loved fashion at its best. Got something gorgeous that you barely wear? Share the love and pass it on.
Savvy swapping is yet another way you helped make #SecondHandSeptember so brilliant, with great finds like this polo neck dress shared by @betsysclosetswapshop
Preloved style gurus like Caroline Jones played a huge role in #SecondHandSeptember, inspiring us all with covetable vintage outfits like this one. Get following for oodles more.
The final week of #SecondHandSeptember and the cracking outfits just kept on coming… We were mightily impressed by this super-hip look shared by @armadioverde
We love this laid-back daytime look, shared on Day 5. Fancy recreating it? You’ll find loads of check shirts and shorts – for women and men – in the Oxfam Online Shop. Just add tights for winter!
It was once a £1 vintage nightie. Then @thecannyfashionista got her hands on it and turned it into an incredible statement dress, fit for a fancy event. We like. A lot.
Hannah helped spread the word about #SecondHandSeptember and proved you can holiday without buying new too. We love her sundress, #FoundInOxfam for £3 – search the hashtag for more great finds.
What do you do when you find a fab Stella McCartney dress in Oxfam? Put it on and shrink yourself down to fairy size for the ultimate autumnal Instagram pic of course. Got to love @leapofcharly
A post shared by Jemma Bell (@thedelightful.mrsb) on
Of course it’s not all about the outfits… @thedelightful.mrsb knows all about the power of preloved accessories. Check out this stunning necklace ‘beautiful quality and it goes with absolutely everything’ 🙂
Once you discover the wonders of second-hand fashion, you can spot preloved gems pretty much everywhere. This stylish look shared by @alterszura was sourced in Bristol and Amsterdam.
You can’t beat a bit of preloved Boden. These shorts were a great way to finish off this simple but stylish look – and make the most of the last of the sunshine. Big thanks for sharing, @mumdrobe
In Erin’s own words ‘couples who thrift together, thrive together’ and these guys certainly looked happy in their super-hip second hand outfits, shared on Day 29.
Throughout the month, you showed us that you really can find preloved clothes for every occasion – check out this stunning vintage gown, shared by slow fashion ambassador @veshoevius
Throughout the month, you continued to share loads of ways to say ‘no to new’, be it charity shops, clothes swaps or, as with this pretty dress, a quick click on Depop.
With just days to go, @stephnimmo picked up this great shirt for just £3. What better way to see out a month of ‘no new’? Fancy working some paisley into your wardrobe? Search the Oxfam Online Shop now.
Described as probably her ‘best ever second hand purchase’, @annabel_czyba snapped up this chic cashmere Armani jacket 15 years ago. And it looks as fabulous as ever.
It’s a jumper. With Jemima Puddleducks on. How could this not make the cut? @cyclingkirst was lucky enough to bag this original Beatrix Potter jumper in tip top condition.
Callie spotted this amazing skirt in a charity shop years ago, now teamed with a £2 second-hand jumper to create yet another covetable #SecondHandSeptember look. Search the hashtag for more.
Brights are huge news this season and we love this berry red slip dress worn by slow fashion queen @restylethemother Start following for vast quantities of vintage inspiration.
Charity shops are just brilliant for basics – and a black dress like this one can be styled up in SO many ways. Perfect for daytime with a simple white tee… and matching backdrop.
A charity shop bargain circa 2018, Kate says she loves this skirt more every time she wears it. We can see why. Find more striking florals in the Oxfam Online Shop now.
A post shared by Ella Shallow (@sewistandthecity) on
Upcycling was ANOTHER way you made #SecondHandSeptember rock. We love this bold print skirt, refashioned by @sewistandthecity from an old sundress. Find more great upcycling ideas here
It’s chunky. It’s peachy. And it was #FoundInOxfam for just £7. We’re loving this super-cosy knit – thanks for sharing, @brixcollective_ Read our blog for more great autumn-winter looks
Half-way through the challenge, preloved style blogger @hannahxelliman celebrated by sharing this gem of an outfit. Like her style? Check out Hannah’s top tips for charity shopping
With so many clothes ready and waiting to be loved again, Bel and Alice give their advice on how to find great second hand items.
Sustainable fashion stylists Bel Jacobs and Alice Wilby both have a love and talent for spotting the very best second hand clothes and accessories. They know their styles and aren’t afraid of trying new ones. Join them on the sofa as they share their expertise on thrifting, because not only are there endless amounts of gems waiting to be rediscovered, but it’s a wardrobe choice that helps the planet too.
Now you can take Bel and Alice’s top tips and try them out for yourself. We’ve got 1,000s of items on our online shop or you can find your local Oxfam shop here. Wherever you shop, you could update your wardrobe with something one-of-a-kind and raise money to help people beat poverty around the world.
Like the idea of livening up your wardrobe in time for autumn? Discover how to get this vibrant on-trend look with designer pieces – without buying new.
As we edge our way towards autumn, everything can start to look a little greyer. But that doesn’t mean our outfits need to. Thankfully, this particular new season trend is set to add a splash of colour to our wardrobes, with top-to-toe brights and in-your-face neons all over the 2019 autumn-winter catwalks. For second hand inspiration and the chance to shop the looks, savvy fashion students Sophie Connell and Amina Patel have pulled together outfits using designer pieces and more #FoundInOxfam.
Missing the sunshine? Check out this bright Whistles skirt and vintage jacket combo, great with a contrasting faux fur handbag to finish the look. Vintage jacket £39.99, skirt £19.99, bag £7.99.
Scarlet is big news this season. This bright, wool and cashmere blend coat is perfect teamed with these striking Joseph trousers and matching berry-red boots. Lakeland coat £55, trousers £65, boots £12.99.
Don’t fancy top-to-toe neon? Wear key pieces in softer hues of blue with something more out-there – like this super-fluffy jacket and sparkly-heeled shoes. Jacket £19.99, DKNY trousers £24.99, shoes £9.99.
Sports luxe continues to be big this season, both for women and men. Team neon tops and trainers with neutral tones for a more pared down look. Ralph Lauren polo shirt £24.99, Nike trainers £35.
Work the sporty look in every shade of blue going, with this bold and snug ski jacket, teamed with North Face trousers and a super-soft jumper. Ski jacket £15.99.
Graphic prints are a great way to offset in-your-face shades and this Nike jacket’s a winner. Contrast with a vintage shirt for added impact. Nike jacket £50, vintage shirt £17.99, shoes £25.99.
After something a little more dapper? Ditch the sportswear and opt for a classic tailored look updated with a shirt and accessories in the latest shades. YSL shirt £34.99, Christian Dior tie £14.99, Cos ankle boots £32.99.
You’ve got to love a vintage windbreaker. This one looks great paired with check trousers – another key autumn trend – finished off with super-bright Adidas trainers. Jacket £34.99, Adidas trainers £21.99.
Whether you want to go sporty or keep it tailored and smart – every single item raises money to help people beat poverty around the world. Find more autumn brights and so much more on our online shop.
Keep your clothes in your wardrobe and out of landfill with these nifty stain-shifting home remedies, shared by our friends at Love Your Clothes
Stains. They’re one of the biggest reasons great clothes get binned. But no longer will that chocolate smudge force you to say farewell to your beloved t-shirt. Never again will a splosh of coffee come between you and your suit. And, if you’ve just dropped a forkful of jalfrezi down your favourite jumper, don’t fret – it’ll be sorted in no time. All thanks to these simple guides, courtesy of Love Your Clothes.
1. Remove grass stains with… hand sanitiser
Yes, even unsightly green marks can be tackled if you know how. Apparently, all you need to do is to squirt some hand sanitiser directly onto the grass stain, rub in and leave for a few minutes, before washing on a normal wash – about 30 degrees – with ordinary washing detergent.
Who’d have thought full-fat could be so useful? Using a bowl, simply pour the milk onto the chocolate splodge and leave soaking for 2-3 hours. The chocolate should then lift off the fabric. Wash on a normal wash and, if there’s still a slight mark, put it straight back in the washer for another cycle.
Yes, egg. Crack into a bowl and beat with a fork, then apply to the stain using kitchen towel, rubbing in well. Then just wash on a 30 degree cycle. See you later latte. Farewell flat white. Adios espresso etc.
4.Remove sun cream with… white vinegar and washing up liquid
Top ruined by yellowy sun cream stains? Apply some neat washing up liquid and rub in. Rinse in cold water, gently squeeze out the excess, then soak in a solution of half cold water, half white vinegar, for about an hour. Wash according to the care label and, if there’s still a bit of staining, repeat the process.
5. Remove curry spills with… washing up liquid and lemon
Madras mishap? First, remove as much curry as possible using a blunt knife or napkin. Rinse in cold water, pat dry, then apply some neat washing up liquid and rub in. Rinse in clean cold water and pat dry again. Finally, take half a lemon and squeeze liberally onto the stain, leave for half an hour then wash according to the care label. If there’s still a mark, simply repeat the steps again.
Yes, random one this, but apparently it works! Place the stain face down on a paper towel, take a moisturising lip balm and simply rub it on – this should start lifting the oil onto the paper. Repeat a few times, then wash at about 30 degrees but, instead of detergent, pour a bottle of cola in the drum!
