Halloween on a budget: 5 spooky DIY costumes you can make at home

No money for an expensive Halloween outfit? From bloodthirsty vampires to creepy zombies, here are five easy DIY costumes you can create at home using everyday clothes, make-up and a little imagination.

Halloween is creeping closer, and you do not need to empty your wallet to serve a look that will have everyone talking.

Forget expensive costumes, last-minute shopping trips and outfits you will never wear again.

Your wardrobe, make-up bag and a few forgotten household items could be all you need to transform yourself into a bloodthirsty vampire, a creepy zombie or the most terrifying ghost at the party.

Whether you are preparing for a Halloween bash, planning a night out with friends or simply looking for an excuse to unleash your spooky side, these five DIY costumes are easy, affordable and surprisingly effective.

A black dress, shirt or all-black outfit

Raid your wardrobe for your darkest outfit. A black dress instantly creates a dramatic look, while black trousers and a shirt give you a more mysterious appearance.

Turn up the drama with dark eye make-up, pale foundation if you have it, and deep red lipstick.

Make your own fake blood by mixing a little red lipstick with clear lip gloss on a small plate or the back of your hand. Blend until you achieve a glossy, blood-red colour. Add more lipstick for a deeper shade or more gloss for a runnier finish.

Dab the mixture at the corners of your mouth and let a little trail down your chin for the appearance of fresh blood. Keep it subtle or go all out, depending on how frightening you want to look.

Add plastic fangs if you have them. Otherwise, a fierce stare and a slow, sinister smile will do the trick.

Pull out a black dress. No dress? A black skirt and top will work just as well.

Wear a white collared shirt underneath to recreate Wednesday's signature black-and-white outfit.

Part your hair down the middle and braid it into two neat plaits.

Apply dark eye make-up and lipstick. Keep the rest of your look simple and understated.

A white or black outfit underneath, if preferred

Find an old white sheet that you no longer need. Hold it against yourself to check the length, making sure it will not drag on the floor.

With help from another person, mark where your eyes will be while wearing the sheet. Remove it before cutting two small eye holes.

For a more haunting appearance, wear dark clothing underneath and apply black make-up around your eyes.

If you would rather skip the sheet, wear an all-white outfit and use pale make-up to create a ghostly complexion.

Dress in black from head to toe. Choose something comfortable enough to dance in if you are heading to a party.

Make your own cat ears by cutting two triangles from black paper or cardboard and attaching them securely to a headband.

Use eyeliner to draw a small black nose and whiskers. Add winged eyeliner for a dramatic feline effect.

If you have an old black scarf or strip of fabric, attach it securely as a makeshift tail. Make sure it cannot trip you up or catch on anything.

Add glossy lips, dramatic eye make-up and a confident catwalk. You can make the look playful, glamorous or downright sinister without spending money on a ready-made costume.

 Dig out old clothes that you do not mind altering. Carefully fray the edges or make a few small cuts in the fabric. Never cut clothing while wearing it.

Use grey or pale make-up to give your face a drained, lifeless appearance.

Blend dark make-up around your eyes to create the look of someone who has not slept in weeks.

Create DIY fake blood by mixing red lipstick with clear lip gloss. Blend the two until the mixture looks glossy and blood-red. Use more lipstick for a darker colour and more gloss for a thinner consistency.

Dab the mixture onto the corners of your mouth or add a few streaks to your cheeks for a gruesome, freshly-risen-from-the-grave effect. You can also add small marks to your old clothes, provided you do not mind staining them.

Mess up your hair and practise your best zombie shuffle.