Costume expenses can add up quickly, and they’re not the only cost of competitions! When you’re budgeting food, travel, and looking faulous, smart costume decisions are a must. Thrifting can be a solution to costume stress when the goals are affordable, cute, and customizable.
Why thrifting is actually perfect for dance costumes
Thrifting has so many advantages. It’s cheaper, you are helping the environment, and best of all, you can find original and unique pieces. What could be a better way to stand out on stage than to have a costume that nobody else is wearing? No more battling costume trends for your solo! Plus, if you go into it with a creative mindset, you can change the pieces to make it something that no brand even carries. You can rhinestone it, add mesh, lace, and sequins to take a basic base and turn it into a stage-ready masterpiece.
What to Look for While Thrifting
It can be intimidating walking into a thrift store when they are filled with so much stuff. You might wonder where to even begin or what to look for. Don’t just look for dance costumes. Look for items that have potential or could double as a costume.
You can start safe with athletic wear and basics like bodysuits, leotards, skirts, flowy pants, and sports bras, but don’t be afraid to explore the racks for clothes that could bring extra elements to your costume, especially if you have a theme in mind. Keep an eye out for: lace, velvet, sequins, beading, mesh, satin, and fringe. These elements instantly elevate your costume with careful adjustment.
Pieces You can Transform
Thrifting is all about having an open mind and being creative with what you find. Thrifted clothes are the perfect candidates for alteration and customization. Think: “What could this become?” not just “What is this?” Dresses can be cut into a two-piece moment. Oversized tops could double as a dress, or be cut into a flowy top. Think creatively and make the pieces work for you!
Items that match your theme
It is easier to find pieces if you have a theme to narrow your search down to specific fabrics, textures, and even colors to look for. If you are doing a lyrical solo, you might want something light and flowy, such as a dress or mesh piece. For jazz or musical theater routines, sequins,blazers, gold and other bold colors are all worth looking into. Contemporary routines pair well with neutral colors and patterns, such as nudes and light pinks.
We put a lot of time into dance costumes. Think about the hours you and your mom spent rhinestoning the basics for your last group routine. The same dedication and problem solving can be applied to thrifted pieces with even more unexpected results.
