Thrift finds for a low-cost, last-minute DIY costume

Halloween is right around the corner, which means it's probably too late to order a costume online -- and Halloween specialty stores are sold out of their best looks.

But hey, if you haven't purchased a costume yet, you probably aren't the type to go for a run-of-the-mill costume, anyway. Your best bet? Thrift stores.

"You don't have to spend a fortune to have a great Halloween costume. Going to a thrift store like Savers/Value Village is both fun and easy on the pocket book. 96 percent of the secondhand merchandise at Savers stores is less than $10, and even lower in the kid's section," Mary Ginnaty, Merchandising Buyer for Savers/Value Village thrift stores, says.

You won't just find a unique look at a thrift store like Savers/Value Village (with help from one of their in-store costume consultants, no less!) -- you'll also save a ton of money.

Take Harley Quinn as an example. A pre-made costume that everyone will be wearing costs $76.95 at popular retailer Yandy, but thrift store finds, including a hockey jersey, jacket, tights, bracelets and shoes ranging from $3.99 to $9.99 add up to half that amount.

There's definitely an art to thrifting, though. Ginnaty recommends setting a budget and having a general idea of what you'd like to accomplish. Once you're inside, browse every department for bargains ... You never know what you may find in the girls/boy's section!