It’s that time of year again – the time where it’s socially acceptable to dress like a freak without getting dirty looks. In fact, if you do it correctly, you’re probably going to get compliments instead!

But with all the options running through your mind, how do you pick the one that is going to be best for you and your budget?

“I would start at Goodwill,” junior Cory Keasey said. “If worst comes to worst, you can always put some random items together and go as Lady Gaga!”

Skip the pricy route and try to be creative by exploring the Halloween costume opportunities offered at Goodwill. Choose from a variety of costumes that have been donated, or sift through racks of clothing and accessories and create a customized costume from scratch.

Goodwill also offers a wide variety of clothes that can be altered and paired with other clothing items and accessories. When on the lookout for Halloween costume items, search for pieces that are versatile.

“We have people that come in here and want to be from the 1960s or another era,” Heather Sinclair, Goodwill store manager, said.

Because of the affordability at Goodwill, clothing can be modified to the desired result for a costume.

“We offer a whole other variety that other stores can’t compete with,” Sinclair said.

When browsing, keep an eye out for bold patterns such as stripes or spots that are closely related to characters or even animals. Striped clothing can be revised for a sailor costume, bumblebee, pirate, mime or jail mate. Solid colors such as black can be transformed into Cat Woman, a ninja, burglar, demon or the cast of Jersey Shore.

Never underestimate the power of a pencil skirt. Skirts fit the character of a waitress, sexy secretary, professor, flight attendant or lawyer. Business attire such as suits and dated formal pants can be transformed into characters from “Men in Black” or the “The Blues Brothers” or even geeks.

If you don’t feel you can put together an outfit from Goodwill that’s clever enough to work as a costume, there are plenty of low-cost options available at Wal-Mart.

“My costume last year was only $25 from Wal-Mart and it was beautiful,” senior Shayna Calkins said. “It was a renaissance dress and it’s held up well.”

When browsing the aisles of Wal-Mart, one can find costumes ranging from Snow White and fairies to gangsters and bananas. It’s all about your preference.

“Costumes these days are really tight and low-cut,” Calkins said. “The end of October is freezing and you don’t want to be wearing tiny bits of clothing. It’s not efficient and it’s not the kind of costume I’m going for.”

When searching for the best Halloween costume, skip the over-priced and under dressed, and get the best “boo” for your buck at Wal-Mart or Goodwill.