This Halloween, the only thing scarier than ghouls, ghosts and goblins is the economic forecast. Finances are tight, which means less money for freaky festivities and expensive store-bought costumes. Luckily, a spooky solution may be as close as your own closet. Homemade Halloween costumes are cheap, easy and eco-friendly, since they often feature recycled clothes, props and accessories. Plus, most of the materials for the perfect costume can be found around the house or at your local thrift store.

Here are some frighteningly fun costumes that scream "Happy Halloween!" Although none of them require sewing or heavy lifting, little witches and warlocks may need adult supervision.

FAIRY

You'll need: A prom dress with a full, poofy skirt (look for formal dresses with lots of layers of tulle and netting).

• Artificial flowers, feathers, beads, ribbon, etc.

• Fairy wings.

Using large, sharp scissors, cut through all layers of the dress at or just below knee level. Now use your scissors to create a zigzag edge along the bottom of the dress. For best results, cut one layer at a time. (For a more modest look, keep the bottom hem past the knee. Flirty fairies can go shorter.) Attach artificial flowers and other embellishments to the top layer of fabric with needle and thread or glue. You can purchase wings or make your own using wire hangers and pantyhose.

Visit www.ThreadBanger.com for an easy-to-follow video tutorial.

PIRATE

Men, you'll need: Loose button-up shirt, preferably white; black or brown trousers; belt; bandanna; eye patch.

Women, you'll need: Loose, ruffled blouse, preferably white; long, full skirt; shawl and/or bandanna; belt; boots.

Guys can channel their inner buccaneer with homemade pirate pants. Using large, sharp scissors, cut pant legs just below the knee. Make small cuts at 1-inch intervals. Then rip the bottom of the pants into strips about four to five inches deep. Pair your pirate pants and shirt with a long vest, or make your own by cutting the sleeves and collar off an old shirt. A wide leather belt, bandanna and eye patch complete the look. For women, becoming a pirate wench is as easy as donning a ruffled blouse. Swords, daggers, etc. make great accessories for either sex.

VAMPIRE

You'll need: Black clothing; cape; vampire teeth.

Vampires are hot this Halloween, thanks to the popularity of "Twilight" and "True Blood." Our bloodsucking beauty wore a black, corset-style top, long black skirt and knee-length black boots. However, the possibilities for va-va-voom vamps are practically endless.

Gals, choose dark-colored clothing with a Gothic feel. Velvet, satin and lace are a plus. Guys, channel your inner Dracula with a tuxedo-style suit and cape, or go for a more romantic look with a loose, button-up black shirt and pants. Mimic vampires' deathly pallor with pale makeup and a trickle of fake blood.

You can purchase fake vampire teeth at most costume shops and drug stores.