Rosa Olivares organizes Halloween decorations at the Goodwill store on North Avenue in Glendale Heights.

Daniel White | Staff Photographer

A memorable costume like this can be thrown together with old, torn clothes and Halloween makeup used with a touch of skill, according to Dream Reapers haunted house in Melrose Park said.

Courtesy of Kathy Jaskulski and Dream Reapers

A memorable costume like this can be thrown together with old, torn clothes and Halloween makeup used with a touch of skill, according to Dream Reapers haunted house in Melrose Park said.

Courtesy of Kathy Jaskulski and Dream Reapers

Dee Korby, costume designer for Elgin Community College's theater department, said the right hairstyle or a wig can complete the perfect costume. Korby used wigs to create the 1950s look for "Guys and Dolls."

Courtesy of Elgin Community College

Halloween decorations abound at the Goodwill store on North Avenue in Glendale Heights.

Daniel White | Staff Photographer

Professional storyteller Carolyn Finzer, dressed as Flora the Flower Fairy, said she finds most materials for her homemade costumes at Goodwill and thrift stores.

Daily Herald file photo

Mary Reetz helps her son Max with his Darth Vader costume Thursday at Halloween City in Downers Grove.

PAUL MICHNA | Staff Photographer

Some Lady Gaga items remain at Halloween City in Downers Grove Thursday.

PAUL MICHNA | Staff Photographer

Masks line the walls at Halloween City in Downers Grove on Thursday, but the store soon gets swamped and costumes dwindle in the days leading up to Halloween.

PAUL MICHNA | Staff Photographer

Ashley Shah, left, and Dana Koenig of Lombard opt for pumpkin costumes.

PAUL MICHNA | Staff Photographer

Halloween City in Downers Grove.

PAUL MICHNA | Staff Photographer

Professional storyteller Carolyn Finzer prides herself on creating her work costumes from materials found at home, at thrift stores and discount stores near her hometown.

Courtesy of Carolyn Finzer