The temperature is dropping and leaves are changing, so that means Halloween is just around the corner. You are never too old to dress up and it’s never too late to pull together a costume. No matter your time or budget, here are a few great costume picks for this haunting holiday, and some suggestions that won’t empty your wallet. Plus, any costume you create for Halloween, you can usually get a few more uses out of by wearing it to a fandom convention.

ZomBart provides a step-by-step guide to becoming a zombie, featuring sections like “What do Werewolves, Elves and Vulcans Have in Common?” and “Real Men Wear Latex.” If you ever pondered doing zombie make-up, read this “how-to” article first. Learn the make-up tricks, have fun, eat brains, and we’ll see you at the next apocalypse.

Crisis! T-minus two days to Awesomesaucecon and you have nothing to wear. And your budget’s already stretched thin for gas, tolls, hotel, admission and all the incidentals that add up so fast. What’s a geeky fashionista to do? Full cosplay is expensive and time-consuming, but fabulousness is easily achieved. You can assemble something in an afternoon in three easy steps.

For me personally, one of the most creative and fun aspects of costuming involves accessorizing. For many costumes, the most important accessory is the weaponry. Whether you’re going to a fandom convention as Cloud from Final Fantasy, or Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean, the weapon can make or break the costume. However, more and more conventions seem to be cracking down on rules concerning weapons, even if they are simply made from foam and cardboard.

With so many conventions happening during the summer months, it is time to give careful consideration to whether your cosplay costumes are appropriate for the season.  Attending a summer convention in costume can be brutal. If you’re not careful, it can take a toll on your health, causing anything from mild dehydration to fainting or heat stroke. Below is a