![Courtlin Looks Back at Her Favorite DIY Halloween Costumes [GALLERY]](/site/675/files/2016/10/11.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Courtlin Looks Back at Her Favorite DIY Halloween Costumes [GALLERY]
I don't mess around when it comes to Halloween costumes.
I've been dressing up for Halloween since the year I was born, and I like to think that my costumes get better and better ever year. In the past I've spent a ton of money on costumes (one year I spent over $200!), but the past few years I've become slightly more poor, so I've gotten a little more creative. I'm a big fan of DIY costumes, not only because they're cheaper, but also because they allow me to get crafty. Plus, store-bought ones never fit the way that you want them to.
This year Brain and I did a partner costume as Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy, and it turned out pretty great. Plus, it was really easy to put together and it only cost me about $35 for all the pieces.

Here are some of the other costumes I've thrown together in the past few years:


![Haunted Attractions to Check Out This Fall in Iowa [GALLERY]](https://townsquare.media/site/675/files/2026/09/attachment-fear.jpg?w=980&q=75)

![6 Haunted Places in Iowa You Can Tour or Stay the Night At [PHOTOS]](https://townsquare.media/site/675/files/2026/09/attachment-vill-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)

![Courtlin’s 2026 Trip to Ireland & Northern Ireland [GALLERY]](https://townsquare.media/site/675/files/2026/09/attachment-106-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Courtlin Explores the Cedar Valley 2026 — Part 7 [PHOTOS]](https://townsquare.media/site/675/files/2026/08/attachment-801e48d1-afe9-4c2c-8bbd-f9f9876ea82f.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Courtlin Explores the Cedar Valley 2026 — Part 5 [PHOTOS]](https://townsquare.media/site/675/files/2026/06/attachment-160f31c6-7cfd-4343-9b52-e4435e6e3fa3.jpg?w=980&q=75)