What are some good homemade women's costumes?

Ideas for homemade women's costumes include a mermaid, pirate, French maid and Marilyn Monroe. Other ideas for do-it-yourself costumes are a Playboy bunny, masquerade mistress and a queen.

Making a mermaid costume at home involves finding a dress that's tight around the calves and ankles and then using a shiny fabric to emulate fins. The top may be made out a bra that's dyed and decorated with scallop shell shapes cut from the shiny fabric. Stringing some pearls around the neck and adding a flower to the hair helps complete the look. Also, fake seaweed purchased at a pet store can be used to further decorate hair.