Are you sick of being the person at the party constantly having to explain to people what your costume is because you actually forgot to buy one or didn't want to wear a costume? In need of a quick and easy costume but not that T-shirt with the costume checklist. You're more creative than that. Look no further than dancewear. Start with a leotard and tights, add an airy tutu and you'll be turning heads. If you have the basic elements of a costume, and a little imagination, the addition of a tutu lets people know that you really are wearing a costume rather than just something very fashion forward.

Leggins, heels, and a set of animal ears goes from a bit of whimsy to full on masquerade ball with a simple tutu. A small investment in either a black or white leotard, tights, and tutu, will provide you with endless costumes for all your Halloween and dress up needs. (Not to mention the instant fairy princess feeling you'll get when you put it on.) The possibilities are endless and you can save the components to make different costumes in the future. A tutu can even be worn under a skirt to add another dimension of layers. Not a ballerina? No problem. Loads of unique leotards and tights and tutus can be found at dance supply stores in person and online. Tutus are quite inexpensive and Tulle, the netted material that tutus are made from, is inexpensive and comes in a wide variety of colors and textures, from a netted look to a fine mesh, some with glittery accents for even the most discerning Disney princess.

This year's hot Halloween look is almost certain to be a Black Swan inspired ballerina. Weather it's the white or the black, in addition to a dancer's diet and months of bar work, all you'll need are tights a leotard, feathers, and a tutu. Variations of the black/white swan costume can double as an angel, bride, fairy, cat, raven, mouse, bunny, ladybug, spider, bee, or (we would never leave you out guys) go as one of the famous Les Ballets Trockaderos de Monte Carlo. The "trock" dancers are an all male ballet troupe famous for their productions of the great Russian ballets, like the ever popular Swan Lake. So the next time you find yourself with a costume party to attend and ghost just won't cut it, step into a tutu. With these cheap and easy costume ideas for the whole family you're sure to figure out something that's tutu perfect for the occasion.