At this point every year, people begin scrambling for a Halloween costume.

Whether it's cute, clever or scary you're after, there are a number of local resources to help you find the perfect outfit.

But for many this year, there's one more hurdle to clear. It needs to be cheap.

A pricey pre-made outfit at a store easily can cost $100 (if not more). If it's only going to be used once, that's a bit of a splurge - especially in this economy.

So where can you go?

Look no further than your local thrift and consignment stores.

Thrift and consignment stores offer the convenience of low prices as well as one-stop shopping.

Often, they have all the key accessories to a great costume. You just have to know where to look.

According to Kyleen Wade, owner of Finder's Keepers in Glens Falls, having an idea of what you are looking for always is a good idea.

"Generally speaking, people come in with an idea or a theme, but we have been known to put some things together for them, like if they are looking for an '80s outfit, we can turn them into Madonna," she said. "When people come in [looking for] an exact dress, we generally have what they need."

Desiree Rider, manager of the Salvation Army in Queensbury, said that there are trends in what people come in to buy.

"We get a lot of retro stuff, wedding dresses - both are big sellers this time of year," Rider said.

Both Rider and Wade say that a great costume can be made for very little money - some as little as the cost of a cup of coffee.

"You can definitely find something wicked cool on the dollar rack that could be great - and going as low as $2 - and then you could make an outfit around that," Wade said.

While neither of the stores has a specific "Halloween" section (one man's Halloween costume could be another man's special occasion outfit), one thing is for sure: With a little help, a little patience and a little cash, you can make one legendary Halloween costume.

Costume ideas

Hat: A hat is one of those things where that one piece could make the entire outfit. A big, wide-brimmed hat could be the perfect topper

to dress as a Saratoga lady (like at the track) or a Southern belle. Just add a clean, conservative dress and

some nice heels or flats. For effect, wear white gloves and pearls.

Fur: Fur is an item that almost always says luxury, but the cut of the item tells you which way you should go with it. If you have a full coat, you could take the high society route and be a celebrity (like the often fur-donning Olsen twins) or a socialite - all you would need to add with it are some big sunglasses (vintage sunglasses are almost always big, so you could get a pair at a secondhand store) and a paper coffee cup from a coffee shop. If you have just a vest, the easiest look to portray would be a hippie or someone vintage, like Cher.

A vintage dress/caftan: This, if you have one, could most likely be the cornerstone of your Halloween costume. If your dress is 1970s chic, you could pair it with a fur vest and some statement jewelry (long necklace, big bangles). If it's more reminiscent of the 1950s or 1960s, a pair of pearls and an understated bag and heels is all you need. This look would also be perfect if you chose to go as a "Stepford Wife" or a character from the popular AMC series "Mad Men."

Red leotard: The red leotard a reporter found at Finder's Keepers immediately says "circus performer," and Kyleen Wade said that the store has capes that could complete the outfit. If that isn't your thing, you also could be a gymnast (don't forget the glittery hair and/or makeup) or a baton twirler (again, lots of glitter, and a pair of white gloves). If you don't have a baton (or thin metal pipe that could serve as a baton), take a reasonably sized stick from your backyard, cover it in glue and then cover the entire thing with glitter from an art supply store. Instant baton.

Wedding dress/prom dress: Second-hand stores often are brimming with wedding dresses, and the remnants of the best (or worst) day of someone else's life could make a great Halloween costume. You could be the obvious (a bride), but there also are other ways you could take a wedding dress. Some choose to rip up and splatter (fake) blood on it and be a zombie bride. Others add a tiara and go as a princess. Along that route, since so many prom dresses are aimed at the "princess" look, you could be a prom queen (with a sash made out of fabric, or, better yet, paper) or a debutante.

Area secondhand shops:

u The Salvation Army, 376 Quaker Road, Queensbury. 792-7730.

u Finder's Keepers, 11 Broad St., Glens Falls. 761-5475.

u Bargain Box, 84 Main St., South Glens Falls. 761-6848.

u Sass-N-Class Boutique, 121 Broadway, Fort Edward. 747-0176.

u Yesterday's, 251 Main St., No. 1, Hudson Falls. 747-2928.

u Serendipity, 89 Bay Road, Lake Luzerne. 696-5474.

u Reruns, 1 Phila St., Saratoga Springs. 583-9153.

u The Thrift Shop, 116 Broad St., Schuylerville. 695-4640.

u The Clothesline, 51 Front St., Ballston Spa. 885-2720.

u Recycling Red Dresses, 454 Broadway, No. 10, Saratoga Springs. 587-0063.