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Halloween: Miley Cyrus, Walter White, and pop culture costumes for under $50

Need a last minute Halloween costume? From 'Breaking Bad' to the government shutdown, there's still time to put together a costume for Halloween that's clever, culturally relevant, and on the cheap. 

Still haven't decided what to be this year for Halloween? There's some time left to put together a costume that's clever, culturally relevant, and on the cheap. Check out some of our creative Halloween costumes — fromÌýBreaking BadÌýto popular memes — that won't break the bank.

VMA Miley: Because You Can't Escape It

It's sad but true that more people are going to be dressed up as Miley Cyrus this year than at the height of her Hannah Montana fame, despiteÌýimpassioned pleas from pop-culture columnists. This costume is inevitable, and if you can't beat 'em, join 'em by re-creating her infamous MTV Video Music Awards look with thoseÌý. For an authentic look, pair thisÌýÌý($24.30 with $5.99 s&h, a low by $3) with existing shorts or a bathing suit. You can also make your own Miley outfit with aÌýgray tankÌý($3.99 with free shipping via Shop Your Way Max, a low by $5),Ìýglue-on Googly eyesÌý($3.43 with free shipping, a low by $2), andÌýfabric markersÌý($5.45 with free shipping, a low by $1). Complete your look with aÌýÌý($11.97 with $6.99 s&h, a low by $1). Winking and sticking out your tongue is free, as is twerking... if you don't think about the costs to your dignity.

Miley Companion Costumes

Miley's Halloween companions come in many shapes and sizes, including her VMA partner in crime Robin Thicke. To mimic his Beetlejuice-like getup opt for aÌýrepurposed BeetlejuiceÌý($45.43 with free shipping via Shop Your Way Max, a low by $3), paired withÌýaviator sunglassesÌý($3.26 with free shipping, a low by $2), and you're done. Alternatively, pink bear ears/hats are hard to come by for adults, so a costume that depicts one of Miley's fuzzy backup dancers might require a bit more work. You can take thisÌýpolar bearÌý($29.99 with $6.99 s&h) and useÌýpink fabric dyeÌý($4.25 with free shipping, a low by $2). Or get crafty and create your own bear outfit with aÌýpink hooded sweatshirtÌý(from $15.99 with free shipping via Shop Your Way Max), pink felt for ears, and two of the aforementioned glue-on eyes.

Alternatively, you could play the part of one of Miley's cat-fight foes. In case you haven't heard, Cyrus and Sinead O'Connor have been engaged in aÌýwar of words, so you could opt to the be the Irish singer and don aÌýbald capÌý($9.21 with $2.99 s&h, a low by $1) and aÌýblack turtleneckÌý($11.99 with free shipping via Shop Your Way Max, a low by $5) for her "C" look. Cyrus has also received anÌýopen letter from Sufjan StevensÌýabout her lyrical use of "laying" instead of "lying." This is an easy costume if you already look like the indie singer/songwriter type; just put on your everyday clothes and wear aÌýGrammar Police"Ìý($3 with $1.25 s&h, a low by $1).

Breaking Bad Costumes: Are You a Walter White or a Heisenberg?

While "Mad Men"Ìýhas long dominated Halloween, this year is all about another AMC show: "Breaking Bad," which had its series finale a few weeks ago. And speaking of pink bears — no spoilers here — you can easily make your backup dancer costume into the mysteriousÌýhalf-charred pink bearÌýwith the missing eye that's a teaser through Season Two of the show. If you're going the DIY route, simply leave off the one eye on your bear hoodie and use someÌýblack paintÌý($8 with free shipping via Prime, a low by $5) to make your face and arm look charred. ThisÌýfaux fur animal hatÌý($19.99 with free shipping) orÌýÌý($22.99 with free shipping) could also work to achieve the sad "Breaking Bad"Ìýbear look. Plus, they're cute enough to wear all winter.

In order to pass as lead character Walter White, you may need the bald cap mentioned above and White's beard, which you can cultivate yourself, draw on with face paint, orÌýglue onÌý($4.99 with $3.99 s&h, a low by $3). Once you have the hair (or lack thereof) right, you'll also needÌýglassesÌý($9.85 with $5.11 s&h, a low by $4) befitting a high school chemistry teacher. But who wouldn't want to be Walt's alter-ego, Heisenberg? To go the bad-boy route opt for theseÌýÌý($14.24 with free shipping, a low by $1) and, of course, hisÌý($24.99 with free shipping, a low by $5). Wear with a button-up shirt and khaki pants, with a black or tan jacket. Complete the look withÌýblue rock candyÌý($12.55 with free shipping via Prime, a low by $1), just like the prop department used on the show.

Should you decide to be twitchy sidekick Jesse Pinkman, make sure to don a hoodie — like thisÌýÌý($26.24 with free shipping via Shop Your Way Max, a low by $9) — and aÌýstriped beanieÌý($16.14 with free shipping via Prime, a low by $4). Accessorize with Funyons.

Government Shutdown Costumes

A Halloween costume that references the shutdown will surely amuse your friends this year. For a quick and easy option, pair thisÌýSorry, We're Closed signÌý($2.20 with $3.25 s&h, a low by $4) with thisÌý($3.99 with $4.99 s&h, a low by $3), and revel in the delight on your fellow partygoers' faces as they figure out the joke. You can also go the groanworthy play-on-words route and take the oldÌýceiling fan costumeÌýconcept and make it into aÌýdebtÌýceiling fan costume. You'll needÌýcheerleader pom pomsÌý($6.99 with free shipping via Prime, a low by $3), a plain tee, and a fabric marker to write "Debt Ceiling" across the chest.

Meme Costumes: Digital JokesÌýIRL

Tired of those ubiquitous memes, likeÌýcondescending Willy Wonka? At least everyone will know who you are when you show up in aÌýpurple Wonka hatÌý($7.95 with $4.33 s&h, a low by $18) and make irritating comments. Or wear your witticisms with aÌýdry erase boardÌý($13.10 with free shipping via Prime, a low by $1). The board can be used with another meme costume, such as theÌýturn-of-the-century woman.ÌýAside from getting the hair pinned up right, you'll need aÌýcocktail glassÌý($3.95 with free shipping, a low by $1) and an exasperated look. You can find Victorian-style blouses on eBay, or opt for thisÌýÌý($15 with $5.95 s&h, a low by $15).

For a slightly more surreal take on a meme, consider becoming one of theÌýwith Steve Buscemi eyes. Simply print out some Buscemi eyes and paste them overÌý³¦´Ç²õ³Ù³Ü³¾±ð glassesÌý($2.90 with free shipping, a low by $1). Just be sure to cut two slits in the paper to see through! Alternatively, follow these instructions to create your ownÌýcostume. You'll needÌýchair cushion foamÌý($11.99 with $5.95 s&h, a low by $11), tan felt, and black face paint orÌýeyelinerÌý($1.99 with free shipping via Shop Your Way Max, a low by $3).

Put a twist on aÌýÌý($9.60 with free shipping via Prime) and be a shamed dog. Just make a cardboard sign or use a dry erase board to write an admission, like "I love cats." Or get crafty andÌýmake your own puppy earsÌýwith felt and a fabric-covered headband.

GravityÌýCostumes: Because Even Your Parents Saw It

°Â¾±³Ù³óÌýGravityÌýat the top of the box office, there will surely be a lot of astronauts this Halloween. Channel Sandra Bullock or George Clooney with thisÌýÌý($31.98 with free shipping, a low by $8), or spring for thisÌýÌý($39.30 with free shipping, a low by $6) and score an astronaut helmet.

Prefer the DIY approach? Take instructionsÌýfor a child's astronaut costume and adapt them for an adult. Among the things you'll need that you may not have on hand are: aÌýwhite plastic bucketÌý($3.97 with free in-store pickup),Ìýwhite foam boardÌý($3.25 with $5.95 s&h), aÌýa blind sport mirrorÌý($1.98 with in-store pickup, a low by $2),white duct tapeÌý($6.51 with free shipping via Prime, a low by $6),Ìýsticky-back VelcroÌý($5.16 with free shipping via Prime, a low by $5),ÌýAmerican flag stickersÌý($2.49 with free shipping, a low by $2),Ìýplastic tubingÌý($8.41 with free shipping via Prime, a low by $4), and aÌýutensil trayÌý($13.99 with free shipping via Prime, a low by $9).

You'll also needÌýwomen'sÌýorÌýmen's white sweatpantsÌý($8.99 with $5.99 s&h, a low by $2), as well as a woman's white turtleneck (see Sinead costume entry) or aÌýman's white turtleneckÌý($17.99 with free shipping a low by $1). Just keep an eye out for the Miley Cyrus crowd, who may mistake you for an MTV Moonman award. And now we've come full circle.

Need more inspiration? Check out moreÌýÌýon costumes, décor, and more!

Josie Rubio is a contributing writer to Dealnews.com, where this article first appeared:Ìý