For some of us, Halloween costumes are fun…but kind of stressful. It's hard enough pinning down what the kids want to be and getting their costumes made or purchased—then you have to figure out your own? Too much pressure! Most years I panic at the last minute, grabbing the bottom-of-the-barrel getup from the party store or (God forbid) going costumeless. The horror!
If you're looking for a way to celebrate without breaking the bank, you're in luck! There are plenty of cheap Halloween costume ideas that are easy to put together and won't cost you a fortune. Whether you're attending a Halloween party or just looking for a fun costume to wear, these ideas will help you get started.
If you think outside the box, you can come up with a clever, creative costume that can be put together in a couple trips to the thrift, fabric and/or dollar store (or maybe even your own closet). DIY costumes are a great way to save money and get creative. Any of these easy DIY Halloween costume ideas will score you some cool points with your friends, co-workers and trick-or-treaters.
DIY Costumes for Women
1. Alice in Wonderland
If you've got black Mary Janes and white tights, you're halfway to an Alice in Wonderland costume, like this one from Keiko Lynn.
2. Twiggy
Follow this eye-makeup tutorial and wear a '60s-inspired outfit for this super simple mod costume.
3. Troup Bevery Hills
A tan dress is accessorized with a green beret, scarf and belt. Easy! And perfect for a girl group costume!
4. Denise Huxtable
Let your artsy side out with this creative, fun throwback costume, as seen on Avant Blargh. Mix and match all those funky '80s and '90s relics from your closet (or the thrift store) that you're not gutsy enough to bust out on a normal day, then top it all off with a bright headband and chunky accessories. The best part? Absolutely no matching required!
5. Lucille Ball
Get that vintage curly Lucy 'do with inspiration from Fiercest Lilliputian. Red lipstick and a vintage dress complete the look.
6. Treasure Troll
If you can live with your hair (well, a wig) standing on end all night, follow these American Apparel costume contest contestants' example and don a nude-, beige- or peach-colored dress (make sure to glue on a jewel to the tummy!), then bobby-pin and hairspray the heck out of a bright-colored wig to make it stand up.
7. Ladies of Mad Men
Whether you're a Peggy, a Betty or a Joan—or none of the above—you can channel the mod fashions of Mad Men pretty easily and cheaply. Dig out that vintage dress you never wear, or pick one up at a thrift or vintage store. Pair it with winged eyeliner, an updo (don't forget the hairspray), lots of lipstick and some pearls.
8. Margot Tenenbaum
Blondes will find this Royal Tenenbaums costume especially easy. Non-blondes can just add a wig! Get inspiration from this Refinery29 roundup.
9. Rosie the Riveter
Red lipstick, red bandana and denim shirt—you can do it! (With the help of Refinery29.)
10. Minnie Mouse
The makeup is the hard part of this costume, and it's made easy with the help of this tutorial from Talking Trash & Wasting Time.
11. Dorothy from Wizard of Oz
Get your gingham fix with this Dorothy costume how-to from Pursuing Pretty. Bonus points if you can convince your pooch to play Toto.
12. Audrey Hepburn
Whichever character or outfit you pick, you can't go wrong with an Audrey-inspired costume! Get some inspiration from IHOD.
13. Annie Hall
Visit the menswear department of the thrift store and channel your inner Diane Keaton.
14. Fairy
Wire hangers and a few other items are all you need for pretty fairy wings. Wear them with your regular clothes, or a floral dress and makeup, as seen on Brit + Co.
15. Glampire
This elaborate makeup tutorial from Martha Stewart makes a classic vampire way more glam and grown-up.
16. Katniss Everdeen
Just find a cheap bow and arrow set, and add to some basics you probably already have in your closet. A Katniss braid is the finishing touch.
17. Leopard
Grab every leopard-print item from your closet (thrift some additional ones if needed), then apply some cute cat makeup. Done!
18. Fortune Teller
Wear drapey clothing and shawls, lots of flashy gold and silver jewelry—including your largest hoop earrings—and a turban or headscarf (here is some inspiration on how to tie it!). Bring a Magic 8 Ball with you, and your fortune-telling talents will be in demand all evening long.
19. Zombie Bride
Thrift an old wedding dress, then add fake blood and makeup. Couldn't be simpler!
20. Runaway Bride
Another twist on a wedding dress—this time skip the blood and add running shoes. Who said you could only wear your wedding dress once?
21. Christmas Tree
Thrift a green dress or sweatshirt, then add a pom poms or paper ornaments and a star headband to complete the look.
22. Frida Kahlo
A super fun and unexpected costume, and easily scaled down to fit a little girl—get inspiration from Ruffled Blog.
23. Ina Garten
Show your love for The Barefoot Contessa by donning her trademark denim button-down, black pants, boat shoes and red lipstick. Carry around some flowers, baked goods or veggies in a farmers market tote, and keep telling everyone how much Jeffrey loves your cooking!
24. Pippi Longstocking
This one will be easier if you already have reddish hair. Simply (and gently!) work some wire into braids and paint on some freckles.
25. Cat
Yes, it's the old standby. But it's a classic for a reason! Don your favorite long-sleeve black knit shirt and leggings or black jeans. Do a cat eye, draw on some whiskers with your eyeliner, fasten some felt or construction-paper ears to a headband, craft a tail (or buy one) and you're good to go.
26. Wednesday Addams
Braided long hair and a black dress are the basic elements you need for this Wednesday costume from Paper & Stitch. Bonus: all the kids will know who you are.
DIY Costumes for Men
27. Dwight Schrute
This costume's simple: Just track down some out-of-style menswear (lots of earth tones!) and oversized glasses, then part your hair down the middle.
28. Wilson from Home Improvement
This one's obscure, but those who recognize it will love this '90s throwback! Throw on plaid and a fishing hat, then make a "fence" from Popsicle sticks.
29. Dexter
All you need is perfectly coiffed hair, jeans, a long-sleeve henley tee, rubber apron, black gloves and some fake blood splatter. Carry around a roll of plastic wrap and a fake knife for props.
30. Jolly Green Giant
Plastic or felt leaves, plus green body paint or sweats, are all you need!
31. Derek Zoolander
We know you've been practicing Blue Steel, so you're already almost there—just add a headband and stylish outfit, then spike your hair for this hilarious costume.
32. The Dude
If you've seen The Big Lebowski, you know this one's easy: bathrobe, white v-neck, flannel shorts, sunglasses and sandals. Oh, and White Russians!
33. Lumberjack
This costume is a great excuse to get to wear comfy clothes on Halloween. Just throw on a flannel and jeans, some sturdy boots and pick up a toy axe. Make sure to grow out the beard for a few days leading up to Halloween. Ladies can try this one too (Lumberjill?)—fake beard optional.
34. Tom Cruise in Risky Business
If you don't mind going pantsless for the evening, you probably already have everything you need to go as Tom Cruise in Risky Business. Ladies can do this one, too! Either way, you'll need to practice your slide.
35. Walter White
Here's another pantsless one—but at least you get to wear shoes with it!
36. Rocky Balboa
Why are all the guys' costumes so comfortable?! Spend the evening in your sweats with this Rocky Balboa costume guide from Almost Makes Perfect.
Unisex DIY Costumes
37. Minion
Recreate those adorable Despicable Me characters with a bright yellow t-shirt or tank top, high-waisted jean shorts, suspenders and goggles.
38. Voodoo Doll
Go creepy with this creative costume or try the make-up tutorial if you're handy like that.
39. Banana
Literally anyone can wear a banana costume and get away with it! Get the tutorial on Studio DIY.
40. Soda Jerk
Fancy a trip to the ice cream shop? Who doesn't it! You only need clothes from your wardrobe and some paper for this unisex costume at Lovely Indeed.
41. Ice Cream Cone
A white shirt with paper or felt sprinkles, plus khakis or a tan skirt with tights or pantyhose pretty much does it. If you're feeling crafty, make a cherry hat or headband.
42. Pasta
Everyone's favorite food is super easy to turn into a costume: you just need felt! Studio DIY shares the instructions.
43. Deviled Egg
Transform a white t-shirt into an egg, and top it all off with a devil-horn headband—get inspiration here.
44. Cowboy or Cowgirl
Pony up to this easy costume from A Beautiful Mess with the help of a cowboy hat, western shirt, jeans and boots. Add a red bandana to make it a little more authentic. Spurs and lasso (and banjo) optional.
45. No Costume
For a no-costume outfit with festive vibes, try a Halloween shirt! They can't say you haven't tried.
46. Jellyfish
This costume is completely no-sew—simply dress in white and attach string, bubble wrap or ribbon to a clear umbrella.
47. Ladybug
Using fabric paint or construction paper, draw or attach large polka dots all over a red t-shirt. Wear black leggings or pants, and glue black pipe cleaners to a headband for antenna. If you're really ambitious, hot-glue gun some cardboard wings to the back of your shirt.
48. Discoball
The fun never stops when you yourself are the discoball! Get some inspiration for this costume from Good Housekeeping.
49. Cereal Killer
Grab a box of cereal and a toy knife. So pun-ny and so easy!
50. 404 Error
If you really can't cobble together something last minute, grab a white t-shirt and write "Error 404: Costume not found" in Sharpie—the ultimate last-resort costume.
51. Kermit the Frog
Whip up a bright green bunting collar and some felt eyes attached to barrettes (you could go with ping pong balls), and you've transformed yourself into a Muppet! Get the instructions at Rad Megan.
52. Nerd
Tuck in a button-down short-sleeve shirt to high-waisted pants (even better if they're too short). Throw on some big glasses with white tape on the bridge, a pocket protector, white socks and loafers. Even better if you can find suspenders.
53. Hippie
Everyone's got a flawy skirt or bellbottoms in their closet. Pair it with a peasant top or tunic (preferably floral or a crazy pattern), some beads, sandals and John Lennon-esque sunglasses. Then part your hair in the middle and add a couple braids in the front.
54. Mime
Black pants with a striped shirt, suspenders and white gloves should do the trick for this easy costume. Add a beret and some white face makeup.
55. Mummy
All-white clothing and plenty of TP is the easiest route here, although you could also go with gauze and add some fake blood for a spookier effect.
56. Referee
Find a vertical-striped black and white t-shirt (or buy a cheap referee shirt online) and black pants. Just add whistle.
57. Doctor
Scrubs are easy to come by at thrift stores. Pick up a pair, throw on sneakers, grab a clipboard and you're good to go!
58. Ghost
Lazy? A little. Classic? Yes. Throw on an old sheet with eye holes cut out, and voila!
59. Artist
Adults or kids can have some fun with this easy DIY costume. Grab some art supplies, some paint-splattered clothing (or have some fun making some paint-splattered clothing) and head out on the town. You can even add a cardboard paint palette or a beret for good measure.
60. Athlete
Head to the garage and grab all your unused sports gear—tennis racquets, shin guards, the whole nine yards!
61. Where's Waldo?
Grab a red beanie, black-rimmed glasses, jeans, a camera and a red-and-white striped shirt for this costume. You probably already own four out of five of those items!
62. 50 Shades of Grey
Some paint samples from the hardware store + a quick once-over of the gray items in your closet = instant (G-rated) 50 Shades of Grey Halloween costume.
63. Ziggy Stardust
Even if you can't track down a silver jumpsuit, rock David Bowie's iconic Ziggy Stardust makeup with the help of this video.
64. Smartie Pants
Upgrade a pair of jeans with smarties... and your punny costume is solved!
65. Incredibles
The whole family can go for the Incredibles costume!
66. Bunch of Grapes
Wear all purple clothing, then tape purple balloons to the top of your outfit, tapering them down as you get lower. Works with green, too!
67. Sriracha
A green hat, Sriracha logo t-shirt and matching pants or leggings is all you need!
68. Eggs and/or Bacon
If you have access to felt, you can go as breakfast—either solo or as a duo—with this tutorial from Make Zine.
69. Pickle
Get creative with felt and green clothing or go the extra mile for this awesome pickle costume.
DIY Costumes for Couples
70. Cookies + Milk
It's Santa's favorite combination, so it must be pretty hard to resist! Make a cookies and milk couple's costume, as seen on Studio DIY.
71. Bonnie + Clyde
Grab some '30s garb and hit the road together—just remember that you do have to come home eventually...and no bank-robbing!
72. Salt and Pepper
One person wears all white and the other wears all black. Wrap your torsos in your respective colored fabric and paint (or Sharpie) on an "S" and a "P." Aluminum pie pans with holes poked in them (or gray hats with felt circles attached) can serve as "shaker" hats. Or, follow this easy tutorial from Beth Being Crafty.
73. Wayne + Garth
Finally, an excuse to wear that Aerosmith shirt! This one's just about as easy as they come. Get inspiration at Almost Makes Perfect.
74. Bandits
All you need to make this costume from Say Yes is striped shirts, black pants, gloves, some small bags and cheap masks. Almost as easy as a ghost costume.
75. Anna + Karl
This one is for the fashion aficionados with lots of black in their closet: Anna Wintour and Karl Lagerfeld. Get inspiration from Lauren Conrad for how to get the look.
76. Al + Peg Bundy
This costume will definitely be more fun for the gal playing Peg—teased hair, heels, leggings and lots of leopard print! Just head to the late-'80s section of your closet (or the thrift store); it'll be a goldmine.
DIY Costumes for Kids
77. Owl and Tree
This oh-so-cute mom-baby costume requires minimal sewing. The owl hat is so cute, you'll want the little one to wear it even when it's not Halloween.
78. Toaster + Toast
Toast lovers will appreciate this cute cardboard costume from Studio DIY!
79. Peacock
A blue dress or swimsuit with some bright feathers and fabric add-ons will make your little one the life of the party.
80. Superhero
Mix and match primary colors and add a cape, mask, bright rain boots and a lightning bolt cut-out. Choose from different ideas on Swim the Big Blue.
81. Rag Doll
Make a trip to the craft store and whip up this Raggedy Ann wig from A Beautiful Mess in no time! Perfect for a mom-daughter costume, too—or for boys!
82. Crayon
Dress up in a head-to-toe (try leggings with a matching long t-shirt or dress) bright color. Use fabric paint or cut-out black fabric to spell out the name of the closest Crayola color (we're partial to Vivid Violet and Atomic Tangerine) sideways on your front. An upside-down funnel covered in fabric or construction paper can be the tip.
83. Parents
If you don't mind poking a little fun at yourself, dress your kid up as you! How about an adorable baby girl dressed up as her dad—goatee, iPhone holster and all?
84. Aerobics Instructor
This baby looks pretty happy rocking some leggings, a headband and leotard. All items you can find or make cheaply, or that you already have on hand!
85. Pizza Delivery
This pizza delivery driver costume requires a little work, but the results are totally worth it!
86. Mickey Mouse
This one is for the entire family, but we just adore a kid in Mickey Mouse ears!
87. Lego
Every kid loves lego and we're pretty sure every kit wants to be one for Halloween! Tutorial from Lovely Indeed.
88. Little Red Riding Hood
This Little Red Riding Hood costume from Make It & Love It is pretty extensive, but you can simplify it by using a red hoodie (or make a cape) and a gray-and-white dress from the thrift store (or that you already have), plus a picnic basket and braids.
89. Moth
Reuse the cardboard from those amazon boxes to make an easy, last minute pair of wings for your little moth.
90. Olaf
If your little one doesn't want to be Elsa (wow!), how about going for Olaf?
91. Astronaut
If you're having big, far away dreams for your little one, how about this baby astronaut costume?
92. Charlie Brown
Good grief! Apply Charlie's trademark zig-zag with fabric paint or tape, then add sneakers and black pants.
93. Bat
Convert a t-shirt to this cute bat costume (via Alpha Mom) and download a printable mask that can be attached to sunglasses.
94. Peter Pan
With a green onesie or romper and this DIY felt hat, your kid's costume is as good as done.
95. Ballerina
The most expensive part of this costume is probably the tulle. But it's worth it—your daughter will probably want to wear this one around the house long after Halloween's over.
96. Rainbow
Grab an item of clothing or accessory from every color in the rainbow—think shirt, pants, socks, scarf, cardigan, hat, shoes and jewelry. Even better if you can wear them in order from head to toe! This is a fun one for kids who are just learning colors—or who hate matching their clothes!
97. Paper Doll
It doesn't get much easier—or cheaper—than this DIY paper doll costume from Splash Dash Mom.
98. Beanie Baby
Simply add the recognizable label to a cozy baby overall and you've got yourself the cutest Beanie Baby to ever walk (crawl?) the Earth.
99. Lion
Start with a yellow fleece pajama and tweak it just a bit to get the sweetest baby lion ready for Halloween.
100. Dinosaur
Transform your child into a stegosaurus with the help of an old hoodie, some felt and basic sewing skills—get the tutorial at Just Another Day in Paradise.
101. Mouse
It doesn't get much easier than this: Print this free mouse mask at home, and get creative with the rest of the outfit. Even just a light-colored sweatsuit would do the trick. Perfect standby costume for the indecisive child :)
If you don't want to make your own costume, there are still plenty of ways to save money. Costume shops often have great deals on last-minute costumes, and you can find cute dresses and t-shirts at thrift stores. A white t-shirt can be easily turned into a costume with some hot glue and paint, and a denim shirt can be used to create a variety of costumes.
What will you be dressing as this Halloween?
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