Halloween has a way of sneaking up on us every single year. The number of years I think I have so much time and then I’m panic scrolling on Amazon happens more often than I care to admit. Thankfully, I have found you don’t need a big budget or a craft room full of supplies to have a fun, creative Halloween costume. Sometimes all it takes is a little imagination and a few quick-ship finds or even goodies found around your house to be trick-or-treat ready!
Here are nine easy, recognizable, and can confirm works well in a pinch because I’ve done these or helped a friend do these Halloween DIY options and some hacks I use!
Miss Frizzle From ‘The Magic School Bus’
This is a personal favorite I did when my daughter was 2 and didn’t yet have an opinion on what she dressed up as! All I did was grab a blue dress and heels for under $30 on Amazon and iron on a $5 pack of science-themed patches. A little curly hair twisted up, and my daughter wore a lizard costume as Liz the class pet. We won a costume contest that year too! It’s colorful, nostalgic, and everyone knows exactly who you are.
Pop Star Era
You can’t go wrong channeling the Eras Tour era or even a generic pop star. Easily done with a sparkly bodysuit, metallic mini, or sequin corset paired with tall boots and a mic prop.
My daughter Lucy is going as Rumi from the hit Netflix movie K-Pop Demon Hunters this year, so I got her a metallic dance outfit. Amazon has tons of sparkly dance costumes, or you can check thrift stores for old recital outfits that are already rhinestoned and ready. I’m adding a black sequin jacket with gold embellishments I just glued on, some combat boots, and a toy microphone to complete it. For hair, instead of fighting with a wig on a 6-year-old, I buy bundles of festival hair and make my own clip-in pieces. I’m creating a big purple braid and using a little color spray for fun.
Greek Goddess
This is a pretty classic college costume I think many of us have done, but it’s easy in a pinch instead of just being a ghost. Use a white sheet or flowy dress (you can get a very cheap white maxi dress online) add a gold belt, as well as layered jewelry, simple but stunning. Go all out by adding some ivy from a dollar store to your hair. Add body shimmer and soft curls for that extra touch. This one is even works for a teen begging for a last-minute Halloween costume.
Wednesday Addams
Black dress, white collar (you can buy just shirt collars online), braids, platform Mary Janes: done. Go heavier on the makeup with a dark lip and some grey eyeshadow for blush. This one is so, so easy, and you can likely find every item in your closet or at a thrift store for super cheap.
Lara Croft
Combine a khaki tank top, khaki shorts or pants, boots, and a braid. Use bronzer and eyeshadow across your arms and legs for scratches and the whole trekking through the jungle look. I added a leg holster and harness I got at the Halloween store from the generic props section. I’ve found that if I get the character name-brand products, it’s double the price, but if I just search for generic costume pieces that are basically the exact same, it’s a lot cheaper.
Rosie the Riveter
I basically did this for every office party I attended. It’s easy, office party appropriate, and recognizable. All you need is a chambray shirt, a red bandana, and a red lip. Tie your hair back and roll up your sleeves! It’s a classic.
Barbie (Any Edition)
All pink everything. Literally just pick a theme such as Cowgirl Barbie, Sporty Barbie, or CEO Barbie and accessorize accordingly. A “Hi, I’m Barbie” name tag is what I did to pull in the movie. And this one is perfect for all ages. Anyone can be a Barbie.
Cat Burglar
Put on black leggings, a black top, a beanie, and a little black eye mask (you can even draw one on with eyeliner) or make one out of a cheapo sheet of felt. Add a pillowcase or tote bag labeled “$$$.” You could even add a few touches such as a trench coat, flannel, and black scarf and use eyeshadow to add some marks and burns to become the Sticky Bandits from Home Alone. This is a very easy couples costume. (You may or may not see this from my husband and I this year!)
’80s or ’90s Workout Girl
This is an easy costume because most can do this with what we have at home. Pair bright leggings or biker shorts with an oversized off-the-shoulder T-shirt, hair scrunchie, and sneakers. Add some leg warmers or slouchy socks and a neon headband. Throw your hair in a high ponytail, and you’re ready to sweat to the hits. If you really want to get fancy, purple eyeshadow, pink lipstick, and headphones with a cassette player will complete the look.
Bonus Hack: Cheap Tulle Skirts & Corsets = Almost Any Costume (Especially If You Want Something Girly & Pretty)
A neutral tulle skirt and a corset or fitted tank are two of the most versatile pieces you can own for Halloween, whether you’re a grown-up or a kid. Here are just a few ideas:
- Fairy: Add wings and glitter.
- Princess: Add a tiara and heels or fancy shoes.
- Angel or Devil: Just switch between white and red.
- Vampire: Add boots and fangs.
They’re the foundation for countless looks and can be repurposed year after year.
Quick Fix Costumes From Around the House
You don’t always need to buy something new. A quick Halloween costume can often be fashioned from items you already own.
- Chef: Apron, oven mitt, and a whisk.
- Sleepyhead: Pajamas, robe, slippers, and a coffee mug.
These may not be the most exciting, but they’re recognizable costumes and free.
The Husband Hack
If you’ve got a partner who isn’t thrilled about dressing up, don’t worry: There’s a T-shirt for literally everything. For our Magic School Bus look, I got my husband a shirt with a school bus on it so he was “the bus.” Problem solved and on theme! The options are countless: skeleton tees, pumpkins, ghosts, etc.
I love halloween, and I love using my imagination for my family’s costumes. It’s become a tradition in our house to see what we create each year, and it’s become so fun and special and hopefully, a core memory for my little ones!
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