Halloween Costumes: 15 Easy Last-Minute Ideas

Halloween can sometimes sneak up on us and some of us still don’t have our costumes ready! With all the daily hustle, especially when balancing work, parenting, and household responsibilities, finding the time to craft an elaborate costume can feel impossible. But don’t worry; you don’t have to settle for costumes that lack creativity just because it’s last-minute. With a bit of inspiration, you can throw together a quick, fun, and eye-catching Halloween look using items you already have at home!

Here’s a list of 15 unique, no-stress costumes perfect for anyone in a pinch. Whether you’re celebrating at a party, joining trick-or-treating with the kids, or hopping on a Halloween-themed Zoom call, these ideas will have you covered!

1. Rosie the Riveter (Easy, Timeless Classic)

What You’ll Need:

• Denim shirt or jacket
• Red bandana
• Dark jeans
• Red lipstick

Channel the WWII icon by slipping into a denim shirt and rolling up the sleeves. Wrap a red bandana around your hair, apply some classic red lipstick, and show off those “we can do it!” muscles. Not only is this costume empowering, but it’s also incredibly simple and always recognisable.

2. Freudian Slip (Clever and Quick)

What You’ll Need:

• White slip dress
• A marker or stickers for labelling
• Glasses (optional for the “Freud” look)

If you’re a fan of puns, this costume is for you. Write words like “id,” “ego,” and “superego” on a white slip dress or tape paper labels on it. Add some glasses to complete your look as “Freud” himself. This costume is simple, witty, and guaranteed to make people laugh.

3. Tourist on Vacation (Minimal Assembly)

What You’ll Need:

• Hawaiian shirt or any loud print
• Sunglasses and a sunhat
• Camera, fanny pack, and a map

Throw on the most stereotypical tourist outfit with bold patterns, a sun hat, and a fanny pack. Drape a camera around your neck and hold a map, looking confused for maximum effect. Not only is this costume easy to assemble, but it’s also super comfortable!

4. Social Media Influencer (Fun and Relatable)

What You’ll Need:

• Athleisure wear or trendy clothes
• Phone with a selfie stick
• Oversized sunglasses and a coffee cup

This costume is perfect for anyone who’s ever been inspired by social media. Grab your most stylish athleisure set, and a coffee cup (bonus points if it’s from a well-known chain), and accessorise with your phone on a selfie stick. Emphasise phrases like “#sponsored” or “link in bio!” whenever you speak to really get into character.

5. Greek Goddess (Classic and Chic costume)

What You’ll Need:

• White sheet or light fabric
• Gold accessories
• Sandals

Channel your inner Aphrodite with a simple yet elegant white fabric wrapped as a toga. Add gold accessories, like bracelets and a belt, and a pair of strappy sandals to complete this ethereal look. Bonus points if you use a leafy headband or make one with twigs from the garden!

6. Minnie Mouse  (Cute and Quick costume)

What You’ll Need:

• Black top and leggings
• Red skirt (polka dots if you have one)
• Red or white gloves
• DIY mouse ears (using paper or a headband)

If you’re looking for something sweet and simple, Minnie Mouse is a perfect choice. You can make mouse ears from paper and tape them to a headband, pair a red skirt with a black top, and add some cute gloves. A little black eyeliner on the nose completes the look!

7. Lumberjack (Cozy and Easy)

What You’ll Need:

• Plaid shirt
• Jeans or overalls
• Beanie and a toy axe (optional)

This costume is perfect for anyone who loves fall fashion. Just throw on a cosy plaid shirt, a beanie, and some jeans, and you’re instantly transformed. A toy axe is a cute prop if you have one handy, but not necessary. Plus, it’s one of the most comfortable costumes to wear all night!

8. Scarecrow (Fall-Inspired and Adorable)

What You’ll Need:

• Flannel shirt and overalls or jeans
• Straw hat
• Face paint or eyeliner for stitching effect

Create an adorable scarecrow look by wearing a flannel shirt, jeans, and a straw hat. Use eyeliner to draw stitch lines around your cheeks and mouth, giving it a charming homemade feel. You can also add some straw or hay around your sleeves if you have some lying around.

9. Mummy (Messy but Fun!)

What You’ll Need:

• White bandages or old sheets torn into strips

Get that classic spooky look by wrapping yourself in white bandages or torn-up sheets. This DIY costume requires a little patience but is highly customizable – you can make it as neat or messy as you want! Just wrap and tuck pieces in layers, and you’re ready to go.

10. Classic Witch (Timeless and Effortless)

What You’ll Need:

• Black dress
• Witch hat (easy to find at most stores)
• Optional: broomstick, green face paint

The classic witch costumes never go out of style. Throw on a black dress, add a witch’s hat, and grab a broomstick if you have one handy. If you want to go the extra mile, use green face paint for a “wicked” effect!

11. Static Cling (Silly and Simple)

What You’ll Need:

• Dark clothing
• Safety pins
• Random laundry items (socks, shirts, etc.)

Pin small clothing items like socks and shirts onto yourself to look like you just pulled everything out of the dryer. This costume is funny, creative, and a great conversation starter. Plus, it’s super budget-friendly since all you need is some laundry!

12. Emoji Costume (Customizable and Trendy)

What You’ll Need:

• Yellow t-shirt or poster board
• Black marker
• Scissors (if using poster board)

Get creative by dressing up as your favourite emoji! You can use a yellow t-shirt and draw on the face, or create a large circular emoji face out of poster board and wear it as a sign. Whether you choose the heart-eyes or crying-laughing face, everyone will recognise the look!

13. Bank Robber (Quick and Bold)

What You’ll Need:

• Black and white striped shirt
• Dark beanie
• Mask or face paint for the mask

A bank robber costume is perfect if you want something a little mischievous. Pair a black and white striped shirt with a beanie, add a little mask, and maybe a pillowcase as a “money bag.” This costume is perfect for those looking for something low-effort but effective.

14. Bubble Bath (Creative and Cosy costume)

What You’ll Need:

• White t-shirt
• Blue or white balloons
• Shower cap and rubber ducky (optional)

Blow up white balloons and pin them onto your shirt to create a “bubble bath” effect. Add a shower cap and carry a rubber duck for the full effect. It’s an adorable costume, and everyone will appreciate the creativity!

15. Cat Burglar (Classic and Cool)

What You’ll Need:

• Black clothing
• Beanie
• Face mask and black gloves

A cat burglar costume is a simple yet stylish choice. Dress in all black, add a beanie and some gloves, and maybe carry a little “loot” bag with a dollar sign drawn on it. This costume is sleek, fun, and doesn’t require much effort at all.

Final Thoughts

These last-minute costume ideas are a testament to how you can turn almost anything around the house into a Halloween costume with a little creativity. Whether you’re aiming for funny, cute, or downright spooky, these options have something for everyone.

Most of these costumes can be personalised with makeup or small props for added effect. Experiment and have fun with it—sometimes, the best costumes are the ones that happen last minute!

So, as Halloween approaches, remember: it’s all about having fun and celebrating the spirit of the season. Don’t stress over finding the “perfect” costume; sometimes, the best ones are the simplest! Have fun, get creative, and make this Halloween one to remember.

Happy Halloween! 🎃