23 Easy DIY Halloween Costumes You Can Put Together Fast
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It’s almost time for the most frightful night of the year! Your Halloween candy is ready for trick-or-treaters; jack-o’-lanterns are carved and ready for their new home on the porch; the outdoor decorations are hung; and the whole neighborhood has come alive with that magic Halloween spirit. Now, all you have to do is find the perfect Halloween look. If you’ve been scratching your head trying to find the best DIY costume ideas, then you’re in the right place. We’ve come up with some amazing easy DIY Halloween costumes you can put together in minutes that will make it seem like you put hours into your look (don’t worry, we won’t tell!)
Whether you’re contemplating favorite TV show characters, a funny costume like a party animal, or something classic like a vampire, there are plenty of easy DIY Halloween costume ideas that you can pull off quickly. And they won’t all be your typical black cat or witch costumes—though we do have a couple ideas to make those classics stand out, too. These unique DIY Halloween costume ideas are easy to put together and affordable, with plenty of items being things you already have hanging in your closet. Just mix in the fine details, and your look will come together like magic. And if you need last-minute costume ideas, we have you covered there, too.
1. The Property Brothers
Grab your tool belt, your favorite flannel, and your best pal and you’ve got yourself the perfect DIY Halloween costume—Drew and Jonathan style. Just don’t knock down any walls while you’re in character!
2. Minion
A minion hits all the marks of a great DIY Halloween costume: It’s a funny character, a comfortable outfit, and super easy to put together. Grab any yellow t-shirt laying around and that old set of gardening overalls, and all you’ll need are the minion goggles to make it all come together. Now, all you have to do is get your minion language down right—bello, poopaye, banana—you got this!
3. The Lorax
Do you speak for the trees? The Lorax is one of the easiest DIY Halloween costumes—and one of the cutest, too! You can customize it however you’d like (an orange jumpsuit, orange skirt and sweater, orange sweatpants and tank top), and just add in the signature yellow mustache to finish off the look.
4. Freddy Krueger
It wouldn’t be Halloween without Freddy Krueger! And luckily, his costume is also super easy to recreate. All you really need is a red and green striped sweater (bonus points if there are some rips and tears) and his signature knife glove, and voilà—you’re ready for a real-life Nightmare On Elm Street.
5. Jet2 Holiday Flight Attendant
Play on the hilarious internet meme about Jet2 by dressing up as a flight attendant from the airline! It’s super simple—all you need is a red shirt, a navy skirt or pants, and some white duct tape or fabric marker to write the signature Jet2 logo on the front of your shirt. Nothing beats a Jet2 holiday…
6. Ballerina
A ballerina is an easy DIY Halloween costume that you can customize to fit into your unique style. Dress up as Nina from Black Swan for a more moody, spooky vibe; or instead, go the classic route with a ballet pink tutu, tiara, and a high bun.
7. Paddington Bear
Paddington Bear is a heartwarming character that brings us all the warm and fuzzies! This one is super simple to make and combines maximum cuteness with minimal effort: All you need is a yellow or blue coat, bear ears, a red hat, and a red bag. Plus, if you’re going for comfort this Halloween, then a DIY Paddington costume is your perfect match. Bonus points if you bring a marmalade sandwich along with you!
8. Race Car Driver
Drivers, start your engines, because this race car driver Halloween costume will be winning first place! With just a few special touches, you can turn a regular outfit into a speedway uniform in minutes. Add in a cool racing jacket or just put some patches on one you already own, adorn yourself in medals, and you’re ready to ride.
9. Beanie Baby
Simple, cozy, cute, and creative? This one has it all. Hone in on the memory of your favorite toy with a beanie baby Halloween costume! Everyone will instantly recognize your costume, especially with the TY tag. DIY your beanie baby tag with some craft paper and twine, and tie it around your neck or wrist for the full beanie baby effect. You can even fill out your beanie baby info inside your tag to go the extra mile.
10. Ghoul Bride
Here comes the (ghostly) bride! Some haunted makeup, a worn wedding gown or white dress, veil (which you can make out of tissue paper, in a pinch), and a withered flower bouquet will do the trick to take your ghoulish bride costume to the next level. Consider making it a group Halloween costume by having friends dress up as bridesmaids so you can go as the “Phantom Bride Tribe.”
11. Mermaid
Lovers of the sea and sand will have a blast putting together this easy mermaid Halloween costume. You have lots of options for the base: You can wear a green, blue, or purple skirt, dress, or pants. Then, the trick is to add a ton of pearl makeup jewels, eye shadow and blush in sea-inspired colors, and seashell costume jewelry. Oh, and the more glitter, the better!
12. Characters from ‘Dune’
We all know Dune is a cult classic, and the costumes are absolutely iconic! Plus, it doesn’t take much time or effort to look like you spent weeks curating the perfect Dune-inspired costume. Don’t forget to download Dune: Part One and Dune: Part Two on Apple TV or stream on MAX so you can get inspired.
13. Vintage Circus Clown
Give the clown costume a chic twist this year by embracing the vintage circus vibe. Complete the outfit with a pompon party hat, old-school striped clown suit, and of course, the perfect clown makeup. It’s a simple Halloween costume that will still look creative and fresh.
14. Pop Star
If you’ve ever had wishes of making it as a pop music sensation, then Halloween is the perfect time to dive head-first into that dream! Best of all, you probably don’t need much to put the costume together. Grab your flashiest outfit (or even just a cool leather jacket) and a microphone or toy guitar, and you’re ready for your debut performance.
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15. Skeleton
A skeleton is a classic Halloween costume, and it’s one of the easiest costumes you can put together fast! All you need is the right makeup and a skeleton onesie. (Or you can wear all black if you’re really in a pinch.) It also makes a great pick for an easy family Halloween costume—get everyone their own skeleton costume and you’ll be the cutest haunted bunch in the neighborhood.
16. Magician
Did you know Jonathan is actually a trained illusionist? It’s true! If you want to tap into inner trickster, then a magician Halloween costume is a great idea. Plus, it’s super easy to put together. All you need is a suit or cape, top hat, and a deck of cards (or a stuffed animal bunny), and you’re ready to perform your magic tricks!
17. Mary Poppins
Mary Poppins might be the perfect costume for the last-minute planners, because all you need is a few pieces to become an immediately recognizable character. You can likely find most of these items at your secondhand stores, too.
18. An ’80s Girl
If you’re looking for a groovy DIY costume, consider the iconic ’80s girl! There are a few outfit options to go with—a workout outfit, a leotard and colorful tights, or a track suit. From there, get your sweat bands and your permed wig, and you’re ready to rock and roll.
19. Wednesday Addams
Ever since the TV series Wednesday premiered a couple years ago, we’ve been obsessing over the resurgence of the Addams family! You can’t go wrong with a classic spooky character, and Wednesday Addams is one of the most iconic.
This One Simple Change Will Transform Your Exteriors
SPONSORED: Stylish front porch decor and a beautifully manicured lawn may complete your home’s exterior look, but the real game-changer is the lighting!
20. Witch
It’s a classic for a reason! Plus, there’s so many creative ways to alter a witch costume: Add in embellishments, go with a unique color scheme, or a distinct witch character, like the Wicked Witch of the West.
21. Beetlejuice
The new Beetlejuice Beetlejuice movie coming out is the perfect reason to break out this Halloween favorite. Extra points if you make it a best friends costume and have someone dress up as Lydia!
22. The Mad Hatter
We’re all mad here! The Mad Hatter is an easy DIY Halloween costume with a huge payoff. It’s more original than you’re typical witch or vampire, but still simple to put together. Complete the whimsical and colorful costume with a teacup from the thrift store or your cabinet for added attention to detail.
23. Vampire
You can’t go wrong with old reliable—especially if you put effort into the small details. Grab fangs, a cloak, and a wig, and take time to drip a little fake blood from the corners of your mouth. You’ll be looking cold-blooded in no time!
Halloween Ideas
We have everything you need, including decor, pumpkin stencils, and costume ideas. (For you and your pets!)
Get Spooky!
Bree Pulver
Bree is the Senior Digital Editor at DrewandJonathan.com. In the past, she’s worked for publications focused on home improvement and sustainable living. Bree’s Pinterest board is filled with cozy textures; vintage patterns; sculptural furniture; and moody, warm-toned colors. She has a degree concentrated in the intersection of writing and architecture, which influences her passion for exploring creative solutions to unusual home layouts and stylish renter-friendly decor. She’s a self-proclaimed pro at finding the best antique furniture in the most unlikely of places (but her cat Blue can certainly back these claims).
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