Halloween is coming, and you may not have a plan. Stores are crowded. Online shipping can be slow. You want an outfit that looks good, is safe, and does not cost too much.
Maybe you need a costume for a kid, for a couple, or for a last-minute party. You also want easy ideas you can make at home. This post gives 20 clear outfit ideas with simple tips so you can pick one fast.
Why does this feel hard right now?
It feels stressful when you wait until the last day. Prices can be high. Some costumes are uncomfortable or not safe for walking in the dark. If you buy a name-brand costume, it can cost a lot.
You may also worry about matching your friends or making a kid happy. A bad costume can make the night less fun. That is why you want simple, smart ideas and quick DIY steps.
Small case study — Halloween in the USA
Halloween is a big shopping event in the United States. Recent surveys from the National Retail Federation show that Americans spend billions on Halloween. The NRF reported that Halloween spending is expected to reach a record $13.1 billion this year.
They also track how many people take part in Halloween activities and how many plan to dress up. These facts explain why stores have many costume choices and why prices can change during the season
1) Classic Ghost
Use a white sheet to make a ghost costume that is quick and cheap. Cut two eye holes so you can see. Make the sheet short enough to walk safely. Tie a belt or rope at the waist if you want shape.
Add a face with a marker or paint. Use glow-in-the-dark tape near the hem so drivers can see you at night. Wear comfortable shoes under the sheet. If you have kids, supervise them while they wear the sheet.
2) Black Cat
Dress in black clothes for an easy cat look that works for kids and adults. Make ears from black paper or felt and glue them to a headband. Make a tail from fabric or a scarf and pin it or tie it on.
Use face paint for whiskers and a small nose mark. Wear soft shoes and layered clothes if it is cold at night. Keep the costume light so kids can run and play.
3) Vampire
Put on dark clothes and use a scarf or short cape to add drama without bulk. Use pale makeup or light powder to make a pale look. Apply red lipstick or safe face paint near the mouth for a classic bite mark.
Use fake teeth made for kids or snap-on fangs instead of sharp props. Choose closed shoes for safety. For kids, skip long capes that drag on the ground. Add a toy medallion or ring as a small prop.
4) Witch!
Wear dark clothes and create a pointed hat from cardboard and black fabric or paper. Add a ribbon around the hat band and tie it tight so it does not fall. Carry a small broom that is easy to hold and will not get in the way.
Use simple face paint to add a small mole or dark lips. Wear boots or shoes that you can walk in. Keep any long skirts short enough to step without tripping.
5) Superhero
Pick one strong color and make a logo on a plain shirt with fabric paint or cut paper. Use a towel, sheet, or short cape tied at the shoulders to avoid long fabric that trips you. Add a belt or wristband to set off the look.
Make a mask from felt to cover the eyes and attach elastic so it stays on. Wear comfy pants and good shoes for walking. Avoid hard props and heavy pieces that slow kids down. This DIY hero is fun, bright, and easy to change to match a group theme.
6) Zombie
Take old clothes you do not mind tearing and make small rips for a worn look. Rub brown or gray paint on clothes to look dusty and old. Use pale face makeup and dark eye circles to make a tired, spooky face.
Add fake scars with makeup or a dab of red paint. Keep the outfit breathable and light so kids do not get hot. Use washable paints if you are worried about stains. Avoid sharp cuts or real nails.
7) Scarecrow
Wear a plaid shirt and jeans or overalls with a soft hat to make a field look. Tuck small pieces of raffia or straw into sleeves and collar for the scarecrow effect, but keep it away from flames and open candles.
Paint a patch on pants with fabric paint or glue a square of cloth. Use small stitches or fabric glue so patches do not fall off. Choose shoes that are closed and sturdy. This costume is warm and works well in cool weather. It is also easy to make with thrifted finds and simple craft supplies.
8) Skeleton
Put on black clothes and paint simple white bones using fabric paint or tape. Use a printed template to make the bone shapes faster and more even. Add glow-in-the-dark paint to the bones so the outfit shows up at night on walks. Place reflective tape near the hem or on the back to stay visible to drivers.
Keep layers thin so the paint does not crack. Use face paint for a skull look but keep it light for kids. This costume is clear, safe, and can be made from items you already own at home. Easy Easy
9) Pirate
Wear a loose white shirt, dark vest, and a bandana tied around the head to make a pirate look. Make an eye patch from black felt and attach elastic so it stays in place. Use a belt and a light scarf as a sash around the waist. Make a toy sword from cardboard and tape so it is light and safe.
Add a small pouch to hold candy. Choose shoes that stay on and fit well. This outfit is easy to find at thrift shops, and it is fun for pairs or groups who want a shared theme. Easy
10) 80s Rock Star
Find a bright or printed shirt and tight pants or leggings for a simple retro look. Add large sunglasses and a bandana around the head or neck to bring the era to life. Style hair with gel or use a wig for a big look, but keep it light so kids can play. Add bands of bracelets or a small fake microphone as props.
Keep makeup simple and bold for photos. This costume is colorful and eye-catching without heavy pieces. It is a fun option for older kids or adults who want to dance and move.
11) Movie Character
Choose one clear, simple look from a well-known movie and use one or two key pieces to show the character. A jacket, hat, or prop can signal the role without full cosplay detail. Thrift stores are good places to find these pieces on a budget. Add a small sign or name tag if people might not guess the character.
Keep the outfit comfy and easy to take off if needed. This approach works for parties or trick-or-treating and lets you be creative without high cost or long prep time. Easy Easy
12) Bonnie and Clyde
For a couple, pick outfits that match a single era, like the 1930s, by using thrifted suits, skirts, and hats. A fedora and a simple dress can signal the pair right away. Add small props like a fake camera, toy money, or a cloth bag to hint at the theme without real danger. Keep shoes comfortable for any walking or photos.
Coordinate colors so both outfits look like a set. This pair of costumes is clear, classy, and easy to build with thrift finds and small craft props for an evening out.
13) Deck of Cards
For a group, make light cardboard panels that show card faces. Paint a number and a suit on each board, and make two holes at the top for arms to go through. Wear dark pants under the boards and trim the bottom so everyone can walk.
Use light foam or poster board so panels do not bend or strain shoulders. Add a string to hold panels up at the shoulders if needed. This group idea is low-cost and very visible in photos. It also works with any size group and is a strong visual theme for parties.
14) Pumpkin for Baby
Use an orange onesie or soft shirt and add felt cutouts for a pumpkin face. Sew or glue pieces with fabric glue and avoid tight fits or heavy decorations that can bother a baby. Use a soft green hat or headband for the stem, and keep the outfit warm for cool evenings.
Make sure any decorations are sewn or glued well, and there are no small loose pieces that a baby could pull off. Keep the outfit easy to change for diaper needs. This cute look is simple and comfy for short wear times. Easy Easy
15) Superhero and Sidekick for Kids
Dress one child in the main color and another in a smaller, matching color to make the hero and sidekick set. Use felt to cut simple emblems and glue them to shirts. Tie light capes at the shoulders and keep them short to avoid tripping.
Add wristbands or small badges for the sidekick to make the set feel complete. Keep shoes secure and clothes layered for cool nights. This matching plan helps kids stay close while walking and makes it easy for parents to spot them in a crowd.
16) Pet Costume
Choose a soft vest or light outfit for a pet so it can move and breathe. Use velcro closures and avoid tight fits. For a hot dog or pumpkin, pick a loose fabric vest that rests on the pet’s back and ties gently under the belly.
Let the pet try the outfit for short times before going out. Do not leave the pet alone in the costume. Keep an eye on how the pet acts; if it seems stressed, remove the outfit. Safety and comfort are the main priorities when dressing pets for Halloween. Easy Easy
17) Mummy
Wrap a person in strips of white fabric or use a roll of gauze instead of toilet paper for a sturdier look. Wrap loosely so the wearer can move and bend without strain. Use pins or tape to keep the strips in place near the waist instead of wrapping the face. Add light gray or brown paint to clothes to make them look old and dusty.
Keep the outfit easy to step in and out of for bathroom breaks. Use fabric strips that will not tear easily, so the look lasts through the whole night.
18) Retro TV Star
Pick a simple dress or suit that looks like a mid-century TV star. Add vintage-style glasses, a small hat, or a scarf to set the look. Use thrift stores to find these pieces at low cost.
Keep hair and makeup neat but simple to match the era. Add a small cardboard microphone or a paper prop to make the role clear at parties. Choose shoes that match the time but are still comfortable for walking. This costume plays well in photos and is a good choice for adults who want a clean, period look. Easy
19) Mad Scientist
Wear a white shirt or lab coat and add goggles made from plastic or craft foam. Carry small sealed bottles with colored water as props, and label them with fun names. Use hair gel or spray to make hair stand up for a wild look.
Keep all props plastic and sealed for safety, not real chemicals. Wear closed shoes and gloves if you want the look without mess. This costume is a playful take on a lab theme and is easy to make from household items and craft supplies. Easy Easy
20) Minimalist All-Black with One Bright Item
Start with plain black clothes as a base and add a single bright accessory that tells the story. A red scarf can hint at a clown or a heart, a green hat can suggest an elf, or a bright mask can change the whole look.
Keep the bright item large enough to read from a short distance. This style is low-cost and low effort. It is also easy to add layers for warmth and to mix with other pieces for different looks on the same night.
You Can ASK!
What are some quick last-minute Halloween ideas?
Use things you already own: a white sheet for a ghost, black clothes for a cat, or a towel as a superhero cape. Pick one clear piece (hat, bandana, or mask) to show the theme. These are fast DIY Halloween outfit fixes.
How can I make a kids’ costume safe for trick-or-treating?
Keep costumes short so kids don’t trip. Use closed shoes and add reflective tape so drivers can see them. Avoid small parts that can fall off and watch for skin reactions.
Where can I find low-cost costume pieces?
Check thrift stores, dollar stores, and your closet. Craft stores sell basic props. Mixing thrift finds with items at home often makes an easy, cheap DIY Halloween outfit.