9 Last-Minute Halloween Costume Ideas

I can’t believe how fast this year is flying by. Halloween is already around the corner, and if you’re staring at an empty candy bowl, a pumpkin-free porch, and zero costume ideas, don’t stress. I’ve been there too, scrambling at the last minute to pull together a fun, last-minute Halloween costume without spending too much.

Halloween is one of my favorite times of the year because it’s the one night you can step into a whole new character. It can also feel overwhelming trying to figure out what to wear, especially when costumes can cost a small fortune for something you’ll only use once. That’s why I’ve been searching through Pinterest and found clever DIY ideas that are easy, budget-friendly, and way more exciting than grabbing another overpriced outfit off the rack.

If you’re trying to save money, read:

• Frugal Vs. Cheap – Where Are You At?
• How I Spend Less Than $70 Per Month On Groceries
• The Ultimate No-Spend Challenge Guide

7 Last-Minute Halloween Costume Ideas

Here are 7 last-minute DIY Halloween costume ideas that you can make with items you already have:

1. Wednesday Addams

Thanks to the hit Netflix series Wednesday, this classic character is more popular than ever. A black dress with a white collar, simple braids, and that trademark deadpan stare is all you need to nail the look.

Add black stockings and channel your inner Wednesday, and you’ll have a costume that’s instantly recognizable, budget-friendly, and completely on-trend. Show up like this, and everyone will know exactly who you are.

2. Red Light, Green Light Doll

Step into the eerie world of Squid Game as the unforgettable Red Light, Green Light Doll. The look is all about the bright orange dress, yellow blouse, and signature braided pigtails, and the best part is you can probably find most of these pieces in your own cabinet.

Add white socks, black shoes, and a blank, doll-like stare. This costume will instantly turn heads and give everyone chills at any Halloween party.

3. Georgie

Bring the classic horror of It to life with a Georgie costume. All you need is a yellow raincoat, rain boots, a paper boat, and of course, the iconic red balloon.

Finish the costume with a curious, innocent expression, and you’re ready to turn heads at any Halloween event. This outfit is simple, instantly recognizable, and perfect for fans of the series.

4. Rosie The Riveter

The first Halloween costume idea for you today is Rosie the Riveter. Who doesn’t want to dress like this feminist icon for a night? Instead of a princess costume for your kid, why not an icon she can look up to? This can be an easy costume to put up, as the items can be found in your closet!

Luckily, denim is trendy again, making this outfit easy to put together. You only need denim pants, a denim blouse, and a red bandana.

To make the outfit complete, go work out to show off your biceps in the process!

5. Belle

I absolutely love Belle. While Belle and the Beast’s story was a little too creepy for me, and I didn’t like it when I was younger, I love the remake with Emma Watson. 

This costume can be assembled within minutes. Just put on a white apron over a blue dress. This is a no-sew setup, so you can whip this out right out of your closet again!

On Pinterest, I found different versions:

• A blue dress with sleeves and a simple white apron
• A blue dress without sleeves, a white button-down, and a white apron

Both are perfect if you’re trying to resemble Belle. 

Don’t forget to make a low ponytail and make some curls, put on some pinkish lipstick, and carry your favorite books with you. You’ll be perfect Belle!

6. Mary Poppins

This one might be one of my favorites. It’s a costume made out of things that most women have in their closets, and it’s such a cute costume on Halloween night. 

More specifically, you need: 

• Black skirt
• White shirt (preferably a button-down)
• Black boots
• Black hat
• Giant tote bag
• Don’t skip: a huge umbrella
• Optional: red accents like a red bow tie, red belt, or red lipstick. 

The red accents give the costume a finishing touch, but don’t worry—you are still wearing a fabulous outfit that is easily recognizable. 

7. Where’s Waldo?

I love this costume. It’s so easy! All you need are blue jeans, a striped red-and-white shirt, and a hat. You will surely be the life of the party! You can even make a game out of this as you will be wearing it all night. 

If you happen to have all three of these items, you’re good to go. You probably have two out of the three items—and the hat is only $5. If you have all three things, you have a free and creative costume!

8. Mime

Another easy DIY costume for Halloween that you can make last minute is a mime costume. It’s just black jeans, bretzels, a striped shirt, white gloves, and some makeup if you feel like it. 

Perhaps you should practice your mime skills, but that’s about it. 

Easy peasy lemon squeezy. 

9. Holly Golightly

Last but not least, what about dressing up as Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany’s?

Everything you need is a black sheath dress, long black gloves, black pumps, and huge sunglasses. If you can find some casual pearls, your outfit is entirely complete! Those little props will surely make yours one of the best homemade Halloween costumes.

Wednesday Addams	Red Light, Green Light Doll	Georgie	Rosie The Riveter	Belle	Mary Poppins	Where’s Waldo?	Mime	Holly Golightly
black flowy dress	yellow blouse	yellow raincoat	denim pants	blue dress	white button-down	blue jeans	black jeans	black sheath dress
black stockings	short orange dress	rain boots	denim blouse	white button-down	black skirt	striped red-and-white shirt	striped shirt	long black gloves
	white socks	any pants	red bandana	white apron	black boots	hat	white gloves	black pumps
	black shoes				black hat			huge sunglasses
					huge umbrella			pearls for accessories
					red bow tie
					red belt
					giant tote bag

In Summary – Last-Minute Halloween Costume Ideas

Now you have some recognizable and straightforward last-minute Halloween costume ideas, go ahead and get these easy Halloween costumes together!

Sometimes, the best Halloween costumes are those that are simple, crafty, and handmade. No need to break the bank to wear something you need for one night! The best costume may just be lying around your closet, and you didn’t even know it. 

Create your awesome costume and enjoy this great holiday with these great and super-cute ideas now!

What is your favorite Halloween outfit? Do you have any additional last-minute Halloween costume ideas?