Some people are like Heidi Klum and spend months planning an epic Halloween costume for an even more epic party. Other people get to October 1, realize Halloween is in a few weeks, and begin the yearly rush to figure out a last-minute costume. If you identify as the latter, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered with some tips and tricks to help you in your last-minute Halloween planning. Not only will these tips help with last-minute costume planning, but they’ll also help you do so without spending too much money (and maybe even with a bonus of practicing sustainability).
1. Check what you have at home
While this may seem obvious now, it might not be your first instinct. So take a look at what things you already have in your closet. What simple clothing or accessories can you turn into a costume?
2. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
While this is the best advice for saving the planet, it can also be good for easy Halloween costumes.
What did you dress up as last year? Rewearing outfits has become incredibly trendy— you could be just like Tiffany Haddish, Claudia Jessie, or Princess Kate Middleton. Take a look at what you already have in your closet from last year.
Maybe you haven’t quite gotten on board with outfit repeating. Maybe you’re looking to diversify your Instagram feed (which is totally ok). Maybe you just want something new and different. So, what did your bestie dress up as last year? Can you trade costumes? It’ll be just like new without spending the money or the time to figure something new out.
And, just like the celebrities above, you’ll be saving the planet, one reworn costume at a time!
But, if rewearing something isn’t your style…
3. Thrift your heart away
Before spending lots of money to buy things new from Amazon or other stores, take a look at a thrift store first. Chances are you can find exactly what you’re looking for with a few extra minutes, a trip to the thrift store, and a smaller credit card bill.
Another option? Scroll through Facebook Marketplace to see what people are already selling. Maybe you can buy a costume from someone else in your area, or what they’re selling will spark a good idea. Still can’t think of anything?
4. Take Cady Heron’s Advice: Easier is Always Better!
While Cady’s advice can be kind of silly, she’s got the right idea. Find something you want to wear or enjoy wearing and add a quick accessory to it!
Have a cute LBD or an outfit you’ve been wanting to wear? Throw on a pair of cat/mouse/dog ears, use a bit of eyeliner for some whiskers/animal noses/animal spots, and call it a day. You’re a mouse, duh.
Speaking of Princess Kate, this can always work with tiaras, crowns, or any other types of accessories. You don’t have to put a ton of time, energy, or money into a costume to do something cute, fun, or funny. And, chances are you have something like this in your house already!
5. “Borrow” From Someone Else’s Great Ideas
Just like Facebook Marketplace, Pinterest and other social media platforms can spark something interesting and fun for you to try out. We encourage you to borrow from someone else’s great ideas to decide on something fun and interesting to dress up as. Search on your own social media and go through what your friends have dressed up as in the past. Look at TikTok — plenty of creators are posting easy ideas for costumes right now! Just search “Halloween costumes,” “Halloween ideas” or even “easy Halloween costumes.”
Or, take some of our ideas!
Here are a few more easy ideas:
- Wear your fanciest, most luxurious outfit for an easy Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City.
- Channel another decade with something you already have a home (things come back in style and you probably already have items in your closet that could fit for this).
- Pull your hair up in a messy bun, create some eyeliner face tattoos and boom, you’re Post Malone!
- Wear all one color, and make a sign: This could be an M&M or a crayon or even a trendy water bottle.
- Throw something random on. When people ask you what you’re dressed up as, make them guess. Say yes or no to whatever they guess, up to your discretion. Whatever you say makes it even funnier for you!
Just remember, it’s never too late to figure a cute and fun costume out. And you can never go wrong with throwing on a sports jersey and eyeblack, a cute dress and a tiara, or even just a sign that says, “This is My Halloween Costume” — that will for sure get people talking.
Whatever you do, you probably won’t remember it a year from now. The most important thing is to have fun, so don’t stress too much!
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