Halloween is one of those holidays where you either go all out or you throw on cat ears and call it a day (no shame, we’ve all done it). But what if you and your bestie want to show up with a killer duo Halloween costume without spending half your rent money? Yeah, that’s the real challenge.
I’ve been there—scrolling endlessly through overpriced costume shops thinking, Do I really need to drop $120 just to look like a discount Barbie? Nope. The good news? You absolutely don’t have to. Affordable, clever, and downright hilarious costumes exist, and I’ve rounded up 10 affordable duo Halloween costumes for women that’ll turn heads without emptying your wallet.
So, grab your pumpkin spice latte (you know you have one nearby) and let’s talk costumes.
1. Peanut Butter & Jelly
Classic. Simple. Everyone gets it.
You can either buy a ready-made set or DIY it with oversized cardboard cutouts. Just wear jeans and tees underneath, and boom—you’re the most iconic sandwich in the room.
Why it works:
- Instantly recognizable.
- Involves minimal effort.
- Bonus: Nobody can accuse you of being “basic” when you’re literally bread.
Pro tip: Get creative—one of you can wear purple for grape jelly while the other rocks a nutty brown.
2. Netflix & Chill
This one gets laughs every single time.
One of you can throw on a Netflix logo tee (Amazon has cheap options), and the other can dress in comfy loungewear holding an ice pack (for the literal “chill”). Add some popcorn bags as props, and you’re good to go.
Why it works:
- Affordable—tees and sweatpants don’t break the bank.
- A crowd-pleaser for college parties or casual get-togethers.
And let’s be honest, it’s also a solid way to announce your love for binge-watching. Who’s judging? Definitely not me.
3. Mario & Luigi
Okay, hear me out—overalls + red/green tees + fake mustaches. That’s it. That’s the costume.
You can score cheap overalls at thrift shops, and the colored tees cost under $10 each. Add a cap with the signature letters (DIY with fabric paint or felt), and suddenly, you’re gaming royalty.
Why it works:
- Easy thrift-store find.
- Nostalgia factor—everyone loves a good throwback.
- Comfortable enough to dance in at a Halloween party.
4. Salt & Pepper
Want something ridiculously easy? Salt and Pepper is your answer.
All you need are black and white dresses or tees, and you can tape giant “S” and “P” letters to the front. Minimal cost, maximum pun.
Why it works:
- You can literally make it with stuff from your closet.
- No sewing skills required (thank goodness).
- Works well for last-minute panic shopping.
It’s so simple, you’ll laugh at yourself for not trying it sooner.
5. Thelma & Louise
A duo for the ride-or-die besties.
Think ripped jeans, bandanas, retro sunglasses, and denim jackets. You probably own most of this already. Add some attitude (and maybe a toy gun for extra flair), and you’ll look like you drove straight out of a ‘90s movie.
Why it works:
- Fashionable without looking “costume-y.”
- Perfect for photo ops.
- Gives major girl-power vibes.
Ever wanted to channel chaotic best-friend energy? This is your costume.
6. Angel & Devil
A timeless pair. One of you goes angelic in white with a halo, the other embraces your inner rebel in red horns and maybe a pitchfork.
Cheap accessories like halos, wings, and horns are all over Amazon or dollar stores. You can wear your own dresses, so you’re basically just accessorizing.
Why it works:
- Budget-friendly—accessories cost less than $15.
- Allows you to play up opposite personalities.
- People immediately get the concept.
And honestly, who doesn’t secretly love being the devil for a night? ;)
7. Velma & Daphne (Scooby-Doo)
You don’t need the whole Mystery Machine crew to pull this one off. Velma’s look is iconic: orange sweater, red skirt, and glasses. Daphne rocks purple with a green scarf.
Thrift stores are goldmines for this costume, and you can find most of it for under $20 total.
Why it works:
- Nostalgic and fun.
- Super easy to DIY.
- Works well for both casual parties and themed events.
Plus, if you’re naturally clumsy, you’ll nail Velma without even trying. ;)
8. M&M’s
You can make this one for almost nothing. Buy matching colored t-shirts (red, blue, green, yellow—whatever you like), and use white fabric paint or cut-out felt for the big “M.”
Throw on some tutus if you want to be extra, or keep it chill with jeans. Either way, you’re walking candy.
Why it works:
- Dirt cheap.
- You can get as creative or lazy as you want.
- Everyone loves chocolate, so instant approval.
9. Bonnie & Clyde
Edgy and a little rebellious, this is perfect for friends who want to skip the “cute” costumes.
Think striped tops, fedoras, suspenders, or even flapper-style dresses if you want a vintage twist. Add some DIY “money bags” or toy weapons for flair.
Why it works:
- Iconic duo energy.
- Easy to throw together with basic clothing items.
- Strikes a balance between fun and badass.
IMO, this one works best if you’re going to a more adult Halloween party where people actually appreciate a little dark humor.
10. Lifeguards (Baywatch Style)
Red shorts or swimsuits, whistles, and a bit of sun-kissed attitude—that’s all you need. If you don’t want to freeze, throw on leggings or tights underneath.
Dollar stores sell cheap whistles, and red activewear is easy to find at Walmart or Target.
Why it works:
- Comfortable yet instantly recognizable.
- Perfect for indoor parties.
.webp)
- Bonus: You get to shout “Baywatch!” dramatically while walking in slow motion.
Tips for Pulling Off Affordable Duo Costumes
Alright, so we’ve covered the actual costume ideas, but let’s talk logistics. Costumes are only half the battle—you want to keep it fun and wallet-friendly.
Here’s how to save extra cash:
-
Thrift stores are your BFF. Most costume items are just regular clothes with a twist.
-
DIY props > overpriced accessories. Cardboard, hot glue, and felt can do wonders.
-
Coordinate your makeup. Sometimes the makeup sells the costume more than the outfit.
-
Share costs. Split accessory sets with your partner-in-crime.
Ever notice how the cheapest costumes often get the biggest laughs? Yeah, people remember creativity—not who dropped $150 on a sparkly corset.
Conclusion
Halloween doesn’t need to be expensive or stressful. With a little creativity (and maybe a glue gun), you and your bestie can pull off 10 affordable duo Halloween costumes for women that are clever, fun, and 100% wallet-friendly.
From classic pairs like Peanut Butter & Jelly to nostalgic throwbacks like Velma & Daphne, there’s something here for every vibe—whether you’re going for cute, funny, or full-on rebel mode.
So skip the overpriced costume racks, raid your closet, and make something memorable. After all, Halloween’s not about who spent the most money—it’s about who made everyone say, “Okay, that’s genius.”
Now tell me—what duo are you and your bestie rocking this year? ;)