Halloween sneaks up faster than your Wi-Fi cuts out during a Zoom call. One minute it’s September, and the next thing you know, you’re standing in the seasonal aisle of Target, wondering if you can pull off wearing cat ears for the third year in a row. Sound familiar? :)
I’ve been there—more than once. The group text says, “Let’s do a group costume this year!” and suddenly you’re scrambling because, surprise, it’s already October 30th. Don’t panic. I’ve rounded up 10 easy DIY group Halloween costumes you can throw together last-minute. They’re cheap, creative, and fun enough to make it look like you actually planned this weeks in advance (no one needs to know the truth).
1. The Classic M&M Crew
Bright, colorful, and ridiculously simple—this one never fails.
- Grab plain T-shirts in red, yellow, blue, green, orange, and brown.
- Cut out giant white “M” letters from paper or felt and tape/glue them on.
- Bonus: Carry around a bag of candy for authenticity (and snacks).
Why it works: Everyone gets a color, no stress about matching sizes, and you can literally buy everything at Walmart the night before.
Personal tip: I did this once in college, and someone actually tried to “unwrap” me. Annoying? Yes. Memorable? Absolutely.
2. The Breakfast Club (No, Not the Movie)
Who doesn’t love food-themed costumes? This one’s all about breakfast staples.
- One person’s a fried egg (white tee + yellow circle).
- Another’s bacon (brown strips on a red shirt).
- Toast, pancake, and coffee round out the group.
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Pro move: Wrap a blanket around yourself and call it a “breakfast burrito.” You’ll be both festive and warm—thank me later.
Why it’s perfect last-minute: Most of these are literally construction paper + tape + creativity.
3. Emojis IRL
You use them every day—why not become one?
- Wear a yellow shirt.
- Print or draw your emoji face (heart eyes, sunglasses, crying laugh, etc.).
- Attach it to your shirt or make a mask.
The fun part? Each person picks their fave emoji, so your group ends up looking like a chaotic group chat in real life.
Ever wondered why this always gets laughs? Because people love seeing something they use online show up in the real world. It’s like a meme but wearable.
4. Tourist Squad
It’s comfy, it’s funny, and you probably already own the outfit.
- Hawaiian shirts, bucket hats, and fanny packs.
- Carry water bottles, maps, or giant cameras.
- Add socks-with-sandals if you’re brave.
Why it rules: Zero crafting. Zero money spent. 100% comfort.
IMO: Best costume for anyone who secretly just wants to wear sweatpants on Halloween (pair them with a tropical shirt, and boom—you’re “on vacation”).
5. Ghostbusters (But Make It Lazy)
Hear me out—you don’t need the full jumpsuits to pull this off.
- Beige or khaki pants + shirt.
- Print out Ghostbusters logos and tape them on.
- Use backpacks as your “proton packs.”
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Optional upgrade: Attach some tubing or random wires to your bag for effect.
Pro tip: Have one person dress up as a ghost (sheet with eye holes = instant win).
Why it’s clever: Everyone recognizes it, and it looks way more complicated than it actually is.
6. A Pack of Dominoes
This one’s criminally underrated.
- Everyone wears black shirts.
- Tape white dots and lines on them to create domino tiles.
- Line up for group pics to form actual “domino chains.”
Why it’s genius: Easy, cheap, and surprisingly eye-catching.
Personal take: I saw a group of 10 people do this once, and the “domino fall” photo they staged absolutely killed. Worth it.
7. Men in Black (or Women in Black, Obviously)
Minimal effort. Maximum cool.
- Black suits, black sunglasses, white shirts.
- Add a toy alien if you want bonus points.
Why it rocks: Everyone has some version of a “nice outfit” in their closet. Plus, you’ll look sharp while everyone else struggles with face paint melting off.
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Ever thought about this? It’s literally a group costume where you still get to look good in photos. Win-win.
8. Deck of Cards
Okay, this one takes a tiny bit of prep, but it’s worth it.
- Black or red shirts.
- Print giant playing card symbols (hearts, spades, clubs, diamonds).
- Each person is a different card.
Variation: Go as the four Queens or four Aces for extra flair.
Why it’s so fun: People love shouting, “Hey, it’s the deck of cards!” at parties. It’s goofy and memorable.
9. Social Media Apps
Bring the internet to life.
- Facebook = Blue shirt + “F.”
- Instagram = Tie-dye shirt + camera icon.
- TikTok = Black shirt + colorful music note.
- Twitter/X = Blue shirt + bird (or just write “X” if you want to be edgy).
Pro idea: Carry signs with silly captions to match your app.
FYI: This one doubles as an icebreaker—people love saying which app they’d “be.” Spoiler: someone always picks TikTok.
10. The 3 Blind Mice (Or 4, Or 5—No Rules)
Technically a small group, but you can expand it.
- Gray clothes + mouse ears.
- Sunglasses + walking sticks (you can DIY with broom handles).
Why it’s brilliant: It’s punny, it’s cute, and it works whether you’re a trio or a squad.
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Pro warning: People will shout “Three blind mice!” when they see you. If that annoys you, maybe stick with the M&Ms. ;)
Quick Tips for Pulling Off Last-Minute Group Costumes
Because let’s be real, sometimes even “easy DIY” feels like too much.
- Raid your closets first. You’ll be shocked at how many “costume pieces” you already own.
- Keep it comfortable. If you can’t dance or sit in it, you’ll regret it.
- Props sell the look. Even a silly sign or accessory makes a basic costume feel intentional.
- Lean into the chaos. Not every group has to match perfectly—sometimes the mess is the charm.
Conclusion
There you go—10 easy DIY group Halloween costumes you can make last-minute without losing your sanity (or blowing your budget). Whether you go for the colorful M&Ms, the comfy tourists, or the punny blind mice, the point is to have fun with your crew.
And honestly? The best costumes aren’t the ones that look perfect. They’re the ones that get people laughing, spark conversations, and make for great photos you’ll roast each other with later.
So stop stressing, grab some tape, and make Halloween happen. Who knows—you might even start a new tradition. ;)