13 Best DIY Halloween Costumes for Teen Girls on a Budget

Halloween is basically the Super Bowl for anyone who loves creativity, candy, and costumes. But let’s be real—dropping $70 on something you’ll wear once feels like a scam. Who decided polyester cat ears were worth that much anyway? 🤔

Good news: you don’t need to break the bank to look amazing this Halloween. I’ve personally rocked DIY costumes every year since middle school (mostly because my mom gave me “the look” when I asked for pricey store costumes). Honestly? The homemade ones always got me more compliments.

So, if you’re a teen girl on a budget but still want a costume that slays (pun fully intended), here are 13 fun, creative, and wallet-friendly DIY Halloween costume ideas that actually work.

1. Classic Black Cat 🐱

I know—it’s cliché. But it’s also cheap, easy, and still cute.

What you need: Black jeans, black top, eyeliner (for whiskers), and a headband with DIY ears (cardboard + black paper).
Why it works: It’s timeless. You’ll look put-together without trying too hard.
Pro tip: Add a choker for a sleek finish.

Ever noticed how people still “aww” over a cat costume every year? Yeah, it never gets old.

2. Wednesday Addams

The ultimate no-nonsense queen.

What you need: Black dress (collared if possible), tights, and braided pigtails.
Extra touch: Carry a creepy doll or fake poison bottle (okay, water bottle).
Why it’s great: Everyone instantly gets it, and it looks effortless.

Plus, if you’re a little sarcastic like me, you’ll feel right at home channeling Wednesday’s vibe.

3. 80s Workout Girl

If you want something colorful and fun, this is gold.

What you need: Leggings, oversized sweatshirt, bright socks, and a ponytail.
DIY flair: Cut the sweatshirt neckline for that off-the-shoulder look.
Budget hack: Raid your mom’s closet—trust me, she probably has neon leftovers.

People love a throwback, and this one screams energy without costing a dime.

4. Mummy

Not the boring kind—make it chic.

What you need: White T-shirt or leggings you don’t mind cutting, plus strips of white fabric or gauze.
How-to: Wrap strips around and secure with safety pins.
Tip: Smudge some dark eyeshadow for a “just crawled out of the tomb” effect.

It’s creepy and comfy, which is basically the dream combo.

5. Rosie the Riveter

Strong, iconic, and totally DIY.

What you need: Denim shirt, rolled-up jeans, red bandana, and some confidence.
Why it rocks: It’s historical and stylish. You’ll feel powerful all night.
Fun bonus: Flex those arms in every photo. It’s basically required.

IMO, this costume never goes out of style because it screams empowerment.

6. Scarecrow

A fall favorite that works for Halloween too.

What you need: Plaid shirt, overalls or jeans, boots, and straw (or raffia if you want to be fancy).
Makeup idea: Orange nose, stitched smile with eyeliner.
Why it’s budget-friendly: Chances are you already own half the outfit.

This one also doubles as “cute Instagram fall content.” Just saying. :)

7. Vampire

You don’t need a cape from Spirit Halloween to pull this off.

What you need: Black dress or jeans + top, dark lipstick, and some pale face powder.
DIY fangs: White paper cutouts or fake nails filed down (sounds weird but works).
Bonus: Add fake blood with red lipstick or food coloring.

Tell me you haven’t secretly wanted to dramatically whisper, “I vant to suck your blood.”

8. Tourist

Simple, funny, and ridiculously easy.

What you need: Hawaiian shirt, bucket hat or cap, sneakers, and a camera (or just your phone).
Props: Sunglasses, socks-with-sandals (if you dare).
Why people love it: It’s instantly recognizable and super comfortable.

Plus, you get to carry snacks in your “tourist bag.” Win-win.

9. Witch (But Make It Modern)

No itchy black robes required.

What you need: Black skirt, top, or dress, wide-brim hat (DIY with cardboard if needed).
Makeup: Dark lipstick and smokey eyes.
Why it’s perfect: You can style it chic, spooky, or even glam.

I once added a Starbucks cup and called myself a “basic witch.” Highly recommend.

10. Skeleton

Creepy, but cool.

What you need: Black clothes + white fabric paint (or tape).
How-to: Paint bones on your shirt/pants or tape outlines.
Makeup: Skull face paint—check YouTube for inspo.

It’s creative, fun, and a total crowd-pleaser.

11. Flower Child / Hippie

For the free spirit vibes.

What you need: Flowy dress or bell-bottoms, flower crown, peace sign accessories.
DIY hack: Make a flower crown with dollar store fake flowers and hot glue.
Why it works: It’s groovy, comfortable, and super cute.

People will definitely ask if you’re “bringing the vibes,” and yes—you are.

12. Pop Art Character

Want something artsy? This is your jam.

What you need: Bold clothing, face paint or makeup, and black eyeliner.
How-to: Draw comic-style dots all over your face and outline features with thick black lines.
Why it’s awesome: You’ll stand out without needing a complicated outfit.

This one gets bonus points for looking amazing in photos.

13. Social Media “Error Page”

Hear me out—it’s clever.

What you need: White T-shirt, markers, and creativity.
Idea: Write “404 Costume Not Found” or mimic a “loading” sign.
Why it rocks: It’s funny, ironic, and perfect for procrastinators.

I wore this one year when I totally forgot about Halloween until the day of. People thought it was genius.

Extra Tips for Budget-Friendly Costumes

Raid your closet first. You’ll be shocked at how many costume pieces you already own.
Borrow from friends. Swap clothes for the night—saves money and adds variety.
Hit up thrift stores. They’re goldmines for quirky, unique finds.
DIY makeup = magic. Half of a good costume is in the face paint, not the outfit.

Conclusion

So there you go—13 best DIY Halloween costumes for teen girls on a budget that are creative, easy, and fun. You don’t need to spend a ton to look good; in fact, the DIY route usually gets you more compliments (and way less guilt when you’re swimming in Reese’s afterward).

At the end of the day, Halloween is about creativity and having fun—not how much money you drop at a costume store. So grab some eyeliner, raid your closet, and get crafty. Who knows? Your DIY look might just steal the show this year.

Now, serious question: Which of these costumes are you actually going to try? 😉