Halloween is creeping up, and let’s be honest—adulting is already expensive. Between bills, rent, and the occasional splurge on overpriced lattes, who wants to drop $80 on a costume you’ll wear once? Spoiler: not me, and probably not you either. The good news? You don’t have to. With a little creativity (and maybe a raid through your closet), you can pull off killer DIY Halloween costumes without torching your bank account.
And yes, I’ve been there—standing in a crowded store two days before Halloween, staring at a $65 polyester “vampire cape” thinking, Really? This is it? Never again. That’s why I’m all about easy, budget-friendly costumes you can throw together with stuff you already own or grab for cheap.
So, here’s the ultimate list of 14 DIY Halloween costume ideas for adults on a budget that are fun, affordable, and won’t make you look like you gave up. Ready? Let’s go.
1. Classic Ghost (But Make It Fashion)
Grab a white sheet, cut out some eye holes, and boom—you’re a ghost. But here’s the twist: add sunglasses, a hat, or even a belt to give it personality.
- Want to be a “hipster ghost”? Add a beanie and carry a latte.
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- Going for “celebrity ghost”? Throw on some oversized shades.
Pro tip: If you don’t have a spare sheet, check thrift stores. They usually have tons for cheap.
2. Cat (Because It’s a Halloween Rite of Passage)
You probably have everything you need for this one: black clothes, eyeliner, and a little attitude.
- Draw on whiskers and a nose with eyeliner.
- Make cat ears out of paper or cardboard and tape them to a headband.
Honestly, this one’s so easy it feels like cheating—but hey, cheap and cute is a win.
3. Lumberjack
This is for anyone who owns a flannel shirt (so, basically everyone). Pair it with jeans, boots, and a beanie.
- Draw on a beard if you can’t grow one.
- Carry a toy axe (or a stick you found outside, IMO it still counts).
This costume doubles as a cozy outfit, so you’re not freezing all night.
4. Tourist Trap
You know the look: loud Hawaiian shirt, shorts, sandals with socks (yes, socks), and a camera around your neck. Add sunglasses and a map, and you’re instantly the person everyone avoids asking for directions.
Bonus points: Walk around with a giant water bottle and talk too loudly.
5. Mummy (A Roll of TP Away)
Grab toilet paper (or white gauze if you’re fancy), wrap yourself up, and you’re set.
- Secure with safety pins so it doesn’t all unravel five minutes in.
- Add dark eye makeup for a creepy effect.
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Just avoid parties with drunk people who think it’s funny to pull on your “bandages.”
6. Wednesday Addams
All you need is a black dress, some braids, and your best “I hate everyone” face.
- Use white face powder to pale yourself out.
- Add black tights and boots to complete the look.
Cheap, iconic, and instantly recognizable.
7. Rosie the Riveter
Throw on a denim shirt, roll up the sleeves, and tie a red bandana around your head. Flex those arms and boom—you’re Rosie.
Why I love it: It’s simple, powerful, and you pr
obably already have the outfit.
8. 80s Workout Instructor
Time to raid your closet (or your mom’s). Think bright leggings, oversized T-shirt, scrunchies, and sneakers.
- Bonus if you can find leg warmers.
- Carry a jump rope or dumbbell for extra flair.
Heads up: You’ll be super comfy all night, which is rare for a Halloween costume.
9. Bank Robber
Black pants, striped shirt, beanie, and a little mask drawn with eyeliner or made from paper.
- Carry a pillowcase with a big dollar sign on it.
- Add gloves for a polished look.
Super easy, super cheap, and you might even win “most clever” at a party.
10. Scarecrow
Wear jeans, a flannel shirt, and stuff straw (or newspaper) in the cuffs. Add face paint to draw on stitched cheeks and a triangle nose.
- Top it off with a floppy hat.
- Patch your clothes with fabric scraps for extra detail.
It’s cozy, cute, and costs next to nothing.
11. Emoji Face
Pick your favorite emoji (heart eyes, cry-laugh, shocked face) and make it into a mask with cardboard and paint. Tape it to a stick or tie it around your head.
- Pro: Everyone instantly knows what you are.
- Con: You’ll get asked to pose for a million photos.
But hey, at least you’ll be the life of the party. :)
12. Witch (Low Effort, High Payoff)
Black dress? Check. Dark makeup? Check. Broomstick or pointy hat? Done.
- Add some fishnet tights and dark lipstick for extra edge.
- Carry a plastic cauldron as your candy bucket.
Classic, cheap, and you’ll always look good.
13. “Identity Thief” (Pun Lovers Unite)
Here’s one for the pun enthusiasts. Write random names on sticky name tags and plaster them all over yourself. Congrats—you’re an “identity thief.”
Cost: basically free.
Impact: priceless (or at least worth a laugh).
14. Zombie Anything
Take any outfit you own, rip it up a bit, add fake blood (or red lipstick), and smear on some pale makeup. Boom—you’re now “Zombie You.”
- Zombie bride, zombie office worker, zombie gym rat—the options are endless.
- Mess up your hair and groan a lot for authenticity.
This one’s great because it works with literally anything in your closet.
Final Tips to Keep Your Costume Budget-Friendly
- Thrift stores are goldmines for cheap costume pieces.
- Dollar stores usually have accessories like fake blood, hats, or makeup.
- Borrow from friends—half the fun is swapping costume ideas.
And honestly? Sometimes the best costumes are the ones you throw together last minute. They show creativity without draining your wallet.
Wrapping It Up
Halloween doesn’t have to mean maxing out your credit card for a one-night outfit. With these 14 DIY Halloween costume ideas for adults on a budget, you can look creative, funny, spooky, or all three—without breaking the bank.
So next time you’re tempted to buy a $70 “sexy pumpkin” costume (yes, that’s a real thing I regret Googling), remember: your closet, a little imagination, and maybe a roll of duct tape are all you really need.
Now go forth, DIY your heart out, and have the best budget-friendly Halloween yet. And hey—if anyone asks where you got your costume, just smile mysteriously and say, “Oh, this old thing? Just something I threw together.” ;)