Halloween sneaks up faster than your Amazon package when you don’t need it. One minute it’s August, and you’re sweating through summer, and the next thing you know, people are posting pumpkin patch selfies like it’s a competitive sport. And then the dreaded question hits: What are you wearing for Halloween?
If you’re like me, you don’t want to spend $80 on a costume you’ll wear once, only for it to live rent-free in the back of your closet for eternity. Luckily, you don’t need a Hollywood budget to pull off an iconic look. With a little creativity, a few things you already own, and maybe one trip to the dollar store, you can look like you put in way more effort than you actually did.
So grab your glue gun (or duct tape, if you’re more of a chaos crafter), and let’s run through 14 easy, iconic Halloween costumes you can DIY on a budget.
1. Wednesday Addams
You can’t go wrong with Wednesday Addams. All you need is a black dress (bonus points if it has a white collar) and braided pigtails.
- Don’t own a collared dress? Fake it with a white shirt under a black sweater.
- Dark lipstick and a “I-hate-everything” face complete the vibe.
Seriously, it’s low effort and always recognizable. Plus, you get to be sarcastic all night without anyone judging you. Win-win.
2. Rosie the Riveter
Want to look strong and stylish? Go Rosie the Riveter.
- Blue button-up shirt (roll up those sleeves).
- High-waisted jeans.
- Red bandana tied around your head.
Strike the famous flex pose and boom—you’re channeling girl power and history in one budget-friendly costume.
3. A Ghost (But Make It Fashion)
Yes, the sheet ghost is cliché, but hear me out—it works because it’s hilarious and flexible.
- Grab an old sheet.
- Cut eye holes.
- Accessorize: sunglasses, a hat, or even a purse.
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Ever seen a ghost sipping boba tea? Exactly. Iconic.
4. Lara Croft (Tomb Raider)
If you’ve got some cargo shorts and a tank top, you’re halfway there.
- Add a toy gun holster (or improvise with a belt and something vaguely “weapon-y”).
- Braid your hair.
- Wear boots or sneakers.
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It’s practical, comfy, and lets you channel your inner action hero. Plus, IMO, it’s way cooler than the store-bought version.
5. Men in Black Agent
You just need:
- Black suit or black pants + blazer.
- White shirt.
- Sunglasses.
Print out a fake “neuralyzer” (or just hold up your phone with a flashlight app). Everyone will know who you are, and you’ll look sharp while saving Earth from aliens.
6. A Sim from The Sims
This one always gets laughs.
- Wear normal clothes.
- Print and cut out a green plumbob (that diamond thing).
- Attach it to a headband with wire or a stick.
Now you can just wander around the party in awkward silence, like your Sim trapped in a pool with no ladder. :)
7. Cat Burglar
Not to be confused with your standard “sexy cat,” the cat burglar is cheap and clever.
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Black pants, black shirt.
- Black beanie.
- Draw a little mask with eyeliner.
- Carry a pillowcase with a dollar sign on it.
It’s simple but gives off fun cartoon vibes.
8. 80s Aerobics Instructor
Honestly, this is one of my favorites.
- Bright leggings or tights.
- Oversized sweatshirt (off the shoulder if you’re feeling spicy).
- Leg warmers (DIY them by cutting the sleeves off a sweater).
- A headband.
Now blast some retro tunes and work that neon magic.
9. Bob Ross
If you’ve got curly hair (or a wig), you’re golden.
- Button-up shirt tucked into jeans.
- Carry a palette (cardboard works).
- Bonus points for holding a toy squirrel and calling it your “little friend.”
It’s wholesome, funny, and budget-friendly. Ever wanted an excuse to say “happy little trees” all night? Now you have it.
10. Mime
Classic and cheap.
- Black pants.
- Striped shirt (if you don’t have one, check a thrift store—it’s like the law, they always have one).
- White face paint (or just go heavy on the pale foundation).
- Red scarf for flair.
Spend the night “trapped in a box,” or just pretend you’re on an invisible escalator. The possibilities are endless.
11. Scarecrow
This one screams fall vibes.
- Flannel shirt.
- Overalls or jeans.
- Straw hat (or cowboy hat).
- Draw patches on your face with eyeliner and add a little stitched smile.
If you’re heading to a pumpkin patch party, this fits right in.
12. Holly Golightly (Breakfast at Tiffany’s)
If you want an elegant but super simple option:
- Black dress.
- Sunglasses.
- Pearl necklace.
- Hair in a bun.
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Add a coffee cup, and voilà—you’re Audrey Hepburn on a budget. Glam with minimal effort.
13. Zombie Anything
The great thing about zombies? You can zombify literally any outfit.
- Take old clothes.
- Rip them a little.
- Smear on some fake blood (or red lipstick if you’re desperate).
- Mess up your hair and add pale makeup.
Congrats, you’re now a zombie cheerleader, zombie office worker, zombie barista—you get the idea.
14. Tourist
This one always gets laughs.
- Hawaiian shirt.
- Shorts.
- Bucket hat or baseball cap.
- Sunglasses and sandals with socks (yes, the socks are required).
- Carry a disposable camera or a map.
Walk around saying things like “Where’s the bathroom?” and you’re set.
Tips to Keep It Budget-Friendly
Before you run to Target and accidentally drop $100, here’s how to actually keep things cheap:
- Raid your closet first. You’d be surprised what you already own.
- Thrift stores = gold mines. Seriously, why spend $50 on Amazon when you can find a funky shirt for $4?
- Dollar stores are your friend. Accessories, fake blood, random props—you’ll find them all.
- DIY makeup > buying a mask. YouTube tutorials can turn you into a pro zombie in 10 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Halloween doesn’t need to drain your wallet to be fun. With a little creativity, you can pull together iconic, budget-friendly DIY costumes that people will remember way more than the overpriced store-bought ones. And honestly? Half the fun comes from the “oh wow, you made that yourself?” compliments.
So pick one of these 14 ideas, grab some scissors, raid your closet, and make it work. Remember, the real goal is to have fun and maybe score some free candy—not stress over your costume.
Now, which one are you trying this year? Personally, I’m leaning toward the sheet ghost with sunglasses. It’s peak comedy, and it covers up the snacks I’ll be carrying. ;)