Halloween sneaks up every single year, doesn’t it? One second you’re scrolling through pumpkin recipes, and the next—you’ve got two days before the party and zero costumes ready. Been there. Honestly, I once wore an oversized sheet with holes and called it “vintage chic ghost.” Not my best work.
But here’s the good news: you don’t need weeks of planning or a craft closet full of supplies to pull off a killer group costume. With a little creativity (and maybe a late-night Target run), you and your crew can show up looking like you planned it all along.
So, grab your friends, raid your closets, and check out these 15 last-minute group Halloween costume ideas that are fun, easy, and—most importantly—stress-free.
1. Classic Ghost Squad
Nothing screams last-minute like the good ol’ sheet ghost.
- Grab white sheets.
- Cut eye holes.
- Add sunglasses for “chic ghost” or cowboy hats for “western ghost.”
The best part? You literally need five minutes. Plus, if your group walks in together, you look like a spooky flash mob.
2. Breakfast Club (Literal Version)
Forget the movie (unless you want that version—also fun). I mean breakfast foods.
- One friend is a pancake stack (brown shirt, paper cutouts of butter).
- Another is bacon (striped red clothing with white tape).
- Someone else can be eggs (yellow circle taped to white tee).
Everyone loves breakfast. Who’s gonna argue with bacon at a Halloween party?
3. Men (and Women) in Black
Easy uniform: black pants, white shirts, black ties, and shades.
- Carry toy ray guns or flashlights.
- Add fake earpieces for the secret agent vibe.
Pro tip: Works for any group size. Also, it’s comfy.
4. Deck of Cards
Each person picks a card suit and number. All you need: white poster board, markers, and tape to attach the “card” front and back.
You instantly become a walking poker table. Plus, if you’re terrible at poker (like me), this is the only time you’ll look cool doing it.
5. Social Media Apps
Pick a favorite app and slap its logo on a shirt.
- Blue shirt + white bird = X/Twitter.
- Red shirt + white play button = YouTube.
- Purple shirt + camera logo = Instagram.
When you walk in together, you’re basically the app store—minus the software updates.
6. Tourists on Vacation
Grab Hawaiian shirts, fanny packs, baseball caps, and cameras.
- Toss on some sunglasses.
- Maybe add socks with sandals (commit to the bit).
It’s cheap, hilarious, and totally relatable. Who doesn’t love a cheesy tourist group selfie?
7. Emojis IRL
Each person picks a favorite emoji and makes a simple face cutout with poster board.
- 😂
- 👻
- 😎
- 💀
You’ll get bonus laughs if you stay “in character” all night. Imagine someone being the eyeroll emoji every time someone tells a bad joke. Priceless.
8. 90s Sitcom Cast
Think Friends, Fresh Prince, or Saved by the Bell.
- Raid your closets for oversized jeans, colorful windbreakers, and scrunchies.
- Print out the show’s logo to carry for extra clarity.
It’s nostalgic, recognizable, and comfy. Honestly, I wish I never stopped wearing 90s windbreakers—they’re so cozy.
9. Zombies (But Lazy)
Skip the heavy makeup kits.
- Smear on some eyeliner and dark eyeshadow under your eyes.
- Rip up old clothes.
- Walk around groaning for effect.
Congrats—you’re the undead. No prosthetics required.
10. Supermarket Aisle
Each person represents a random grocery item.
- Chips bag = yellow shirt with “chips” taped on.
- Soda = red shirt + soda brand printout.
- Milk = white outfit + “milk” written across.
Together, you’re an entire aisle. If someone asks why, just say, “We were hungry.”
11. Scooby-Doo Gang
This one’s a classic for groups of five, but you can add extras too.
- Velma = orange sweater, red skirt, glasses.
- Daphne = purple dress, green scarf.
- Fred = white polo, blue jeans, ascot (lol).
- Shaggy = green shirt, brown pants.
- Scooby = brown outfit, dog ears.
No one ever gets tired of a Scooby reference. Plus, the theme song instantly plays in everyone’s head when you walk in.
12. The Price Is Right Contestants
All you need are bright tees and giant paper name tags.
- Write fun names (yes, “Bob” works).
- Add random dollar amounts with markers.
- Yell, “One dollar!” at least once.
It’s quirky and instantly recognizable. FYI, you’ll probably get people yelling bids at you all night. :)
13. Sports Team Fans
No jerseys? No problem. Just wear matching colors and face paint.
- Bring foam fingers or make DIY versions.
- Carry a snack like popcorn or nachos to complete the look.
Bonus: You can cheer for random things at the party. (“Go bathroom line!”)
14. Netflix Originals Mashup
Each person picks a different Netflix show character.
- Stranger Things (80s vibes).
- Wednesday Addams (black dress, braids).
- Squid Game (green tracksuit or pink guard jumpsuit).
It’s eclectic, but together you’re the ultimate binge-watch squad.
15. Punny Costumes (The Easy Route)
When in doubt, go punny.
- “Ceiling Fan” = shirt that says “Go Ceilings!” + pom-poms.
- “Smart Cookie” = graduation cap + cookie costume.
- “Holy Cow” = cow print + angel halo.
Yes, it’s cheesy. Yes, it works. People will either groan or laugh—both reactions count as a win.
Tips for Pulling It All Together
Even last-minute costumes look polished with a few quick hacks:
- Coordinate colors. Even if your theme is random, matching colors make it look planned.
- Props sell the idea. Sunglasses, hats, and signs take costumes from “meh” to “nailed it.”
- Group entrance. Walk in together—it makes the costume theme obvious (and way more fun).
And remember: confidence sells any costume. If you strut in like you meant to wear a paper plate on your chest, people will believe it’s brilliant.
Conclusion
So there you have it—15 last-minute group Halloween costume ideas that actually work. None of these require sewing skills, expensive props, or sacrificing your sanity.
At the end of the day, Halloween’s about having fun, not stressing over the perfect outfit. IMO, the costumes that make people laugh (or at least say “oh wow, clever”) are the real winners.
So, pick one of these, raid your closet, and roll up to that party looking like you had it all planned weeks in advance. And if anyone asks how you thought of it? Just wink and say, “Trade secret.” ;)