15 Easy DIY Halloween Costumes You Can Put Together Fast
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After assembling Halloween animatronics in the yard, hanging up spooky outdoor decor, and carving your jack-o’-lanterns, it’s finally time to start dreaming up Halloween costumes. If you have a slew of Halloween parties that you’re already getting invited to this year, then you need some easy DIY Halloween costumes on-hand that you can put together at a moment’s notice. Whether you’re going for something fun like one of your favorite TV characters, a funny costume like a party animal, or something classic like a vampire, there are plenty of costume ideas that are simple to DIY.
Be it a last-minute costume or a detailed, thought-out outfit, it’ll always look like you put slightly more effort into a DIY costume than a pre-made costume. But that doesn’t mean they’re more difficult to source—in fact, DIY costumes can be fun and easy to put together! All you need to do is mix in the fine details, and your attire will look like you’ve been thinking up your costume for weeks. In order to help you get those creative juices flowing, we put together a list of our favorite easy DIY ideas you can look to for inspiration.
1. The Property Brothers
Grab your tool belt, your favorite flannel, and your best pal and you’ve got yourself the perfect DIY Halloween costume—Drew and Jonathan style. Just don’t knock down any walls while you’re in character!
2. Ghoul Bride
Here comes the (ghostly) bride! Some haunted makeup, a worn wedding gown or white dress, veil (which you can make out of tissue paper, in a pinch), and a withered flower bouquet will do the trick to take your ghoulish bride costume to the next level. Consider making it a group Halloween costume by having friends dress up as bridesmaids so you can go as the “Phantom Bride Tribe.”
3. Mermaid
Lovers of the sea and sand will have a blast putting together this easy mermaid Halloween costume. You have lots of options for the base: You can wear a green, blue, or purple skirt, dress, or pants. Then, the trick is to add a ton of pearl makeup jewels, eye shadow and blush in sea-inspired colors, and seashell costume jewelry. Oh, and the more glitter, the better!
4. Characters from ‘Dune’
Have you seen the new Dune: Part Two that came out this year? If so, then you know why we’re so excited to dress up as characters from the movie. Plus, it doesn’t take much time or effort to look like you spent weeks curating the perfect Dune-inspired costume. Don’t forget to download Dune: Part One and Dune: Part Two on Apple TV or stream on MAX so you can get inspired!
5. Vintage Circus Clown
Give the clown costume a chic twist this year by embracing the vintage circus vibe. Complete the outfit with a pompon party hat, old-school striped clown suit, and of course, the perfect clown makeup. It’s a simple Halloween costume that will still look creative and fresh.
6. Pop Star
If you’ve ever had wishes of making it as a pop music sensation, then Halloween is the perfect time to dive head-first into that dream! Best of all, you probably don’t need much to put the costume together. Grab your flashiest outfit (or even just a cool leather jacket) and a microphone or toy guitar, and you’re ready for your debut performance.
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7. Skeleton
A skeleton is a classic Halloween costume, and it’s one of the easiest costumes you can put together fast! All you need is the right makeup and a skeleton onesie. (Or you can wear all black if you’re really in a pinch.) It also makes a great pick for an easy family Halloween costume—get everyone their own skeleton costume and you’ll be the cutest haunted bunch in the neighborhood.
8. Magician
Did you know Jonathan is actually a trained illusionist? It’s true! If you want to tap into inner trickster, then a magician Halloween costume is a great idea. Plus, it’s super easy to put together. All you need is a suit or cape, top hat, and a deck of cards (or a stuffed animal bunny), and you’re ready to perform your magic tricks!
9. Mary Poppins
Mary Poppins might be the perfect costume for the last-minute planners, because all you need is a few pieces to become an immediately recognizable character. You can likely find most of these items at your secondhand stores, too.
10. An ’80s Girl
If you’re looking for a groovy DIY costume, consider the iconic ’80s girl! There are a few outfit options to go with—a workout outfit, a leotard and colorful tights, or a track suit. From there, get your sweat bands and your permed wig, and you’re ready to rock and roll.
11. Wednesday Addams
Ever since the TV series Wednesday premiered a couple years ago, we’ve been obsessing over the resurgence of the Addams family! You can’t go wrong with a classic spooky character, and Wednesday Addams is one of the most iconic.
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12. Witch
It’s a classic for a reason! Plus, there’s so many creative ways to alter a witch costume: Add in embellishments, go with a unique color scheme, or a distinct witch character, like the Wicked Witch of the West.
13. Beetlejuice
The new Beetlejuice Beetlejuice movie coming out is the perfect reason to break out this Halloween favorite. Extra points if you make it a best friends costume and have someone dress up as Lydia!
14. The Mad Hatter
We’re all mad here! The Mad Hatter is an easy DIY Halloween costume with a huge payoff. It’s more original than you’re typical witch or vampire, but still simple to put together. Complete the whimsical and colorful costume with a teacup from the thrift store or your cabinet for added attention to detail.
15. Vampire
You can’t go wrong with old reliable—especially if you put effort into the small details. Grab fangs, a cloak, and a wig, and take time to drip a little fake blood from the corners of your mouth. You’ll be looking cold-blooded in no time!
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Get Spooky!
