Need a last-minute Halloween costume? Here are 78 quick and easy ideas
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If you just landed an invite to a Halloween party and you're panicked over finding a last-minute costume, not to worry.
While conjuring up a costume can seem positively scary, it doesn't have to be.
There are plenty of pop-up Halloween superstores around and all of them are well-stocked with beloved staples like witch, vampire and werewolf costumes.
But why go the traditional route when you can DIY a quick costume at home with these inspired Halloween ideas? In most cases, all you need are a few essentials, many of which you probably already have in your closet.
Whether you want to dress up like Taylor Swift for your bestie's Halloween bash or find a group costume for trick-or-treating in the neighborhood, we've got you covered.
With a little imagination and some help from the experts, you can whip up an Instagram-worthy outfit for kids and adults, including showstopping looks from "Star Wars," "Hocus Pocus," "Stranger Things" or clever pun costumes like "Party Animal" and let's not forget the year's hottest costume of all: "Barbie."
Whatever you've come for, you'll find it below with plenty of time leftover for the fun stuff like carving the pumpkin, watching spooky Halloween movies with the family or just chillin' out with the girls. Or ghouls. Your call.
Barbie in a box
Unsurprisingly, Barbie costumes are all the rage this year, given the popularity of the summer blockbuster. All you need is a whole lotta pink and you're good to go.
Get the tutorial from Soinspo.
American Girl Doll
Gather up your friends and get all dolled up this Halloween, as in American Doll. Go as the originals — Kirsten, Kit, Samantha, Felicity and Molly — or choose from other beloved favorites.
Get the tutorial at Living After Midnite.
Tie dye ghost
Charlie Brown would jealous of this tie-dye ghost costume. Bright, colorful and a fun project to do with the kids, tie-dying a sheet gives the old-school costume an entirely new twist. Dare we say, it's positively ... spirited.
Get the tutorial from Oh Yay Studio.
Airhead costume
Everyone loves a clever pun and this oh-so-easy headband will have them giggling over your version of an airhead. All you need is a headband and some balloons to make this inexpensive Halloween costume. Um, like, duh.
Get the tutorial from Studio DIY.
Baby astronaut costume
This space-age costume has us seeing stars. Whether it's for toddlers, big kids or adults, all you need is a jumpsuit and a handful of patches. The result? A total blast.
Get the tutorial from Lovely Indeed.
Party animal costume
Yep. There's one in every group. If the party animal in yours is you, own it with this pun-inspired getup. Make it as elaborate or simple as you want. Either way, bottoms up!
Get the tutorial from Studio DIY.
Pac-Man costume
Nom, nom! Here comes Pac-Man eating up power pellets and keeping a close eye on those pesky ghosts, which are never far behind. This one's perfect for the video game enthusiast in your gang.
Get the tutorial from Club Crafted
DIY school supplies
Back-to-school has never been more fun that with this inspired costume by Studio DIY. If you're hoping to write down the directions, look no further for a pencil, paper and eraser.
Get the tutorial from Studio DIY.
Fried egg costume
This quick costume is eggs-actly what comes to mind for an easy-to-make Halloween getup. Going as a group this year? Just add bacon, toast, pancakes and any of your other favorite breakfast items. Anyone else hungry?
Get the tutorial from Brite and Bubbly.
Star Wars costume
Quick! Call the Millenium Falcon, these adorable crew members were accidentally left behind and Darth Vader is headed this way. No worries, we trust that the force is with this gang of rebels.
Get the tutorial from Lovely Indeed.
Pasta costume
It's totally im-pasta-ble not to love this inspired costume by Studio DIY. Even better, no cooking experience necessary for this one. All you need is a glue gun, some craft foam and 60 minutes. The end result is a Halloween costume that's al dente.
Get the tutorial from Studio DIY.
"Annie" costume
The sun'll come out ... on Halloween! Annie — the curly-haired cutie and the movie by the same name — stole our hearts all those years ago, but remains a favorite among kids (and parents) today.
See more at Sweet Caroline Designs.
'90s teen costume
Go back to the good 'ol days when your biggest concern was taking care of your Tamagotchi — and not living, breathing humans.
Get the tutorial at Brite & Bubbly.
Hot dog and condiments costume
Since you are what you eat, you might as well convince two of your friends to help you round out this tasty trio.
Get the tutorial at The Pretty Life Girls.
Butterfly costume
Give handmade butterfly wings the space to shine by dressing your kid in head-to-toe black.
Get the tutorial at Tell Love and Party.
Queen Elizabeth II costume
Celebrate the life and legacy of Her Majesty with a costume that captures her iconic style, complete with sparkly jewels and her beloved sidekicks.
See more at Sweet Caroline Designs.
Basic witches costume
Your fall uniform, but with a witchy twist. Grab your broomstick and fly to your local Starbucks to pick up a PSL (or another Halloween drink) before the festivities begin.
Get the tutorial at Hello Ruby Doodle.
Cotton candy costume
Your little one is as sweet as sugar, and now they can dress the part. Stick with classic cotton candy hues like baby blue or pastel pink.
Get the tutorial at The Pretty Life Girls.
"Stranger Things" costume
If you've got waffles in the freezer, you're well on your way to dressing up as Eleven and the other "Stranger Things" kids this Halloween.
Get the tutorial at Keiko Lynn.
Carrie costume
Stephen King's "Carrie" still goes down as one of the scariest horror movies of all time. That said, show up to your Halloween party wearing this costume to freak everyone out.
Get the tutorial at Living After Midnite.
"It's Raining Men" costume
It's raining men, hallelujah! This clever costume is incredibly easy to make. The hardest part is deciding exactly which of your favorite men make the cut.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
Letterboard costume
Whether you've got something to say or are just all about the boo's (witch's brew, anyone?), then make this costume to say exactly what's on your mind.
Get the tutorial at Club Crafted.
Witch costume
A perennial Halloween favorite, dressing as a witch is a no-brainer for kids and adults alike. All it takes is a black dress, pointy hat and you're good to go. Brew up some witches' cauldron punch and it's a party!
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.
Pin-up girl costume
The '40s and '50s inspired some iconic styles. This Halloween, throw on a retro dress (like this one worn by one of the Sun City Pinup Dolls) to go back in time.
Gingerbread house costume
Finally, a way to put all those extra cardboard boxes to good use! Tape together a few boxes and decorate as you please. The result: the sweetest costume on the block and a cleaner garage.
Get the tutorial at Oh Yay Studio.
Napoleon Dynamite costume
Gosh! Stuff your pockets with tots to really make this Napoleon Dynamite costume come to life.
Lava lamp costume
Groovy, baby, groovy! Your lava lamp may be long gone, but Halloween is the perfect opportunity to bring it back. Go for a monochromatic look or mix colors for something totally psychedelic.
Mickey and Minnie Mouse costume
Mouseketeers, who? Have everyone in your family wear their Disney best, ranging from theme park attire to Mickey and Minnie costumes.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
Cat burglar costume
A burglar mask and money bag take a classic cat costume to a whole new level. Convince a few friends to wear a similar look, so you can show up as a band of (cat) burglars.
Get the tutorial at Keiko Lynn.
Cowboy and cowgirl costume
Round up some cattle and head to the rodeo (OK, party) in these cowboy and cowgirl-inspired costumes. Or save your energy and lasso a few Halloween cocktails instead. Your call.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.
Furby costume
'90s kids, this one's for you. Is Furby a hamster? an owl? Who cares! It's so cute, and that's all that matters.
Get the tutorial at Club Crafted.
In-N-Out Burger costume
You go together like a burger and fries, so why not dress up as them? In case someone doesn't want to dress as food, they can always wear an In-N-Out uniform.
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed.
Burrito costume
Cheap and easy, this burrito costume comes together faster than you can say, "salsa!" The guacamole, however, will cost you extra.
Solar system costume
Here's one way to prove that you really love your family to the moon and back. Each person can dress as a key player in your outer space mission: the astronaut, rocket and solar system.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
"Zoolander" costume
Because you're "really, really, really, ridiculously good looking" and all. Add or subtract characters from the movie based on how big (or small) your Halloween squad is.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.
"Scream" costume
Your Halloween costume is calling and it's inside the house right now. Lucky for you, that means you've got everything you already need to go as Casey Becker.
Get the tutorial at Living After Midnite.
Cheese costume
This one may look a little cheesy, but, honestly, it's a grate costume for Halloween. Get a few friends to join and call yourselves a charcuterie board.
Get the tutorial at Club Crafted.
Waldo costume
Pair red-and-white striped shirts with matching beanies and you're sure to stand out from the crowd. Trust.
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed.
Juicebox costume
Thirsty for a last-minute Halloween costume? Look no further than this DIY juice box. If you're trying to figure out a group costume, have your friends dress in food costumes and go as a lunchbox!
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
"Ghostbusters" costume
There's something strange in the neighborhood — and no, it's not you and your besties dressed up as Ghostbusters. Capture all the ghosts at the party (there's bound to be a few) to show everyone that you mean business.
Get the tutorial at Living After Midnite or TF Diaries.
Bubble tea costume
Whether it's tea for two or a solo serving, this cute costume is guaran-tead to be a hit.
Sarah Sanderson from "Hocus Pocus" costume
Put a spell on practically everyone with this iconic witch costume. Luckily, it won't take 300 years to put together.
Get the tutorial at Living after Midnite or TF Diaries.
Pineapple costume
Pair any ol' yellow dress with a paper hat for a super sweet (yet tangy) result.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
Hot air balloon costume
Give an old cardboard box new life by covering it with a woven paper strips for a basket-like effect. Attach some balloons around the base, but save a few to tie in your hair. Don't worry, you won't fly away!
Beanie Baby costume
Check the tag on this Beanie Baby costume because it could be worth millions. Or at the very least, millions of well-deserved compliments.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
Nintendo Switch costume
If video games are the way to your heart, convince your best friend or partner to dress up as your other half — quite literally.
Get the tutorial at Club Crafted.
Roller disco dream costume
Boogie right on down to the Halloween disco in this '70s-inspired costume. Dust off a pair of your old rollerskates, then go for an all-out glam look.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.
"Peter Pan" costume
Whether you need a family, couples or group costume, this one will fit the bill. Dress up as Peter, the Darling children, Cap'n Hook or any one of the Lost Boys ... and you'll be flying straight to the awards podium.
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed.
Bubble bath costume
If you've got balloons and a rubber ducky, then you have everything you need to make a splash on Halloween.
Get the tutorial at Giggles Galore.
Popcorn costume
Not to get all corny or anything, but everyone's eye's will pop when they see you all dressed up in this DIY popcorn costume.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
Tough cookie costume
We just love punny Halloween costumes. This one, in particular, totally makes us crumble.
Weather costume50
Bring the sunshine on Halloween, especially if the forecast calls for rain. Because, if you're lucky (well, if you plan correctly), a rainbow will appear.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
"Clueless" costume
No one will be a fashion victim as long as they're dressed up as Cher or Amber from the classic '90s film. The best part: You probably already have everything you need at home.
Get the tutorial at Living After Midnite or TF Diaries.
Emoji costume
Happy? Sad? ROFL-ing? You'll get all the feels wearing this costume, which is basically just a yellow sweater dotted with emoji cut-outs and a matching headband.
Get the tutorial at Merriment Design.
Popsicle costume
There's no doubt that you'll be wearing the, ahem, coolest costume this Halloween. Make yours look like a Firecracker or use random paint colors to turn it into a generic popsicle.
Get the tutorial at Oh Yay Studio.
"Breakfast at Tiffany's" costume
Holly Golightly from "Breakfast at Tiffany's" never goes out of style. Dress up your basic LBD with pearls, black gloves and sleek shades.
Get the tutorial at Living After Midnite.
Easy-Bake Oven costume
Turn this beloved children's toy into a quick Halloween costume. For a fun couples or best-friend costume, have the other half of your duo dress up as a piece of cake.
Get the tutorial at Club Crafted.
Gumball machine
No coins needed to get a prize from this colorful gumball machine costume. Assorted ping pong balls are the key to achieving this sugary-sweet look.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
Roaring '20s Flapper
It's been nearly 100 years since the Jazz Age and we still can't get enough. Learning the Charleston is must if you plan to wear this getup for Halloween.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.
Mary Sanderson from "Hocus Pocus" costume
Find your Winifred and Sarah, and show up as the Sanderson sisters this Halloween. You're bound to put a spell on everyone!
Get the tutorial at Living After Midnite or TFDiaries.
Life gives you lemons costume
When life gives you lemons, make a Halloween costume. This pun-filled costume is a cheery way to express your optimistic spirit.
Get the tutorial at Club Crafted.
"Wreck-It Ralph" costume
Step inside your favorite arcade game. Great for families with young kids, whip up costumes to resemble Vanellope, Shank, Fix-It Felix and of course, Wreck-It Ralph.
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed.
Chucky from "Child's Play" costume
Toy dolls with knives are super scary. And so is this Chucky Halloween costume.
Get the tutorial at Living After Midnite.
Milk and cookies costume
You can't go wrong going as everyone's favorite snack and drinking pairing this Halloween. To make it, grab some felt, milk bottles, a glue gun and other craft closet essentials.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
Blessing in disguise costume
If you've got a mustache and glasses, then all you need is a "blessing" t-shirt and, voila, you're a blessing in disguise.
Get the tutorial at Club Crafted.
Lumberjacks costume
Go full-on Paul Bunyan this Halloween. Throw on your trusty flannel, grab an ax (carefully, of course) and you're out the door.
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed.
Tropical drink costume
Summer has come and gone, but that doesn't mean you can't manifest sunnier days by wearing poolside attire. Throw in a few tropical drinks for good measure.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
Sparkling water costume
This innovative costume has got us feeling all fizzy inside. Mostly because it's just so cute. If you're seriously short on time, this one may take a bit longer, but, trust us, it's worth it.
Get the tutorial at Oh Yay Studio.
Minecraft costume
Little gamers will get a thrill out of trick-or-treating in this Minecraft Villager head. Let the head make a statement by having them dress in all-black from head to toe.
Get the tutorial at Merriment Design.
Miss Universe costume
Here she comes ... Miss Universe! Paint planets and stars on an old LBD or bridesmaid dress to make it worthy of the crown. If you're looking for a last-minute costume for guys, Mr. Universe works too.
Get the tutorial at Living After Midnite.
Ice cream cone costume
I scream, you scream, we all scream for this Halloween costume. Halloween outfit. All you need is cardstock, a red balloon and some additional cheap supplies to make this quick costume.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
Lego block costume
Another cardboard box creation, perfect for LEGO enthusiasts! Spray-painted lids give this delightful yellow block its textured, Lego-like look.
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed.
Chill pill costume
Let this costume serve as a friendly reminder to sit back, relax and enjoy the party. Best of all: This one's so quick to make, all you need to do is cut out letters and ... done!
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
Chip on your shoulder costume
You'll be everyone's favorite grouch at the party wearing this giant chip on your shoulder. If you have a sheet of yellow construction paper at home, your costume is complete. Seriously.
Get the tutorial at Club Crafted.
Folk singer costume
Before you hit the stage (er, party), pull together a few folksy pieces — either straight from your closet or at a local thrift store — to really dress the part.
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed.
Cinderella and Prince Charming costume
If you completely lost track of time and Halloween is approaching faster than the midnight hour, then this Cinderella and Prince Charming costume will do the trick.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
Jack-o'-lantern costume
Expecting moms, attach a felt face to the bodice of an orange dress and let your bump do the talking this Halloween.
Sandy from "Grease" costume
We're hopelessly devoted to this Sandy costume. Now, all you need is to convince your Danny or Frenchy (or both!) to tag along.
Get the tutorial at Living After Midnite.
This article was originally published on TODAY.com
