135 Best Last-Minute Halloween Costumes That Are Scarily Easy to Pull Together
Even if it's the night of the party.
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Ree Drummond will be the first to tell you that finding Halloween costumes at the last minute is no easy task. "You dart into a costume shop on your way through the city one afternoon, and you have four minutes to grab something for your kids to wear on Halloween," she says. "One of your daughters wants to be a dead bride, the other wants to be a monster, and your only other choice is a French Maid or a Sparkly Red Devil with a Really Short Skirt. You choose the lesser of two evils."
Here's the thing: You don't have to frantically run to the store on October 30 only to find that all the trendiest pop culture costumes have already been snapped up. This year, skip the crowds and try one of these easy last-minute Halloween costume ideas instead. It'll still be super cute and worthy of a contest, even though you haven't been toiling away on it for months.
There are tons of simple yet creative costumes out there that you can put together, many with supplies you already have at home. There are costumes for teens and costumes for toddlers, along with costumes for couples and group costumes. So, let your DIY magic fly and transform your cardboard boxes into a cassette tape, or make fun family Halloween costumes out of clothes from your closet. Whatever you do, it should be low on stress and high on fun. It is Halloween, after all.
Find your costume before October 31:
Minion Costume
Minion costumes will always be a hit for all ages! And with the recent release of Despicable Me 4, they're back and kookier than ever! Copy the quirky sidekicks with a bright yellow shirt and beanie, denim overalls, and DIY goggles.
Get the tutorial at Brit+Co.
Kim Possible Costume
So what's the sitch? Well, considering how simple it is to put this outfit together, there isn't one! The three main components to saving the world from supervillains are a black top, cargo pants, and combat boots.
Get the tutorial at Brit+Co.
Freddie Mercury Costume
It doesn't take much to pay homage to the rock icon that is Freddie Mercury. Start with a white tank top and jeans, then accessorize with anything from a yellow jacket to a studded belt and sunglasses. Just be ready to belt out Queen lyrics all night!
Get the tutorial at Living After Midnite.
Casey Becker Costume
It's scary easy to pull together this iconic scream queen's look! All you need to transform into Casey Becker from Scream is a beige sweater and jeans. Throw on a blonde wig or carry a prop knife if you really want to be recognizable.
Get the tutorial at Living After Midnite.
Greaser Costume
Whether you're going for Grease or The Outsiders, it doesn't get easier than this 1950s-inspired costume. Throw on black jeans, a white tee, and a pair of black sneakers. A leather jacket will take it to the next level.
Get the tutorial at Brit+Co.
Bewitched Costumes
Sure, you could grab a hat and go as any old witch. Or, you could wear a pretty dress with heels and go as Samantha from Bewitched! Bonus points if you grab a friend who loves blue eyeshadow to play her mom Endora.
Get the tutorial at Living After Midnite.
Cat and Mouse Costumes
If you have ten minutes, then you have enough time to transform into a cat or mouse. Yes, that's how fast these cute masks come together. Then all you need to do is wear a matching solid outfit in gray or black!
Get the tutorial at Lia Griffith.
Bubble Tea Costume
Become the life-sized embodiment of everyone's new favorite drinkable treat with this cute and easy bubble tea costume. It's guaranteed to brew up some fun wherever you go!
Get the tutorial at Aww Sam.
'Supermarket Sweep' Contestant Costume
If you've ever wanted to put your grocery shopping skills to the test on the '90s game show Supermarket Sweep, now's your chance! The inflatable banana and shopping cart are such fun and easy finishing touches.
Get the tutorial at The Merrythought.
Bop It Costume
Another throwback to the '90s is this Bop It game costume that's just as much fun as the original! But be prepared to play along when everyone at the Halloween party tries to bop you, twist your hat, or pull your leg.
Get the tutorial at Club Crafted.
Ketchup and Mustard Costume
Add flavor to any Halloween party by dressing up as your favorite condiment, mustard or ketchup. You can bring double the flavor by asking a friend or significant other to join you!
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY!.
Peter Piper
Twist some tongues with a Peter Piper costume that's as playful as the tongue-twister itself. Just wear your everyday clothes and top them off with a DIY pickled pepper garland!.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.
Burn Book Costume
Channel your inner Regina George from Mean Girls with a Burn Book costume that's sure to have everyone gossiping! It's so easy to recreate the look with a plain pink dress or T-shirt and printable letters.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY!.
'When Life Hands You Lemons' Costume
When life hands you lemons... turn them into this zestfully punny costume! It's sure to add a splash of humor to any occasion. Then you can absolutely make lemonade when you get home.
Get the tutorial at Club Crafted.
Cherry on Top Costume
Get ready to sprinkle some fun wherever you go with this adorable "cherry on top" costume. It's the sweet costume you didn't know you needed! A white shirt will look like whipped cream, too.
Get the tutorial at Aww Sam.
Paper Doll Costume
This costume is a cut above the rest! Fashionitas will have so much fun crafting their paper doll outfit. Bonus points for wardrobe changes if you want to get really creative.
Get the tutorial at The Merrythought.
Edie Beale from 'Grey Gardens' Costume
Calling all Grey Gardens fans! Grab your favorite head scarf and a faux fur coat and play Little Edie for the night. Don't forget to include your cat in the photo ops (if they allow it, of course).
Get the tutorial at Keiko Lynn.
Lumberjack Costume
A lumberjack is one of the easiest last-minute costumes out there! Just pull a flannel and some jeans from your closet and accessorize with a beanie hat and toy ax.
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed.
No-Sew Dinosaur Costume
No time to sew? No problem. You can transform a simple hoodie into a dinosaur costume using nothing but scissors and colored duct tape. You can absolutely make this for an adult, too!
Get the tutorial at The Craft Patch.
Mario and Luigi Costume
Go on your own as Mario or grab a pal who can play your Luigi. Either way, both looks are easy to recreate with T-shirts, overalls, and the below set of accessories.
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed.
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