Halloween is definitely one of those holidays that sneaks up on you. No pun intended. And finding a costume last minute that doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg can be a struggle, especially if you don’t want to settle on dressing up as a black cat for the 10th year in a row… So I’ve put together 10 ideas I thought of on the airplane today for Halloween costumes you can make from things you (mostly) already have in your closet. No promises some won’t be basic though, maybe next time ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
- Sugar Skull
One of my favorite costumes I’ve done is dressing up like a sugar skull from Mexico’s celebration of life and death, “The Day of the Dead” or “Día de Muertos”.
You can put this together with pretty much any clothes you already have, as it focuses around your face makeup and accessories. The only thing I had to buy that I didn’t already have was a flower crown, which I actually made from fake roses, a hot glue gun and a cheap headband I bought from the dollar store. I wore a black dress I already owned, but you could wear black leggings and a black top, or opt for a very colorful route like these girls below did. Makeup-wise I just used stuff I already had in my makeup bag: Eyeshadows, red lipstick, black eyeliner, Light face powder etc. You can make it as simple or complicated as you want!
2. Sandy from Grease
This was my friend’s go-to the same year I was the sugar skull. Another costume that you can most likely throw together with things you have in your closet, consisting of black leather pants, a black top & red shoes. Curl your hair in curls as tight as you can to top it off!
3. Law Enforcement
I’ll admit this one has been overdone a lot, but still a classic! One that does’t require any special makeup either if that isn’t your thing. Once again, an all black outfit works perfectly, but if you happen to pick up a shirt that says SWAT, FBI, etc. that works even better! If you can’t find a cheap one you can buy some iron on letters and make it yourself for a few dollars. Don’t forget to add your aviator shades and some plastic handcuffs if you can get your hands on some to hang around your belt loop.
4. Deer
Another one that I’ve seen a lot lately, but it’s what I dressed as last year (and my boyfriend in camo) after we decided to go to a Halloween party last minute. I threw together some black knee highs, a brown skirt, and white tank top, found some antlers and a headband at a craft store and glued it together to turn myself into a deer (hey, at least it’s not as basic as a cat…). If you don’t have time to make antlers just put your hair in two top knots. For makeup, do some contouring but exaggerate it. Extra bronze on the outside and very white in the middle. Draw a black nose if you want, and some white spots around your cheek, and forehead area. Super easy!
5. m&m
For my minimalists, Go out and buy an oversized plain colored shirt, some white puffy paint, or an iron on letter. Throw a white “m” on there and you’re done. No crazy makeup, or shoes, or anything else really. So if you’re not feeling like doing anything wild but don’t want to be labeled as the person who didn’t dress up at the halloween party- here you go.
6. Mermaid
This one’s been my go to for the last few years now. Although I used to put much more effort into this one (cue the bedazzled shell top). Find yourself a lime green maxi skirt (or green leggings) and a purple tank top. Paint (or iron on) two black shells over the shirt, and put a starfish clip in your hair, and as much seashell jewelry you can find. Use a colorful eyeshadow and extra highlighter in your makeup!
8. Viking
Here’s one I really haven’t seen too much, but Amber Fillerup killed it so I had to add it to the list. You can get pretty creative with your outfit this time, but a simple dress or maxi and a fur vest or coat will work perfectly. If you have gladiator/lace up sandals they will go perfect with this outfit!
9. Princess Leia
For all my Star Wars fans out there, fear not. You don’t have to buy an expensive costume to dress the part (or at least we don’t, ladies). If you want to dress up as the princess, throw your hair into two buns on each side of your head, and wear a long sleeve white dress with boots, or white pants and white shirt. If you can find a belt to match that’s a plus. No crazy makeup here, just do you. May the force be with you.
10. Skeleton
This one has been pretty trendy lately, so it’s not hard to find a skeleton onesie or body suit to wear, but if you can’t find one just wear all black. You could also attempt to make your own with cheap black leggings, a black tank top, and some white puffy paint. Paint at least half of your face to resemble a skull and you’re good to go.
Hope these helped a little if you were still looking for a costume for tomorrow
**Not all photos are my own, and are linked to the appropriate sources**
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This costume is the ultimate last-minute DIY. Dress your kid in all black, and add a white poster board and paint brush to instantly transform him or her into an artist.