Halloween is right around the corner, and I bet you, just like me, are still scouring the internet for a last-minute costume. Even after scrolling through countless articles and TikTok videos, it feels like none of the options are truly last-minute. For many people, specifically college students, Halloween has become more than one day of candy and costumes. The holiday is now a whole event, spread out over multiple weekends. There is pressure to prepare a lineup of involved costumes, a different choice for every night. However, this process can take the fun away, especially when spending lots of money on an outfit you will likely only wear once.
Whether you curate your costume last-minute or months in advance, utilizing the items you already own is a great option. In fact, it is much better for the environment. According to Yale Sustainability, “Nearly 85% of Halloween costumes end up in a landfill, and many store-bought costumes come coated in a non-recyclable plastic” (Green Your Halloween! | Yale Sustainability 2020). This is a disheartening statistic, but we all have the ability to change that!
When we begin to think creatively, we can make a positive change while having fun! Many of the ideas below include simple pieces most of us have in our closets. However, if you do not have an item, there are many sustainable ways to source. One of the easiest options is often overlooked — borrowing from a friend. This route is low stakes and costs nothing. Perhaps you and a friend could swap if you both need something the other has!
Another sustainable mode of sourcing these items is to visit a thrift store. Thrift stores are overflowing with donated clothing and are the perfect place to look for a last-minute piece.
Here are some costumes you can whip up in no time using what you already have.
1) Skeleton
Starting with a Halloween classic, this costume is a bit of a DIY project!
Find a black top and black pants, no specific style necessary. However, a sweatshirt and sweatpants would be perfect for a crisp Halloween evening!
Take some white paint, preferably fabric paint, and outline a skeleton onto your clothing. I recommend looking at a reference photo as you paint. And remember to start this project enough in advance that you can let the paint dry prior to wearing.
2) Fancy Nancy
This idea has potential, but it may take a little creativity…and a lot of glitter! For those who don’t know, Fancy Nancy is a children’s book series first published in 2005. The series depicts a young girl named Nancy who loves all things “fancy”. She loves fancy clothes, as well as “fancy words”.
She is often dressed up in heels, boas, and sunglasses. Her hair is frequently adorned with various accessories. This is a super fun way to embrace your inner maximalist and pile on the accessories.
3) Mermaid
This costume idea also promotes a creative, up-to-interpretation response.
The vision is cool-toned colors- blue, green, purple- accessorized with sparkles and seashells. Take a bikini that feels inspiring to use as the base and begin layering. Perhaps you could wrap a sarong of sorts around your legs to create the feeling of a tail. Or, wear a flowy skirt with ruffles reminiscent of the movement of the ocean.
The final touch of this look is your hair — to embrace your inner mermaid, leave your hair natural and a little wild. For a sparkly touch, add some tinsel or clips.
An extra DIY project you can implement into this look involves seashells, hot glue, and hair clips. Glue the shells onto the hair clips, and there you go- the perfect accessory.
4) Pirate
This is a great option that can be super simple or very maximalist and detailed.
When searching through your closet, look out for a white button-down shirt, a black skirt, or perhaps a skirt with a fun print. This will be the base for your swashbuckling outfit.
The two items that will really sell this look are boots, preferably tall and black, and a scarf or bandana to wear on your head. Fishnet tights would also add drama to the look.
Other pieces to look for to elevate this look may be a corset, a dress with ruffles, or a vest. The more layers, the better!
5) Snow Princess
This costume idea can be super simple, resulting in a cute, cozy outfit.
The first step is to assess what white clothing you own. The ideal lineup would be a white dress, big white boots, and a crown, but many variations exist. For example, you could also style a white top and white shorts — the idea is very customizable. The vision is simply winter and princess.
The opportunity for customization can truly shine through your makeup and hair. In terms of makeup, think about using a sparkly, white, silver, or blue eyeshadow. Some extra blush on the cheeks will make it seem as though you have been in the cold snow all day. In terms of hair- think braids, tinsel, clip-in extensions, paired with a crown to top it off
6) Biker
This idea requires a certain closet, so if you wear a lot of black and/or leather, this one’s for you.
The ideal look calls for leather shorts or pants with a leather jacket. Combat boots, fingerless gloves, and sunglasses make for the perfect accessories. This is a great opportunity to hit up a thrift store — they always have great leather jackets that will make your look unique.
7) Adam Sandler
For anyone seeking the most last-minute, least time-consuming look, this is your best option.
Take baggy basketball shorts, an old, oversized t-shirt, and sneakers, and you’re set! If you do not already own these items, first, consult your dad or another man you know. If that route does not work, visit a thrift store. These are all easily thrift-able items, so you should be Adam Sandler-ready in no time.
8) Bratz Doll
Like the other ideas on this list, this costume can be customized to each wearer.
The base items recommended may include low-waisted jeans, crop or halter tops, platform sandals, oversized sunglasses, lip gloss, and fun jewelry.
The hair and makeup will definitely tie this look together; clip-in extensions, headbands, high ponytails, as well as a dramatic eye and lip combo. Consult your favorite Y2K style icons for some real-life inspiration as well.
9) Spy
This costume also requires a slightly specific closet from which to source. You will ideally have a black blazer, a white dress shirt, and black pants or a skirt.
Finish the look with sunglasses and a notepad. For an added accessory, check out a thrift store and see if you can find an old Bluetooth earpiece or headphone. Alternatively, put an airpod in your ear to provide the same effect.
10) Greek God/Goddess
There are a few different ways to tackle this idea. The most straightforward and realistic would be to take a white sheet and wrap it around to mimic the shape of a toga. Grab some safety pins and pin it in place. If you feel extra crafty, cut into the sheet for a more personalized look.
An alternate way of going about this costume is a white dress paired with gold jewelry and accessories.
The search for the perfect Halloween costume can be intimidating. You may feel like no costume option out there is ideal, or maybe you waited until the last second and feel like your only option is the old witch hat in your basement closet. But when you consciously choose to source a costume without purchasing anything new, you are building a new layer of creativity. If you are still looking for the perfect moment of inspiration to strike, perhaps consider a more relevant pop culture moment. Keep it simple or completely embrace the DIY; either way, use what you have and make it your own! Happy Halloween!
