Halloween looks are as simple as 1…2…3. Dressing up for Halloween should not be a tedious chore that takes hours of consideration and hundreds of dollars.
If you are on a time crunch or budget with the day just around the corner, you can still put together a recognizable and unique costume.
By using just three pieces in your closet (or less), you can still easily piece together some last-minute costumes that will not hurt your wallet.
If you give a mouse a cookie
A childhood classic brought to life– the mouse from the book If You Give A Mouse A Cookie by Laura Numeroff.
What you need:
- A cute pair of overalls.
- An undershirt, white or black will do.
- Makeup/facepaint to add mouse-like features such as whiskers and freckles
To play into the role of the mouse, make a fake cookie out of construction paper to carry around!
Scarecrow
Play into the Autumn feel with a cute scarecrow costume.
For this costume, you will need:
- A flannel, preferably orange or red, but any color will do!
- Jeans/Overalls to give the rustic vibe.
- A cowboy hat to bring it all together.
With some makeup or facepaint, add details like a nose and smile to make yourself stand out and recognizable as a scarecrow.
If you really want to play into the bit, you can add straw to your costume. Stuff it into your pockets or shoes to give yourself the real scarecrow look and feel.
A party animal/animal
A popular costume idea circulating around online for the past few falls has been a party animal. If you don’t like the party aspect to this costume, any animal costume is easy to assemble and is always easily recognizable.
Becoming a party animal is simple. You’ll need:
- An animal print top or dress
- A party hat
To nail home the party animal costume, you can add a noise blower or any old party decorations that you have lying around.
If you want to just be an animal, I suggest using makeup to elevate your look or getting ears!
Witch
A cult classic that never goes out of style. There’s nothing that screams Halloween like a witch.
All you need for this costume is all black clothes:
- A black dress or skirt. A long black dress would really tie together the witchy-feel.
- A witch’s hat
- Long boots
If you want to go with a short skirt, fun tights and long boots would be the perfect addition. To enhance the costume, fingerless lacy gloves would be a nice touch. A photo prop to add is a broom.
Miss Piggy
With the announcement of the new Muppets movie, there’s no better time to have a Muppets inspired costume!
What you need to transform into Miss Piggy
- A bright pink dress, the more sparkles, the better.
- Doll yourself up with pearls.
- Either pig makeup or a pig nose.
Add big curls in your hair for the finishing touches.
If you have a best friend or partner, they could be Kermit!
Snooki from Jersey Shore
Bring the beach with you this Halloween and dress up as Snooki from MTV’s classic Jersey Shore.
Dress as one of Snooki’s iconic looks.
- A tight cheetah print dress is an early 2000’s must for this costume.
- Fluffy slippers or big fluffy boots will bring the whole costume together. Classic Uggs would be perfect for this look!
Finish the look with Snooki’s half-up go-to hairstyle or opt for an oversized cap. To go over the top, wear huge sunglasses and large hoop earrings.
Carrie
If you are willing to get messy, Carrie is a great Halloween costume choice.
What you’ll need:
- A pink dress (one that you don’t mind ruining).
- Fake blood/red paint to pour on your face/dress.
This costume is very easy to assemble and everyone will know exactly who you are! If you have a sash lying around, you can always add it, but it isn’t necessary.
Regina George revenge look
The iconic Regina George revenge look is iconic and easy to replicate.
How to turn into the “mean girl” :
- A black off the shoulder top.
- A pair of dark wash skinny jeans.
- Big silver hoops.
To complete the look, pull your hair back into a loose braid. A bright blue tank top, worn underneath the top and peeking out, would add to the costume, as would any pink accessories.
Ladybird
If you are still obsessed with the 2017 drama Lady Bird film, this costume is for you.
- A blue sweater vest to seal that private school look.
- A grey skirt.
- A pink cast–the most important part of this costume. Any pink medical tap or long can make the cast look realistic.
If you have blonde hair or pink highlights, this costume is super simple.
Sabrina Carpenter “Manchild” music video
Man’s Best Friend release was just in time for Halloween. If you love Carpenter or her music, this outfit is for you.
How to turn into the popstar:
- A white button down blouse, make sure it tie it in a knot in the front.
- Jean shorts
This costume is low effort but easily recognizable. To emulate Carpenter, you can put big curls in your hair as well!
Adam Sandler
No one does street style like Adam Sandler. If you have no time, this costume is perfect.
Here’s what you need to be the comedy star:
- An oversized graphic T-shirt.
- Baggy gym shorts
The Adam Sandler look is funny but also noticeable. It is great if you are scrambling at the last minute for a costume. There are plenty of funny TikToks to make and Instagram captions to use if you dress as Sandler.
Vanellope Von Schweetz
Vanellope is a unique look that you can do the bare minimum for or go over the top.
What you’ll need:
- A light green hoodie/oversized sweatshirt
- A pleated black skirt
- Hair barrettes and a bow– the most important part of the costume. Vanellope is known for her hair style. Throw your hair up in a pony tail and add barrettes all over your head. Add a pink bow in your hair and the look is done.
If you want to include others in your costume, they could be Ralph!
A pirate
Ahoy! A pirate look is a more elevated look that is easy to put together. It looks more difficult to put together than it is, which is perfect for the occasion.
Marking the spot:
- A flowy dress or top, preferably white
- A red bandanna
- Optional: A black corset
If you have an eye patch lying around, this would also be a fun addition to the costume.
Kim Possible
She’s your basic average girl, which makes this costume super simple.
Here’s what you’ll need to save the world:
- A black long sleeve cropped top
- Green cargo pants
- Black boots
The best part about the costume is that everyone will know who you are supposed to be. It’s timeless and a perfect little throwback to the old Disney days.
Taylor Swift “You Belong With Me” music video
Pay homage to the old Taylor Swift with this Fearless inspired look.
How to get the look right:
- An old white T-shirt that you do not mind writing on. Decorate the shirt and make sure to write “Junior Jewels” in the middle.
- Any plaid pajama pants
This look can also be elevated with glasses and a sign that says “You Okay?” Also, make sure to throw your hair up in a messy bun to complete the look.
Halloween is the perfect opportunity to express yourself, and there is no better way to do so than with your own clothes.
Dressing up for Halloween should be fun, not a hassle. Get creative with the pieces you already own.
There’s no need to spend hundreds of dollars when what you need is what you already have.
