The spooky season is a busy time of year for people of all ages. With all the Halloween [1] parties [2], pumpkin-patch visits, and decorations to sort, there's a lot to see and do. So if you waited until the last minute [3] to put your Halloween [4] costume together, join the club — and don't panic!
Just because you're short on time doesn't mean your last-minute Halloween costume can't be unique (and easy). Whether you're looking for an outfit inspired by pop culture [5] for a get-together with friends, or a simple get-up you can scrape together before trick-or-treating, we've got you covered. From punny costumes like sweet (w)rappers to classic ideas like '80s workout clothes [6] and the standard assorted animal ears, there's no shortage of ways to find an easy costume for Halloween.
And just because you opt for easy doesn't mean your costume has to be boring. We've created a list of creative costumes you can put together in minutes [7] without the added stress of having to shop for obscure items or make your own bulky props. Most of these last-minute Halloween costumes can be created with items you already have in your home.
— Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes, Lauren Harano, and Melissa Santoyo
Beetlejuice
Beetlejuice [9] is one of the most iconic villains, and luckily, he makes for an easy last-minute Halloween [10] costume. If you have a green wig, you're more than halfway done! Put on purple, black, and green face makeup, and complete your look with a black-and-white striped shirt.
Bo Peep From "Toy Story 4"
A blue dress or pantsuit, a large sunhat or pink bow, and a little sheep accessory will make this cute, last-minute Halloween [11] costume come to life. Just grab Woody and Buzz!
Wednesday Addams
For one of the most straightforward last-minute Halloween [12] costumes, take on Wednesday's [13] gothic style with a black dress, a white collar, two braids, and her trademark dead-eyed stare.
Witch
Classic and traditional, you can't go wrong when you dress up as a witch. A black hat is the main accessory here, along with alluring makeup and enchanting jewellery. Carry around a spell book for emphasis.
Kim Possible
Call me, beep me! Disney cartoons [14] usually make for easy last-minute Halloween [15] costumes, but Kim Possible is an especially cool standout. She rocks camo pants with a black long-sleeved shirt, and you can, too. If you're cold, just add a black jacket to your outfit.
Bratz Doll
Etch the word "Bratz" into a white T-shirt or vest, cut the top, and throw your hair into a few pigtails to get the true Bratz-doll look. Take it a step further and re-create their glam makeup to complete the costume.
Flower Child
Dig in your closet to find a boho top and flared pants, then top it all off with a crown of flowers (real or faux). Tada! You have a flower-power outfit.
Minnie Mouse
Add the magic of Disney [16] to your Halloween [17] by dressing up as Minnie Mouse. If you have a red polka-dot shirt, throw that on and add mouse ears [18]. DIY [19] them with a headband, or if you have a pair from Disneyland or Disney World, those work, too.
Ariel From "The Little Mermaid"
Who says you need an actual tail to become Ariel [20]? Instead, opt for something much easier that makes a perfect last-minute Halloween [21] costume, like this simple green-and-purple outfit.
Cher From "Clueless"
A yellow plaid outfit and sassy attitude will make for an easy "Clueless" [22] outfit. High white socks and white heels or sneakers will add the finishing touches.
Elle Woods From "Legally Blonde"
Whoever said orange was the new pink was seriously disturbed. A pink blazer or jacket and miniskirt are the key pieces to this look. Pair it with a small purse and pink-tinted shades for the ultimate last-minute Halloween [23] costume.
Creepy Ballerina
This killer last-minute Halloween [24] costume is all about the makeup [25]. Create the illusion of a cracked face by using an eyeliner pencil to section off different areas of your skin. Then use bronzer and foundation to fill them in. From there, throw on a light-pink dress or tutu, and pull your hair up into a high bun. Your work is complete!
Velma Dinkley From "Scooby-Doo"
If "Scooby-Doo"'s Velma Dinkley was brought to life, this is exactly what she'd look like. All you need for this last-minute costume is a pair of glasses, a red skirt, and an orange top and knee-highs.
The Child From "The Mandalorian"
If Baby Yoda [26] stole your heart, then this last-minute Halloween [27] costume is for you. Wear an olive-green or light-brown dress or jacket, pull your hair back into tight buns to re-create his pointy ears, and look as cute as can be. Feel free to experiment with green makeup, too!
Spoiled Milk
No one likes spoiled milk unless it looks like this. All you need is an all-white outfit that says "milk" on the front paired with an expensive shopping bag or two, and you'll look the part for this last-minute costume.
Smarty Pants
This quick Halloween [28] costume is easy and clever. Dress up in geek chic [29], and then stick on a bunch of Smarties rolls.
Risky Business
Probably the easiest last-minute costume ever, just throw on a pair of shades and wear a white, collared button-down shirt.
Scarecrow
You definitely won't scare anyone with this last-minute costume. Wear a plaid top, jeans, and a sunhat, and paint your face [30] to complete the look.
Sweet (W)rapper
Channel your inner rap star and dress as a punny sweet wrapper this Halloween [31].
Unicorn
Make unicorn horns by rolling up a piece of paper to make a cone. Wear pastels or white, and you have your unicorn costume!
When Life Gives You Lemons
You know how the saying goes: when life gives you lemons, make lemonade! To conjure up this punny costume [32], make or buy a shirt that says "life" on it, pick up a bag of lemons, and you're good to go.
'80s Exerciser
Sweatbands, bright colours, leg warmers — why not? Dress as an '80s workout-goer for an easy last-minute costume you can wear to a party or even to the gym [33].
Killer Housewife
Here's a last-minute Halloween [34] costume that incorporates clothing you probably already have. Throw on a dress, an apron, and some pearls, and you'll be the spitting image of a typical 1950s housewife. You can add rubber gloves and a sponge for good measure.
Nerd
Geek out this Halloween [35] with taped glasses, suspenders, a bow tie, and high-waisted pants.
Krispy Kreme Donut
Your best athleticwear and an inflatable pool float — or you can make the doughnut yourself, if you have time — take this easy Halloween [36] costume from funny to punny.
Copy Cat
Anyone can wear a pair of cat ears, but only the most clever partygoers see an opportunity for the perfect pun — and the only other thing you need is a handmade paper sign that says "CTRL + C".
French Toast
A striped top, beret, and slice of real or fake toast go a long way for this last-minute costume!
Cat and Dog From "CatDog"
If you were a fan of this animated series, being Cat or Dog is right up your alley. Find a partner and wear orange-and-yellow outfits with cat and dog ears, then let the fun begin.
Tired
When in doubt, a great last-minute Halloween [37] costume is to be tired! Simply grab a bathrobe and pillow from your bed and wear it out this spooky season. You'll love how comfortable it is.
It's Raining Men
It's raining men, hallelujah [38]! Complete this DIY [39] costume by picking up an umbrella and printing out pictures of men. Top it off with a rain jacket and rain boots, and you're good to go!
Social Butterfly
If you've been called a social butterfly once or twice before, this costume should be a piece of cake! Dress as a butterfly, attach logos of all your most-visited social media platforms, and chitchat the night away!
Elliot From "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial"
Easy and simple, all you need to be Elliot from "E.T." is a red zip-up jacket, a bike, and a towel. (Bonus points if you have a fur baby willing to play E.T.) The sky is the limit here!
Bat
If you have a black dress and pointy ears, the only thing left that you'll need to be a bat is a makeshift cape. Cut a wing-like design in a blanket or piece of cloth and take on the night!
Beanie Baby
What a throwback! Pick your animal, then make a Ty tag for this easy last-minute Halloween [40] costume.
Casual Cinderella
Imagine this Disney princess [41] left her shoe on the stairs to the . . . nightclub? For this last-minute Halloween [42] costume, any blue dress and matching headband would work. Alternatively, if you want a more cosy look, a baby-blue shirt or sweater, black choker, and small tiara are the key pieces needed. After midnight, throw on your cosiest pair of sweats and slippers, and accessorise with a broom or small white pumpkin.
Mad Scientist
If you have a white coat and goggles, consider being a mad scientist. This costume can get as creative as you want it to, so don't be afraid to add some wild makeup [43] to go along with it.
Gabriella From "Brink!"
Grab your skating gear! If you have roller blades and knee pads, you're already practically Gabriella. Throw on a helmet for good measure (and to keep you safe!).
Zombify Last Year's Halloween costume
Whatever costume you used last year, just zombify it! From zombie Belle and the Beast to a zombie roller skater [44], the possibilities are endless.
Snickers
Nothing's sweeter than this easy last-minute Halloween [45] costume! Wear a brown dress and attach a piece of paper with the Snickers logo to the front of it. Carry around a bag of chocolate to make this costume really fun for everyone at the party.
A Blessing in Disguise
Cute, creative, and oh so easy, dressing up as a blessing in disguise is a blessed costume indeed. Go undercover by wearing a hat and fake moustache, and you can either find a shirt that says "blessing" on it or make your own.
American Tourists
Floral outfits, "fanny packs", Hawaiian necklaces, oh my. To level up this last-minute costume, carry around an instant camera and sip on a fruity, tropical drink.
A Bra
Find a friend and wear large shirts with big bouncy balls underneath them. Draw or attach fabric to your shirts to make the outline of a bra. You two will win the award for breast costume of the year!
Error 404
For a quick and easy last-minute Halloween [46] costume you can put together with things you already own, opt for this funny Error 404 get-up. All you need is a white T-shirt or sign, and you're all set!
Deer
For a fun twist on an animal costume, dress up as a deer! For this last-minute Halloween [47] costume, all you really need is deer makeup [48], ears, and brown attire.
First Base
For all the pun enthusiasts out there, here's another comedic last-minute costume. Grab a tube of red lipstick and add smooches all over your best baseball attire.
Romans
Travel back to ancient Rome with these impressive costumes! For this get-up, a white dress or T-shirt and shorts work well paired with draped maroon fabric.
John Wick
John Wick fans rejoice! This quick last-minute costume is easy to put together with things you already own. Besides a suit and the traditional Keanu Reeves [49] haircut, all you need is a bit of facial hair (or makeup) to finish off the look.
Dalmation
This costume is paws-itively delightful! Wear clothing with black-and-white polka dots, and draw on some spots and a nose using makeup. You can even fashion a collar using ribbon.
Taylor Swift's "1989" Album Cover
Concerned about your last-minute costume? Just shake it off! This Taylor Swift Halloween costume [50] is easy to replicate and sure to turn heads at Halloween [51].
Vampire
If you're scrambling for the perfect get-up in a sea of last-minute costumes, no need to panic. Opt for a classic vampire and make it your own with fun makeup and accessories. The coloured contacts [52] are optional, but fangs are a must.
Ashley O From "Black Mirror"
Make a statement with your Halloween [53] costume by dressing up as the "Black Mirror" [54] pop sensation Ashley O.
Athlete
Batter up! This last-minute costume isn't just easy and fun — it's comfortable, too! Make use of your old sports uniforms or borrow one from a friend.
Party Animal
In a fun twist on the animal-ear costume that doesn't require much more effort, opt to dress up as a "party animal." All you need to do is add a party hat! Your Halloween [55] night is sure to be as wild as you are.
Robbers
Steal the show this Halloween [56] with this easy last-minute costume. Wear a striped shirt, black hat, black gloves, and add a big dollar sign to your laundry bag or a duffel.
Star-Lord From "Guardians of the Galaxy"
Though Marvel has a lot of cool characters to choose from, Star-Lord is certainly one of the easier ones to re-create. For this last minute Halloween [57] costume, all you really need is his classic red leather jacket, a pair of jeans, and a grey shirt.
Dustin From "Stranger Things"
Bring the magic of "Stranger Things [58]" to life this Halloween [59] by dressing up as one of the iconic Hawkins kids, Dustin! With his signature hat [60], this look is sure to turn heads.
Strawberry and Pineapple
For a look that's both colourful and fun, opt to dress up as a fruit. These last-minute Halloween [61] costumes are easy to DIY [62] with homemade head accessories made of paper and oversize T-shirts.
Identity Theft
For a pun costume that's just too clever — and easy — dress up as a visual representation of identity theft using sticker name tags.
Cowboy
Howdy! When in doubt, a cowboy makes for a great last-minute Halloween [63] costume. Grab a cowboy hat, a vest, and Western-style boots [64].
"Superstar"
This easy last-minute Halloween [65] costume is a great throwback to the 1999 movie [66]. Don some glasses, an outfit that could pass for a school uniform, and pigtails or a red headband.
Spider
For this DIY [67] costume, the sky's the limit! You can truly make it your own with fun makeup, homemade spider legs, and fake cobwebs. The base of the outfit is relatively simple, with all-black clothes.
Skeleton
For a bone-chillingly good costume, dress up as a skeleton! Whether you opt for a cool makeup look like this one or just dress up in skeleton-patterned clothes, you'll look festive either way.
A Whole Snack
For a last-minute Halloween [68] costume that's both clever and confident, dress up as the snack you know you are!