We get it — sometimes you're just feeling flat-out lazy. Thinking about what to be for Halloween [1] is tough, and ensuring that it's creative and cute takes time. This year, in true 2020 fashion, we decided to curate a list of the easiest, simplest, and best DIY costumes [2] of all for anyone who's feeling low-key. Whether you just want wear something comfortable or you want to throw an outfit together with things you already have in your closet, these fancy dress ideas [3] are easy enough for anyone to re-create.
You can enjoy a spooktacular night of candy consumption in the comfort of these creative outfits. Check out these supersimple DIY [4] costume ideas ahead, and never let the fear of not having a costume scare you again.
— Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes and Lauren Harano
Holly Golightly From Breakfast at Tiffany's
A little black dress with a chunky statement necklace and small crown will turn you into the posh Holly Golightly. Put your hair in a high bun, then add opera-length gloves for good measure.
Social Butterfly
Decorate a plain t-shirt with the social media apps of your choice, then add wings and antennae. Don't forget to take a selfie!
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 any kind of creature you want. The sky is the limit here!
Strawberry
Be a sweet treat this Halloween [6] when you dress up as a strawberry. All you need it a red shirt or dress, green and black construction paper, and a small green hair accessory.
Mad-Eye Moody From Harry Potter
You can create Mad-Eye's mad eye by cutting a white ball in half and gluing it to a strip of fabric you can tie around your head. Complete the look with a black dressing gown and wand.
Ron Swanson From Parks and Recreation
You'll need your best surly face and a love of meat, buffets, and meat buffets to pull off the Ron Swanson look. You'll also need khaki trousers, a flannel shirt, and a badass moustache.
Damien From Mean Girls
Remember when Damien wore a dark sweatshirt with the hood pulled up to hide out among the girls? Wear that with a sign that says "She doesn't even go here!" to re-create this character.
Queen of Hearts
Any kind of red, white, and black outfit with hearts on it will work for this. A queen's crown or heart headband will add the finishing touches.
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!
A Hippie
A headband or a hat, fringe accents, and flares go a long way for this costume!
Sim Character
Attach a green diamond-shaped cutout to a headband, and you'll look just like a character from The Sims.
Error 404: Costume Not Found
Got a white t-shirt? Then you can make this costume!
Nerd
Glasses with tape in the middle and high-waisted trousers are all you need to make this look. Add a bow-tie and collared shirt to make it even better!
Jazzerciser
A headband and some neon gear are all you need to make this look.
Tiana From Princess and the Frog
If you have a dreamy green dress, then you're on your way to becoming a princess. Pull your hair into a high bun and add a little flower accessory to make it complete. Now go find your frog!
Archie From Riverdale
Throw on your best letterman jacket, casual tee, and jeans, and transform yourself into Archie from Riverdale [7]. Make sure to sport his iconic ginger hair!
Rapunzel From Tangled
Be the dreamiest princess of all when you dress up as Rapunzel. Wear a lavender dress and style your hair into a long plait or ponytail. Add little flowers in your hair to make the look more romantic.
Alien
Anything silver, sparkly, and fun will do for this costume. Style your hair into fun little buns and find all the silver makeup you can! Everyone will be seeing stars when they look at your outfit.
Slytherin Student
If you belong in Slytherin, just wear a black blazer with a crisp white shirt and a green tie. Bonus points if you have a wand.
Minnie Mouse
Add the magic of Disney to your Halloween [8] by dressing up as Minnie Mouse. If you have a red polka-dot shirt, throw that on and add little mouse ears. If you have mouse ears from Disneyland, those work, too.
Dwight Schrute From The Office
Pull off the Dwight Schrute look by dressing in casual office attire, a striped tie, Dunder Mifflin tag, and his classic glasses.
Winnie the Pooh
If you grew up loving Winnie the Pooh, then this costume is calling your name. Wear a yellow skirt and orange shirt, and don't forget your pot of honey!
The Child From The Mandalorian
If Baby Yoda stole your heart, then this 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!
Nebula From Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century
Want to dress up in an out-of-this-world cool costume this year? All you have to do is dress up as Nebula! Wear a bright-pink shirt with a purple jacket and skirt, and pull your hair into sky-high pigtails. Add silver makeup or accessories, and channel your best space-girl vibes.
Flower Child
A crown of flowers will work great for this flower-child outfit. Wear flared pants, a colorful top, and cute shades.
Scarecrow
Perfect for the fall, being a scarecrow never gets old. Find your cutest flannel and pair of overalls and complete the look with a touch of themed makeup.
Plant Lady
You've heard of a cat lady, but what if you're a plant lady? A messy 'do and a plant-printed outfit is all you need for this look.
Vampire
Be a vampire by dressing up the outfit with a blazer and bowtie. Paint some fake blood on your shirt, and don't forget the vampire teeth.
A T-Bird From Grease
You'll need to slick back your hair and carry your comb around to be one of the T-Birds. Roll up your black pants a little and throw on a denim jacket to complete the look.
Party Animals
You can wear a party hat with any kind of animal shirt you have lying around the house. Easy enough!
Raining Men
Hallelujah — an original costume idea! Dress for a rainy day with wellies, a rain jacket, and an umbrella. Then decorate the umbrella with the raining men of your choice.
Athlete
Whether you played rugby, football, hockey, or any sport in the middle, dressing up as an athlete for Halloween [9] is always a safe bet. Once you find one of your old uniforms, it's game time.
Killer Housewife
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.
Harry Potter
Harry's outfits vary widely throughout the series, so the crucial parts of this look are just his glasses, wand, and lightning bolt scar. Ten points to Gryffindor if you also carry a white owl and call her Hedwig.
Copy Cat
Anyone can wear a pair of cat ears, but only the most clever partygoers see an opportunity for the perfect pun.
Cat and Dog From CatDog
If you were a fan of this American animated series, being Cat and 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.
Travel Bug
If you have a passion for traveling, a travel bug costume was made for you! Bring your passport, camera, and favourite pair of antennas.
Devil
Feeling mischievous this Halloween [10]? Wear all black with devil horns and red lipstick. You can also throw on devilish wings and carry a pitchfork if you so please.
Ice Cream Sundae
We're all screaming for this cute ice cream look! Wear a white dress or skirt and shirt combo, and draw on colourful sprinkles. Then, add a headband and craft a makeshift cone out of construction paper. You'll be as sweet as can be!
Jessie From Toy Story
Giddy up! If you have a cow-print skirt or trousers and a yellow long-sleeve skirt, you're ready for the rodeo. Throw on a red hat and brown belt to make things complete.
Snow White From Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
A yellow skirt, blue shirt, and red headband will turn you into this enchanting princess. Carry an apple to make this costume come to life.
Clown
If you're into makeup, this clown look is for you. You can get as creative as you want with the eye makeup, but be sure to keep the pointy clown look in tack. Add fun details to your lips and nose to make it complete.
Gabriella From Brink!
Grab your skating gear! If you have roller blades and knee pads, you're practically already Gabriella. Throw on a helmet for good measure.
Sabrina Spellman From Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
A red sweater with a white collar and black headband will make you turn into Sabrina Spellman. You'll cast spells on all those who see you!
Belle From Beauty and the Beast
If you have a blue dress or white shirt and blue skirt, you can easily become Belle from Beauty and the Beast. Tie your hair into a low ponytail and add a baby-blue bow.
Angel
If you've been nothing but good this year, you can dress up as an angel. Wear a white shirt, white trousers, and a small halo. Top off your look with dreamy white wings.
Lion
Feeling wild? To be the king of the jungle, wear a brown shirt and style your hair to resemble little ears. Paint your face and add a little nose and whiskers, and you're ready to reign.
Cher From Clueless
A yellow checkered-print outfit and sassy attitude will make this Clueless outfit complete. High white socks and white heels will add the finishing touches.
Ariel From The Little Mermaid
A purple shirt, green trousers, and sparkly makeup will take you under the sea in no time.
Risky Business
If you don't mind going trouser-less, you can easily re-create this look with just a white button-up, socks, and sunglasses
Pop-Art Painting
If makeup is your thing, try this easy pop-art look! Cartoon features, white dots, and bright colours will make this look easy to replicate.
Clark Kent
Feeling super this year? Now's your time to dress up as Clark Kent. Wear nice trousers, a white button-down shirt, black glasses, and a tie. Be sure to wear the iconic Superman shirt underneath your button-down.
Cinderella
Want to enchant everyone this Halloween [11]? Wear a blue dress (or silk dressing gown!) to re-create the princess's dreamy look. Throw on a blue headband and white shoes to add a bit more magic to your look.
Mime
The staples of this look are a striped shirt, gloves, and a hat. The hat can be a beanie or a beret — whatever you have lying around! Powder your face and line your eyes with black liner to complete the look.
Barbie
C'mon, Barbie, let's go party! Wear a hot-pink dress, high heels, and black sunglasses to copy Barbie's iconic look. Wear pink lipstick and nail polish, and add a cute purse to finish the look off.
Baywatch Lifeguards
If you don't mind a little nudity, this costume just requires red swim shorts and a whistle. Running around saving lives is totally optional on your part.
Kim Possible
Call me, beep me! Copy Kim Possible's signature look with combat boots, green cargo trousers, a black long-sleeved top, and a reddish wig.
Scientist
If you have a white coat and goggles, then consider being a scientist. This costume can get as creative as you want it to, so don't be afraid to add some crazy-cute makeup to go along with it.
Skeleton Face
All you need is some black eye shadow to create this simple yet scary look. Check out this simple tutorial.
Wednesday Addams From The Addams Family
Braid your hair into matching pigtails and wear an all-black outfit. You'll want a white shirt underneath your top, though, for Wednesday's usual white collar to show through.
Mummy
The undead will have never looked hotter if you use some strategically wrapped gauze for this slinky mummy look.
Deviled Egg
Everyone will get a laugh out of this creative costume. Just draw on a little yellow to a white shirt and put on a pair of devil horns, and let this costume win Halloween [12].
Beanie Baby
Pick your animal then make a Ty tag for this easy throwback costume.
Barbie and Ken
A love story for the ages. Cardboard, paint, some stickers, and cellophane can almost guarantee a costume party win.
A Bump in the Night
Things that go bump in the night are usually terrifying, but with this starry night ensemble, you'll look adorable.
Iron Chef
All you need is an iron and a chef's apron, and you're good to go!