88 Last-Minute DIY Halloween Costumes You Can Throw Together Fast
Running out of time to piece together a Halloween costume? No worries — we’ve got you covered.
By Micki Wagner, Elisabeth Narine, and Katherine Pittman
If you’ve found yourself frantically searching for a costume idea, you’re not alone. Life can get hectic, and sometimes, Halloween sneaks up on you. Whether you’re struggling for inspiration or can’t make a store run, this list of DIY costumes is here to save the day. Many can be created using things you likely have at home or with a quick Amazon order. From timeless classics to trending favorites, there’s something for everyone. So dive in, get creative, and make your last-minute costume a hit at any Halloween event!
- Sabrina Carpenter in “Taste”
- Channel Sabrina Carpenter’s edgy, elegant look from the “Taste” music video. Throw on a long black evening gown, a sparkly necklace, and a blonde wig, and you’re set.
- Guess Who? Character
- Transform the beloved board game into a costume! Grab a red shirt, a blue shirt, and some poster board to create the character frames. Customize with hats, glasses, or other accessories to represent your chosen characters.
- Felix Catton from ‘Saltburn’
- Bring Jacob Elordi’s character to life with a white tank, blue jeans, and a set of gold wings. Simple yet instantly recognizable!
- Miss Trunchbull from ‘Matilda’
- Embrace Miss Trunchbull’s fierce vibe with a gray sweatshirt, iron-on numbers, black fingerless gloves, and a ball and chain. Perfect for showing off your mischievous side!
- Olivia Rodrigo ‘Guts’ Tour
- Capture Olivia Rodrigo’s tour aesthetic with a white tank, glitter shorts, and a chunky heart necklace. Customize your tank with a paint pen to add some personal flair.
- Cowboy Carter Beyoncé
- Go full Queen Bey with a cowboy hat, sunnies, blonde wig, and a black pantsuit. Add a ribbon tie to complete this chic look.
- Taylor Swift in Her Travis Kelce Era
- Swifties, rejoice! Dress up in a red windbreaker, Chiefs lanyard, and your favorite jeans to capture Taylor’s football era look.
- Chappell Roan as the Statue of Liberty
- Rock Chappell Roan’s iconic look from the Governor’s Ball with a green wig, light green dress, and a DIY crown made from silver foam sheets.
- Carrie Bradshaw from ‘Sex and the City’
- Tap into your inner fashionista with a tulle skirt, light pink tank, and strappy heels. The perfect nod to everyone’s favorite NYC columnist.
- Sabrina Carpenter in “EspressoA light blue strapless dress and pink scarf are all you need to replicate Sabrina’s dreamy “Espresso” music video look.
- 2000s Indie Sleaze
- Time to dust off those 2000s capri leggings and denim mini skirts! Pair with a purple zippered hoodie, thin black scarf, and lots of eyeliner.
- Swiftie
- Show off your Swiftie pride with a purple faux fur jacket, sequin dress, and white boots. You’ll feel like you’re at the Eras Tour in no time.
- President Barbie
- Go presidential with a pink jumpsuit and a glittery sash. Add heart-shaped sunglasses to fully embrace Barbie’s boss vibes.
- Denim Ken
- Be the ultimate Ken with a denim vest, light jeans, and a pink bandana. Don’t forget to customize your waistband with “Kenough” lettering.
- Ms. Rachel
- Parents, this one’s for you! Dress up like YouTube’s Ms. Rachel with overalls and a pink t-shirt to delight your little ones.
- Tanya McQuoid from ‘White Lotus’
- Recreate Tanya’s resort style with a flowy dress, pink scarf, and oversized sunglasses. A costume that’s easy and fabulously recognizable.
- Alien
- Stay out-of-this-world with glow-in-the-dark googly eyes and a sweatshirt set. It’s a fun nod to recent extraterrestrial buzz.
- John Wick
- Dust off your black suit and add a stuffed dog accessory to channel everyone’s favorite action hero, John Wick.
- Furby
- Nostalgic and quirky, this Furby costume uses a wearable blanket, styrofoam, and pink paper to craft the iconic face.
- Wind-Up Doll
- A gingham dress, red bow tie, and a DIY cardboard wind-up key create a whimsical, award-worthy costume.
- Troll Doll
- Grab a colorful wig and simple dress to become a troll doll. Perfect for a group look with friends in different wig colors.
- Ghost of Twitter
- Honor the social media platform’s past with a sheet and a lantern displaying the Twitter logo — a fun, clever tribute.
- Coastal Grandmother
- Cozy up in linen pants, a knit sweater, and a bucket hat for a relaxed, trendy costume inspired by the coastal grandmother aesthetic.
- Carmy Berzatto from ‘The Bear’
- Channel your inner chef with a blue apron, white t-shirt, and black jeans. Add a touch of stress for that authentic Carmy vibe.
- Catwoman
- All you need is a leather jacket, leggings, and a beanie. Add cat ears for an extra feline touch.
- Cereal Killer
- Turn cereal boxes into a pun-tastic costume with a T-shirt, plastic knives, and red paint for added drama.
- Rue from ‘Euphoria’
- Recreate Rue’s casual-cool look with a maroon hoodie, tie-dye tee, and Converse sneakers. Perfectly laid-back yet iconic.
- Dr. Ellie Sattler from ‘Jurassic Park’
- Khaki shorts, a pink button-down, and boots make this adventurous costume instantly recognizable.
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- Keep it simple with a cheeky T-shirt that says it all — perfect for when you just can’t decide.
- Kid from ‘Old Enough!’
- With a backpack, bucket hat, and flag, you’ll look like a tiny, determined errand runner from this beloved Japanese show.
- Bob Ross
- Embrace your inner artist with a chambray shirt, curly wig, and paint palette for a DIY Bob Ross look.
- Rollerblading Barbie
- Neon everything, protective gear, and cut-out wheels transform you into a Barbie on the go.
- Awkward Yearbook Photo
- Relive your school days with butterfly clips, oversized glasses, and a DIY photo backdrop for the ultimate retro vibe.
- Night and Day
- Pair up with a friend to become the sun and moon. Shimmering shirts and crafty headgear will make you the life of the party.
- Magic Eight Ball
- A few felt squares and some art-class creativity will have you answering questions all night as a Magic Eight Ball.
- Mary Poppins
- Use a blazer, white button-down, and black skirt to transform into the practically perfect nanny.
- Anna Delvey
- A black dress, glasses, and a disdainful expression bring Netflix’s infamous con artist to life.
- Garden Gnome
- Grab a red hat, a chambray shirt, and a DIY beard to protect gardens and delight friends alike.
- Bernie Sanders in Mittens
- A cozy coat, mask, glasses, and those famous mittens make this meme come to life.
- Cheugy Person
- Go full ’00s with pink, fitted jean jackets, and a Starbucks cup to embody the TikTok term that’s here to stay.
These DIY costumes are sure to impress with minimal effort. Which one will you try this Halloween?