Easy Halloween Costumes That Won’t Scare Your Wallet

October 14, 2025

Halloween always sneaks up on us — and that spine-chilling moment when you realize you don’t have a costume is all too real. But don’t panic. You can still whip up something clever, fun, and affordable with a little creativity and what’s already in your closet.

Before you throw on a pair of cat ears for the third year in a row, take a look at these easy, last-minute Halloween costume ideas. Whether you’re going solo, pairing up, or dressing the whole crew, these DIY options will help you look festive without spending a fortune.

Before You Hit the Costume Store…

If you’re tempted to type “Halloween stores near me” on October 30, take a breath. Retailers love last-minute shoppers—but your wallet won’t. According to the National Retail Federation, Americans plan to spend more than $12 billion on Halloween this year, averaging $108 per person on costumes alone.

Instead of digging through the discount bins, shop your closet, hit the thrift store, or grab a glue gun and go DIY. You’ll save cash and might even end up with a more creative costume than anything off the rack.

5 Smart Ways to Save on Halloween

1.    Reuse and recycle. Check what’s in your closet before buying anything new.

2.    Borrow before you buy. Friends’ closets are treasure troves for last-minute looks.

3.    Thrift it up. Halloween is peak season for great thrift store finds.

4.    DIY your accessories. Glue, tape, and cardboard can transform anything.

5.    Plan ahead for next year. Post-holiday clearance sales are a gold mine.

Costumes You Already Own: Closet Classics

Start with what you have. Chances are, a little mix-and-match magic can create an outfit that’s instantly recognizable.

●     Tourist: Bright shirt, shorts, sandals, sunglasses, and a camera. Add sunscreen to your nose for laughs.

●     Farmer or Scarecrow: Overalls, plaid shirt, boots, and a straw hat. Add raffia for scarecrow vibes.

●     Mime: Black pants, striped shirt, and a beret. Finish with white face paint and red lipstick.

●     Wednesday Addams: Black dress, white-collar shirt, and braided hair. Deadpan optional.

●     Rosie the Riveter: Denim shirt, red bandana, and confidence. “We can do it!”

●     Fortune Teller: Layered scarves, dadynamic cungly jewelry, and mysterious energy.

●     Holly Golightly: Little black dress, pearls, and oversized sunglasses. Breakfast not included.

●     Taylor Swift (any era): Sparkles, boots, or a cardigan—take your pick.

●     Jane Goodall: Khaki shirt, shorts, and a toy monkey. Instant legend.

●     Harley Quinn: Baseball tee, pigtails, and a playful attitude.

And if all else fails? A witch costume never goes out of style—just pile on black clothes, bold makeup, and a broom.

For the Crafty Crowd: Simple DIY Favorites

No need to sew! These easy ideas only require basic craft supplies and a few minutes of creativity.

●     Little Mermaid: Seashells, shimmer, and ocean-inspired hues.

●     Cheese: Yellow outfit + cardboard “holes.” Simple, punny, and crowd-pleasing.

●     Pac-Man: Cut out ghosts and Pac-Man shapes to stick on your clothes.

●     Cereal Killer: Mini cereal boxes + fake blood = pun perfection.

●     Bubble Bath: Balloons as bubbles, loofah as prop. Fun and squeaky clean.

●     Juice Box: Cardboard box + straw made from rolled paper.

●     Robot: Cardboard, duct tape, and tin foil. Classic and kid-friendly.

●     Ice Cream Cone: Beige pants, white top, colorful “sprinkles,” and a red balloon cherry.

●     Harry Potter: Black robe, wand, and lightning bolt scar—always a hit.

●     Smarty Pants: Tape Smarties candy onto your jeans for a punny costume win.

Dynamic Duos: Easy Couple Costumes

Grab your partner, friend, or coworker and double the fun.

●     Barbie and Ken: Think bright colors, roller skates, and matching smiles.

●     Sandy and Danny (Grease): Black leather jackets, red heels, and slicked-back hair.

●     Rock & Roll: One person’s a mixtape, the other a guitar. Easy and creative.

●     Operation: One wears scrubs, the other carries the “tweezers.” Add a red nose for effect.

●     Peanut Butter & Jelly: Two T-shirts, some brown and purple felt, and instant classic.

●     Men in Black: Black suits, sunglasses, and secret-agent swagger.

●     Night and Day: One in dark tones, one in bright. Together, you balance the universe.

●     Beer Pong: Red cups, ping pong balls, and a sense of humor required.

●     Wayne’s World: Plaid shirts, wigs, and “Party on!” energy.

●     Dancing Emojis: Black outfits and matching poses—simple and funny.

Squad Goals: Group Costume Ideas

Perfect for office parties, families, or friend groups.

●     Stranger Things: 80s gear, denim jackets, and maybe a makeshift Demogorgon.

●     Minions: Overalls, yellow shirts, goggles, and chaotic energy.

●     Game Show Contestants: Name tags and enthusiasm—bonus points for “Family Feud.”

●     Ted Lasso Crew: Tracksuits, mustaches, and positive vibes only.

●     Lost Boys: Pajamas or skeleton onesies—cozy and spooky.

●     Box of Crayons: Solid-colored outfits and matching hats.

●     Rock, Paper, Scissors: Three friends, three T-shirts, endless laughter.

●     Zombies: Old clothes, smudged makeup, and your best undead groan.

●     Inside Out: Brightly colored clothes for each emotion—easy and expressive.

●     The Breakfast Club: Letterman jacket, plaid shirt, trench coat—instant recognition.

●     M&Ms: Color-coded T-shirts with a simple “m” logo. Sweet and simple.

The Final Treat

Whether you’re going for funny, clever, or classic, Halloween doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a dash of creativity, you can pull off a costume that’s uniquely yours—and maybe even win “Best Dressed” without spending a dime.

So raid your closet, borrow a few props, and get ready to haunt the party in style. This year, you’ve mastered Halloween on a budget.

Sources:

https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/save-money/last-minute-halloween-costumes/

Disclosure:

This information is an overview and should not be considered as specific guidance or recommendations for any individual or business.

This material is provided as a courtesy and for educational purposes only.

These are the views of the author, not the named Representative or Advisory Services Network, LLC, and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named Representative nor Advisory Services Network, LLC gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your Financial Advisor for further information.