Halloween always tends to sneak up on me (ha!), so it can be a little bit scary when I look at the calendar and see that I have less than a week to figure out a costume. However, there’s nothing worse than feeling rushed and pressured to go out and spend upwards of $50 on a low-quality costume you’ll probably only wear once or twice. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather spend that money on quality pieces I’ll actually wear throughout the other 364 days of the year! If you’re in the same boat, keep reading for more about how to create 10 DIY costumes with clothes you already have (or would want to wear again).
1. Classic Cat
leopard sweater | jeans | cat ears | boots | bag
You can’t get much more classic on Halloween than a cat costume! This was always a favorite of mine growing up, and it’s one of the easiest costumes to recreate as an adult, too. Plus, it just so happens to use one of our favorite patterns at MCO – leopard print.
If you’re passing out candy and want to keep things lowkey, you can style this look with pieces pulled straight from your fall capsule wardrobe. First, start with the obvious – the leopard print sweater. Next, choose bottoms that you feel comfortable in – that could be dark-wash denim, leggings, or even leopard print jeans if you want to go all out.
As for your accessories, you don’t have to overthink them. Think a pair of black boots, a black tote (perfect for holding candy if you’re accompanying any trick-or-treaters around the neighborhood), and of course, the most important part, black cat ears. This is a costume you’ll spend less than $10 on!
Want to add a little makeup? You can always draw on whiskers with dark eyeliner!
2. The Wild West
denim shirt | mini skirt | boots | saddle bag | bandana | belt | hat
If you’re looking for easy costume inspiration, check out current popular aesthetics for a look that allows you to repurpose any trendy pieces you’ve purchased this year. The Western chic look has been big over the past few seasons, and it’s the perfect aesthetic to lean into for a no-fuss costume idea.
Channel your inner cowgirl with an all-denim look. Pair a dark chambray shirt with a denim mini skirt, or jeans if you’d prefer. Don’t have a chambray shirt? Try layering a denim jacket over a white t-shirt, instead.
Next, add suede accessories to really drive your look home. A saddle bag from Madewell is aptly named and a staple piece you could wear again and again. Pair that with a suede belt with a matching gold buckle.
Every cowgirl knows how important a good pair of boots is, and they’ll help tie your ensemble together, along with a matching black cowboy hat. Round out your costume with a patterned bandana that you can tie around your neck, in your hair, or around your bag handle.
3. Luxe Ladybug
black pants | sweater | flats | headband | t-shirt | lipstick
This ladybug wears merino wool! (Or whatever red, black, and white polka dots you have in your closet). When it comes to last-minute Halloween costume ideas, this look is easy enough to style with clothes from your own wardrobe, as long as you have a polka dot piece in one of these three colors. Next, add red, white, and red accents to pull your look together. If you have a red and white polka dot piece, start with black clothing to incorporate all three colors.
Finish your look with a pair of black ballet flats and a playful antenna headband. This look is also office-friendly, or perfect for a volunteer if you’re handing out candy at an event!
4. Rosie the Riveter
denim shirt | boots | jeans | socks | lipstick | bandana | earrings
Love dressing up as a strong female role model? Rosie the Riveter is an obvious choice, especially if you love vintage-inspired costumes. Rosie was a cultural icon from World War II who was meant to symbolize the women who worked in the factories and shipyards during the war.
To get Rosie’s look from the iconic visual campaign, go for an all-denim look. You could wear overalls, a jumpsuit, or a denim-on-denim look with a dark chambray shirt and dark-wash jeans in a similar shade.
Next, you’ll want a pair of sturdy boots – lace-up Doc Martens are a great choice. Then, add your red accents. Go for a red lip, hair bandana, and socks. Finish your look with a pair of pearls to symbolize a bit of femininity!
5. Chic Catcher
black pants | mitt | sneakers | t-shirt | baseball cap
Take to the outfield in this chic (and easy) costume with clothes you already have. First, start with a classic baseball tee – and if you don’t have one, you can use a regular t-shirt instead. Next, pair it with black pants or leggings. This costume is perfect if you prioritize comfort on Halloween!
Your accessories will make this costume. Add a pair of sneakers or cleats, if you have them. Then, make sure you’re wearing a baseball cap! Even better if it reps your favorite team. Finally, add a catcher’s mitt to really pull your outfit together.
6. Dotted Dalmation
skirt | turtleneck | flats | bag | ears
Speaking of using trends to your advantage for easy Halloween costumes, let’s talk about polka dots again! This classic pattern has certainly had its time in the spotlight this year, and you can repurpose it for a simple Halloween outfit.
First, reach for your favorite polka dot piece – if you have one in white with black spots, that’s even better! A skirt or a dress is perfect. On top, add a black piece for contrast, like a classic turtleneck. This will also help keep you warm in a chilly climate.
Finish your look with a pair of Dalmation ears from Amazon, and a pop of red in the form of a slouchy shoulder bag. You can also add makeup if you’d like for bonus points!
7. Haute Hippie
jeans | top | boots | bag | necklace | sunglasses | earrings
Try this groovy get-up if you’ve loved the seventies-inspired pieces that have taken the trend cycle by storm this year! Lace, flowy white blouses, suede accents, flared jeans… these pieces all had their moment to shine in the ’60s and ’70s, and made their way back around in the past year. You can use all of these pieces to put together a haute hippie look!
First, start with a dramatic blouse – bell sleeves, frills, or lace will help you get the vibe. Next, reach for a pair of flared or boot-cut jeans to give you a look reminiscent of bell-bottoms. Then, go for suede accents. Suede ankle boots and a fringed bag are ideal! Finish your costume with gold round sunglasses, gold hoop earrings, and a gold pendant necklace – another trendy piece that’s been everywhere lately. A final touch you can always add? Wearing a bandana as a headband.
8. Where’s Waldo?
striped t-shirt | jeans | sneakers | beanie | glasses | bag | lipstick
When in doubt, “Where’s Waldo” will always be there for you to emulate on Halloween! We’re always talking about how Parisians love classic striped pieces, and Waldo just so happens to love them too. A red and white shirt is the most important part of creating this costume.
The other two important accessories you’ll want to make sure you have? A pair of black, round glasses and a red or white beanie. Then, for the rest of your look, you can go for comfort pieces. Classic denim or leggings will work on the bottom, paired with comfy white sneakers. Add a crossbody bag and you’re good to go!
9. Posh Paddington
leggings | raincoat | boots | socks | bag | bucket hat
Paddington Bear has been on my mind since returning from a trip to England, and the charming British mascot is the perfect inspiration for a nostalgic, sweet costume inspired by the popular character and movies you can watch on Netflix.
First, you’ll need Paddington’s classic blue coat. It could be a raincoat, a toggle coat, or any variation in navy or blue. Next, go for a pair of yellow or red boots – these Hunter ones are so cute you’ll most definitely be wearing them again and again. On top, reach for a classic red bucket hat. You can tie the red back into your look with a red t-shirt or long-sleeve shirt under your raincoat to beat the chill.
Add a yellow accent with your tote bag, and bring a teddy along if you want to instantly be recognized!
10. Pirate Princess
vest | shirt | leggings | boots | sash | hat | earrings | necklace
Channel your inner Elizabeth Swan from the Pirates of the Caribbean Disney movies and take your rightful place as queen of the seas in this pirate-inspired look (no tiara needed). It’s as comfortable as it is cost-saving when it comes to last-minute costumes!
First, go for a classic pair of black leggings. On top, reach for that flowy white dress shirt you’ve been wearing all summer, layered under another warm-weather classic – a black vest top. You could also style a white dress or long white skirt for this look as well!
Next, accessorize with a fall favorite – knee-high leather boots. Then, add your gold jewelry – hoops and a compass pendant necklace are perfect. Finish your look with your pirate-approved accents – a red sash or silk scarf tied around your waist, and a pirate hat.
Making the Most of What You Have
We’re all about capsule wardrobes here at MCO, and it turns out having one can even help you plan out your Halloween costumes! The majority of these costumes can be created with staple pieces that you might already own, or have some variation of in your wardrobe. Save time, money, and stress this year by creating one of these costumes at home.
Speaking of capsule wardrobes, are you working on your fall version? Up Next: The Best French Capsule Wardrobe for a Classic Fall and Winter (With 40 Outfit Ideas)
