Halloween always sneaks up on me. One minute I’m carving pumpkins and the next—it’s party time and I have no costume. Side note: I actually hate dressing up, but I used to work at a company where being a “non-participant” was basically a crime. So, crafty me would scramble something together last-minute… and you know what? I’ve actually won prizes for some of these DIY Halloween costume ideas. (See if you can guess which ones!)
Yep, all of these can be pulled together from things you already own (or your partner’s closet) with minimal effort. So, don’t decline that last minute invite to your friend’s Halloween House Party, let’s go!
DIY Halloween Costume Ideas You Can Make from Your Closet
1. Handyman
Head to the garage or your toolbox—this one’s easy:
- Work gloves
- Tool belt
- Hammer or tape measure
- Flannel shirt
- Jeans + basic t-shirt
Add a confident “I can fix it” stance and you’re golden.
2. Instacart Shopper
The simplest DIY Halloween costume idea ever:
- Grocery bags (bonus if they’re from your last delivery)
- Ball cap
- Polo shirt
- Jeans or khakis
Optional prop: a receipt sticking out of the bag for extra “realism.”
3. Jazzercize Instructor
Colorful = key. Bonus if you find a few pieces at the thrift store.
- Bright leggings
- Shorts layered over them
- Long scrunchy socks
- Tank top + cut-up sweatshirt (use the bottom hem as a headband)
- Small weights for flair
You’ll look ready to teach a class in 1987.
4. Instagram Influencer
Are we sick of them yet? Embrace the “ick” for this DIY Halloween costume idea you can make in minutes.
- Cute outfit (literally anything trendy)
- Big sunnies
- A sign that says “Shop the link in bio”
Bonus points for doing duck lips in every photo.
5. Old Grannie
Channel your inner 80-year-old queen:
- Loafers
- Loose pants
- Bright button-down
- Glasses
- Visor or scarf
- Long socks pulled high
Side note: when I did this one, I looked way too much like my dad.
6. Folk Singer
This DIY Halloween costume idea is all about layering.
- Flowy patterned dress
- Long cardigan
- Fuzzy vest
- Long necklace + dangly earrings
- Braided hair
Optional: carry a mic or guitar for that “coffeehouse concert” vibe.
7. Farmer
Thank your husband’s closet for this one.
- Overalls (Carhartt if you’ve got ‘em)
- Flannel
- Boots
- Gardening gloves or tools
Instant farmer chic.
8. 80s Mom
You might already own some of this thanks to the fashion cycle.
- High-waisted jeans
- Chunky belt
- Oversized glasses
- Teased hair
- Turtleneck, bright sweatshirt or blouse
Queue the laugh track—you’re sitcom ready.
9. 90s Grunge Band Groupie
One trip to your partner’s closet and you’re set for this DIY Halloween costume.
- Vintage band tee
- Flannel shirt
- Baggy, ripped jeans
- Dark lipstick
- Messy, “two-day-old” hair
Easiest costume for minimal effort + max attitude.
10. Amazon Package
The literal last-minute costume:
- Any delivery box
- Cut out the bottom + fit around your waist
- Secure with packing tape
- Add bubble wrap or packing paper inside
Done. You’re the package everyone’s waiting for.
Which DIY Halloween Costume Idea is Your Favorite?!
There you have it—10 last-minute DIY Halloween costume ideas you can throw together from your closet (or a quick raid of your partner’s). Perfect if you got invited to a party with zero prep time.
Tell me: which ones are your favorite? Which one would you actually wear? And most importantly… which of these do you think won me prizes? 👀
Happy Halloween, friends! 🎃