Easy Last-Minute DIY Halloween Costumes for 2025
Sometimes Halloween sneaks up on the best of us. You know it’s pumpkin season, but somehow you just assume you’ll have more than enough time to get your costume together.
Or worse, you had decided to stay indoors but changed your mind at the last minute, and suddenly you need something that looks great and doesn’t scream that you forgot it’s Halloween.
Don’t panic. I’ve got you. You don’t need to spend a fortune or spend hours sewing something elaborate.
These last-minute DIY Halloween costumes are quick, recognizable, and can be pulled together with pieces you probably already own( or you can borrow from a friend)
Basically, they are super low-key, stress-free, and most importantly, still fun and spooky.
Here are 19 easy DIY Halloween costumes that’ll save you when you’re short on time.
Plus a freebie with an extensive Halloween Bucket List with over 66 spooky and fun things to do this Halloween. Grab the freebie down below.
19 DIY Last-Minute Halloween Costumes
1. Rosie the Riveter
This one’s a classic for a reason. It’s strong, iconic, and ridiculously easy to pull off.
All you need are jeans and a denim button-down. You probably already own both of these. The only “costume” item you need is a red bandana( or even a red scarf tied around your head).
Simply tie the red bandana around your head, swipe on some red lipstick, and boom you’re instantly recognizable.
Include the “we can do it” pose, and you are good to go.
2. Wednesday Addams
Netflix recently released season two. And it was great. This means Wednesday Addams is bound to be a very popular choice this Halloween.
The best part? It is a simple last-minute costume that you can easily DIY. If you’ve got a black dress hiding in your closet, you’re halfway there.
Layer it over a collared shirt ( white works best), braid your hair into two neat pigtails, and wear your best “unimpressed” expression.
This is a spooky and seasonal perfection that doesn’t look like you tried too hard or barely tried. It is just perfect.
3. Black Cat
When in doubt or not prepared, go as a black cat. Everyone knows it, and everyone has black leggings and a top at the ready. You just need an all-black outfit which is about as easy as it gets.
The fun part is in the details, a quick swipe of eyeliner whiskers, a little cat nose, and some DIY ears ( even paper triangles taped to a headband works great).
Or you can get some black cat ears and a matching tail for super cheap to pull the whole look together.
4. Athlete
This one might be the easiest of them all. If you’ve ever been to a game, you already have half this costume ready. Grab your favorite team jersey, pull your hair into a ponytail, and slip some sneakers on.
If you’re feeling extra, carry a basketball, football, or even a water bottle to sell that “athlete” vibe.
This is casual enough that you’ll feel like yourself, but still a little festive, so no one can accuse you of skipping the Halloween spirit.
5. 80s Throwback
Nothing screams “fun costume” like digging out the loudest, brightest things in your closet. Think neon, oversized sweatshirts, scrunchies, and leggings. Tease your hair a little for that big ‘80s volume, and you’re good to go.
The best part? This is a super comfy costume, meaning you’ll be able to dance all night long, and that’s the whole point of Halloween parties, right?
6. Classic Witch
A witch costume is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you need a costume fast. You can roll your eyes all you want, but there’s a reason this is a Halloween classic. Sometimes, the old standbys are the best.
A witch costume takes almost no effort. To pull it together, simply grab your little black dress or all black outfit, add a dark lipstick, and grab a broom. If you have a pointy hat tucked away from years ago, amazing. If not, a wide-brimmed hat works just as well.
7. Ghost
This can be as simple or as complicated as you like. A flowy white dress and pale makeup can give you a haunted look and will kill at any party.
If you’re trying to keep it as simple as possible, go with a white bedsheet or linen blanket and snip out the eye holes.
This simple idea can take five minutes flat to create and will make for super hilarious photos on your IG feed.
Related: Halloween Costume Ideas for Women That Never Go Out of Style(And Are So 2025)
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8. Cow Girl
If you’ve got jeans and a plaid shirt, you’ve already got most of this costume ready. Just add a pair of boots and top it off with a cowboy hat( borrow one if you don’t have one).
The beauty of this costume is that it is casual enough to be comfortable but still super playful. Yeehaw indeed.
You can always add a bandana around your neck, and a belt with a big buckle if you have one.
9. Scarecrow
This is another simple last-minute Halloween DIY costume. Start with a flannel shirt, some overalls or jeans, and slip on a straw hat. Finish off with a bit of eyeliner to draw “stitched” lines around your mouth and cheeks to give that homemade scarecrow vibe.
This is a super cute, seasonal, and practically made from closet staples.
10. Mummy
Nothing says classic Halloween quite like a mummy. The easiest way? Grab a roll of toilet paper or strips of white fabric or bandages and start wrapping.
You don’t have to cover yourself completely, just enough to give the effect.
Remember, don’t be afraid of the mess. Messy actually makes it better. But I’d suggest the bandages rather than the tissue. A lot easier to wrap.
Tip: This one is fun if you’ve got kids or roommates willing to help wrap if you’re in a hurry.
11. Vampire
A vampire costume is another classic Halloween costume that is easy to assemble from everyday clothes.
You probably have a formal black outfit hiding in your closet that you can wear as the base of your outfit. Yes, slip into those black clothes, slick your hair back, and add a little dark lipstick and eyeliner for some intensity. If you have a cape, throw it on for an extra flair.
A quick pair of fake fangs that are cheaply available at your local store takes it up a notch, and you have a simple but great vampire costume on hand.
12. Bookworm/Nerd
Another simple Halloween look you can put together without trying. All you need is a button-up shirt, glasses ( real or fake), and maybe a cardigan.
To finish the look, carry a stack of books under your arm, or tape the bridge of your glasses for that old-school “nerd” vibe. You can add suspenders if you really want to up your game.
13. Tourist
This is the ideal costume for anyone who really doesn’t want to think too hard about Halloween costumes. Dig out the loudest shirt you own, preferably Hawaiian prints, pair it with shorts or khakis, then sling on a fanny pack or camera.
Add some sunglasses and maybe a map or guidebook as a prop, and you have a silly but comfy Halloween that is super simple to put together.
14. Barbie
Thanks to the recent Barbie movie. Barbie is still going strong and is bound to be popular this year.
The best part? Barbie can be anything. Toss on a hot pink outfit, add a little sparkle, and maybe a pair of oversized sunglasses, and you have a great Halloween costume.
If you feel like going the extra mile and being super specific, you can use props such as rollerblades, a toy stethoscope, or even a cute clutch.
This is an easy, playful Halloween costume that is totally on trend.
15. Skeleton
This is as simple as black-on-black. If you’ve got a skeleton print tee, that’s great. If not, grab some white tape or cut paper “bones” and stick them to your black outfit. For makeup, you can either go full face-paint for a skeletal look or merely smudge dark eyeshadow around your eyes and cheeks for that hallowed look.
16. Devil
If you’ve got black or red in your closet, you can make this work in five minutes.
Add red lipstick and dark eyeliner, and grab a cheap pair of devil horns from the store if you can swing them.
17. School Girl
Another super quick last-minute Halloween costume to DIY. You only need a pleated skirt, a button-up shirt, and knee socks.
Add a cardigan or tie for that extra polish if you’re feeling up to it.
If you already have the basics, this is one of the easiest Halloween costumes you can try. And yes, it can be done to be cute rather than cliche if done right.
18. Rave Girl
Pull out your brightest and flashiest pieces yet, you know, neon, metallics, or sequins. You can do a pair of colorful leggings and a crop top.
Add some bold makeup (glitter is always a win on a rave girl) and maybe a glow stick.
It is high energy, fun, Halloween-party appropriate, and doesn’t take much planning to make it happen.
19. Greek Goddess
Drape a white dress, or even a sheet tied artfully with a belt, add gold jewelry, and twist your hair into braids or a bun.
If you have a gold headband or leaf crown, that’s even better.
And as a bonus, this one always looks elegant, even if it took you 10 minutes to put together. No one will ever know.
Wrapping it Up ON DIY, Last-Minute Halloween Costumes
See? No stress, no frantic Amazon overnight orders, no spending 70 dollars on a flimsy costume you’ll never wear again.
Every single one of these last-minute DIY Halloween costumes can be thrown together quickly with stuff you already own or can borrow, or worst-case scenario, a cheap accessory you can purchase.
Looking for interesting things to do this Halloween? Grab our FREE Halloween Bucket List printable with over 66 fun and spooky things to do. Plus a free blank one to make it your own.
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