67 Quick Halloween Costumes
Halloween is an open invitation to be anyone or anything. While the endless possibilities are all part of the holiday's fun, they can make it difficult to decide on a costume — especially since this official moment to play pretend only happens once a year.
Since time is of the essence, we've rounded up a bunch of quick Halloween costumes that you can put together with items you already have at home (like that massive pile of boxes from your Amazon Prime Day orders).
But just because you waited until the last minute doesn't mean you have to settle for something — we hate to say it — boring. Although this list includes a few classic looks for kids and adults, most of these homemade costume ideas will let your creativity, humor and passions shine without breaking the bank. You heard that right: All of these easy DIYs, ranging from punny to pop culture-inspired, are incredibly cheap to pull off!
It's up to you whether you fly solo, pair up with your best friend or convince your entire family to dress in a coordinating costumes. Either way, all of these costumes for guys, girls, couples and groups are sure to be a hit — and perhaps, take home the top prize at your upcoming Halloween party.
The sun'll come out ... on Halloween! Annie — the curly-haired cutie and the movie by the same name — stole our hearts all those years ago, but remains a favorite among kids (and parents) today.
See more at Sweet Caroline Designs.
Go back to the good 'ol days when your biggest concern was taking care of your Tamagotchi — and not living, breathing humans.
Get the tutorial at Brite & Bubbly.
Since you are what you eat, you might as well convince two of your friends to help you round out this tasty trio.
Get the tutorial at The Pretty Life Girls.
Give handmade butterfly wings the space to shine by dressing your kid in head-to-toe black.
Get the tutorial at Tell Love and Party.
Celebrate the life and legacy of Her Majesty with a costume that captures her iconic style, complete with sparkly jewels and her beloved sidekicks.
See more at Sweet Caroline Designs.
Your fall uniform, but with a witchy twist. Grab your broomstick and fly to your local Starbucks to pick up a PSL (or another Halloween drink) before the festivities begin.
Get the tutorial at Hello Ruby Doodle.
Your little one is as sweet as sugar, and now they can dress the part. Stick with classic cotton candy hues like baby blue or pastel pink.
Get the tutorial at The Pretty Life Girls.
If you've got waffles in the freezer, you're well on your way to dressing up as Eleven and the other "Stranger Things" kids this Halloween.
Get the tutorial at Keiko Lynn.
Stephen King's "Carrie" still goes down as one of the scariest horror movies of all time. That said, show up to your Halloween party wearing this costume to freak everyone out.
Get the tutorial at Living After Midnite.
It's raining men, hallelujah! This clever costume is incredibly easy to make. The hardest part is deciding exactly which of your favorite men make the cut.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
Whether you've got something to say or are just all about the boo's (witch's brew, anyone?), then make this costume to say exactly what's on your mind.
Get the tutorial at Club Crafted.
A perennial Halloween favorite, dressing as a witch is a no-brainer for kids and adults alike. All it takes is a black dress, pointy hat and you're good to go. Brew up some witches' cauldron punch and it's a party!
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.
The '40s and '50s inspired some iconic styles. This Halloween, throw on a retro dress (like this one worn by one of the Sun City Pinup Dolls) to go back in time.
Finally, a way to put all those extra cardboard boxes to good use! Tape together a few boxes and decorate as you please. The result: the sweetest costume on the block and a cleaner garage.
Get the tutorial at Oh Yay Studio.
Gosh! Stuff your pockets with tots to really make this Napoleon Dynamite costume come to life.
Groovy, baby, groovy! Your lava lamp may be long gone, but Halloween is the perfect opportunity to bring it back. Go for a monochromatic look or mix colors for something totally psychedelic.
Get the tutorial at Aww Sam.
Mouseketeers, who? Have everyone in your family wear their Disney best, ranging from theme park attire to Mickey and Minnie costumes.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
A burglar mask and money bag take a classic cat costume to a whole new level. Convince a few friends to wear a similar look, so you can show up as a band of (cat) burglars.
Get the tutorial at Keiko Lynn.
Round up some cattle and head to the rodeo (OK, party) in these cowboy and cowgirl-inspired costumes. Or save your energy and lasso a few Halloween cocktails instead. Your call.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.
'90s kids, this one's for you. Is Furby a hamster? an owl? Who cares! It's so cute, and that's all that matters.
Get the tutorial at Club Crafted.
You go together like a burger and fries, so why not dress up as them? In case someone doesn't want to dress as food, they can always wear an In-N-Out uniform.
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed.
Cheap and easy, this burrito costume comes together faster than you can say, "salsa!" The guacamole, however, will cost you extra.
Get the tutorial at Aww Sam.
Here's one way to prove that you really love your family to the moon and back. Each person can dress as a key player in your outer space mission: the astronaut, rocket and solar system.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
Because you're "really, really, really, ridiculously good looking" and all. Add or subtract characters from the movie based on how big (or small) your Halloween squad is.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.
Your Halloween costume is calling and it's inside the house right now. Lucky for you, that means you've got everything you already need to go as Casey Becker.
Get the tutorial at Living After Midnite.
This one may look a little cheesy, but, honestly, it's a grate costume for Halloween. Get a few friends to join and call yourselves a charcuterie board.
Get the tutorial at Club Crafted.
Pair red-and-white striped shirts with matching beanies and you're sure to stand out from the crowd. Trust.
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed.
Thirsty for a last-minute Halloween costume? Look no further than this DIY juice box. If you're trying to figure out a group costume, have your friends dress in food costumes and go as a lunchbox!
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
There's something strange in the neighborhood — and no, it's not you and your besties dressed up as Ghostbusters. Capture all the ghosts at the party (there's bound to be a few) to show everyone that you mean business.
Get the tutorial at Living After Midnite or TF Diaries.
Whether it's tea for two or a solo serving, this cute costume is guaran-tead to be a hit.
Get the tutorial at Aww Sam.
Put a spell on practically everyone with this iconic witch costume. Luckily, it won't take 300 years to put together.
Get the tutorial at Living after Midnite or TF Diaries.
Pair any ol' yellow dress with a paper hat for a super sweet (yet tangy) result.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
Give an old cardboard box new life by covering it with a woven paper strips for a basket-like effect. Attach some balloons around the base, but save a few to tie in your hair. Don't worry, you won't fly away!
Get the tutorial at Aww Sam.
Check the tag on this Beanie Baby costume because it could be worth millions. Or at the very least, millions of well-deserved compliments.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
If video games are the way to your heart, convince your best friend or partner to dress up as your other half — quite literally.
Get the tutorial at Club Crafted.
Boogie right on down to the Halloween disco in this '70s-inspired costume. Dust off a pair of your old rollerskates, then go for an all-out glam look.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.
Whether you need a family, couples or group costume, this one will fit the bill. Dress up as Peter, the Darling children, Cap'n Hook or any one of the Lost Boys ... and you'll be flying straight to the awards podium.
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed.
If you've got balloons and a rubber ducky, then you have everything you need to make a splash on Halloween.
Get the tutorial at Giggles Galore.
Not to get all corny or anything, but everyone's eye's will pop when they see you all dressed up in this DIY popcorn costume.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
We just love punny Halloween costumes. This one, in particular, totally makes us crumble.
Get the tutorial at Aww Sam.
Bring the sunshine on Halloween, especially if the forecast calls for rain. Because, if you're lucky (well, if you plan correctly), a rainbow will appear.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
No one will be a fashion victim as long as they're dressed up as Cher or Amber from the classic '90s film. The best part: You probably already have everything you need at home.
Get the tutorial at Living After Midnite or TF Diaries.
Happy? Sad? ROFL-ing? You'll get all the feels wearing this costume, which is basically just a yellow sweater dotted with emoji cut-outs and a matching headband.
Get the tutorial at Merriment Design.
There's no doubt that you'll be wearing the, ahem, coolest costume this Halloween. Make yours look like a Firecracker or use random paint colors to turn it into a generic popsicle.
Get the tutorial at Oh Yay Studio.
Holly Golightly from "Breakfast at Tiffany's" never goes out of style. Dress up your basic LBD with pearls, black gloves and sleek shades.
Get the tutorial at Living After Midnite.
Turn this beloved children's toy into a quick Halloween costume. For a fun couples or best-friend costume, have the other half of your duo dress up as a piece of cake.
Get the tutorial at Club Crafted.
No coins needed to get a prize from this colorful gumball machine costume. Assorted ping pong balls are the key to achieving this sugary-sweet look.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
It's been nearly 100 years since the Jazz Age and we still can't get enough. Learning the Charleston is must if you plan to wear this getup for Halloween.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.
Find your Winifred and Sarah, and show up as the Sanderson sisters this Halloween. You're bound to put a spell on everyone!
Get the tutorial at Living After Midnite or TFDiaries.
When life gives you lemons, make a Halloween costume. This pun-filled costume is a cheery way to express your optimistic spirit.
Get the tutorial at Club Crafted.
Step inside your favorite arcade game. Great for families with young kids, whip up costumes to resemble Vanellope, Shank, Fix-It Felix and of course, Wreck-It Ralph.
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed.
Toy dolls with knives are super scary. And so is this Chucky Halloween costume.
Get the tutorial at Living After Midnite.
You can't go wrong going as everyone's favorite snack and drinking pairing this Halloween. To make it, grab some felt, milk bottles, a glue gun and other craft closet essentials.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
If you've got a mustache and glasses, then all you need is a "blessing" t-shirt and, voila, you're a blessing in disguise.
Get the tutorial at Club Crafted.
Go full-on Paul Bunyan this Halloween. Throw on your trusty flannel, grab an ax (carefully, of course) and you're out the door.
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed.
Summer has come and gone, but that doesn't mean you can't manifest sunnier days by wearing poolside attire. Throw in a few tropical drinks for good measure.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
This innovative costume has got us feeling all fizzy inside. Mostly because it's just so cute. If you're seriously short on time, this one may take a bit longer, but, trust us, it's worth it.
Get the tutorial at Oh Yay Studio.
Little gamers will get a thrill out of trick-or-treating in this Minecraft Villager head. Let the head make a statement by having them dress in all-black from head to toe.
Get the tutorial at Merriment Design.
Here she comes ... Miss Universe! Paint planets and stars on an old LBD or bridesmaid dress to make it worthy of the crown. If you're looking for a last-minute costume for guys, Mr. Universe works too.
Get the tutorial at Living After Midnite.
I scream, you scream, we all scream for this Halloween costume. Halloween outfit. All you need is cardstock, a red balloon and some additional cheap supplies to make this quick costume.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
Another cardboard box creation, perfect for LEGO enthusiasts! Spray-painted lids give this delightful yellow block its textured, Lego-like look.
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed.
Let this costume serve as a friendly reminder to sit back, relax and enjoy the party. Best of all: This one's so quick to make, all you need to do is cut out letters and ... done!
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
You'll be everyone's favorite grouch at the party wearing this giant chip on your shoulder. If you have a sheet of yellow construction paper at home, your costume is complete. Seriously.
Get the tutorial at Club Crafted.
Before you hit the stage (er, party), pull together a few folksy pieces — either straight from your closet or at a local thrift store — to really dress the part.
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed.
If you completely lost track of time and Halloween is approaching faster than the midnight hour, then this Cinderella and Prince Charming costume will do the trick.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
Expecting moms, attach a felt face to the bodice of an orange dress and let your bump do the talking this Halloween.
Get the tutorial at Aww Sam.
We're hopelessly devoted to this Sandy costume. Now, all you need is to convince your Danny or Frenchy (or both!) to tag along.
Get the tutorial at Living After Midnite.
Sarah Lemire is a lifestyle reporter at TODAY.com with more than a decade of experience writing across an array of channels including home, health, holidays, personal finance, shopping, food, fashion, travel and weddings. An avid traveler, foodie, helicopter parent and couch film critic, Sarah is originally from Minneapolis and has spent the last two decades unsuccessfully trying to figure out the difference between a hoagie and a sub.
Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle editor at TODAY.com, where she writes, edits and optimizes content in the lifestyle space. Previously, she covered home, holiday and gifts at Good Housekeeping.