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cheap halloween costume ideas

50 Cheap Halloween Costumes That You Can Easily DIY

This is your time to shine, crafty folks.

By Lauren Adhav, Brooke Shunatona and Katherine J Igoe

Here's your annual reminder that whatever you wear on Halloween doesn't have to be super expensive, especially if you really channel your Halloween makeup skills and pick a super-current costume. (Insert caveat here: If you're one of those people who's been planning their costume since last October and who/s dropped a lot of money to get the *perfect* scary-day look, then just know I appreciate you. Also, I am very much not that person—I coordinate most of my costumes the day of.) If you’re still trying to figure out your costume before Halloween rolls around, there are so many clever, funny, and just flat-out genius ideas out there that don’t require a ton of work...or, more importantly, moolah. You can DIY outfits, be a savvy shopper for some good deals, or just get creative with clothes you already have in your closet.

We've got some current costumes if you want that fresh 2022 energy (I dare someone to dress up as modern-day Carrie Bradshaw in a nightgown), but you've also got your classic fairy and skeleton costumes in here too. As long as you have some makeup, basic craft supplies, and some extra time (OK, in some cases, maybe a ~lot~ of time), you can totally pull these Halloween costumes off. If you want to make an effort, but also save some serious cash, these ideas are evidence that an impressive look is easy to do by yourself or even with a group of friends as a group costume. Ahead, 50 cheap Halloween costume ideas to get you into the spirit.

1

Carrie Bradshaw 2.0

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There are some early sneak peeks from season 2, but if you wanna go with a costume that's recognizably And Just Like That, opt for something from season 1. You could always don a tulle skirt to channel Carrie's OG Sex and The City look, but the most lol-worthy moment from the sequel can come together in a snap: blue cardigan, long gingham dress, rubber gloves, and handkerchief around the face. You probably already have the big sunglasses, tbh.

2

Wednesday Addams

If you wanna grab a floral dress and sharp collared shirt to look specifically like Jenna Ortega here, have at it, but TBH you'd be just as fine with a black wig you can braid, an all-black dress, patent shoes, and a big ole scowl.

3

Amanda Seyfried as Elizabeth Holmes

You can always go in the all-black, red lipstick look that Holmes was known for. But if you wanna pull off a more subtle reference, pick one of the early college outfits Amanda's rocking in The Dropout (hello, '90s rust-colored sweater and striped Oxford!) and then practice randomly lowering your voice while you pitch your big "idea."

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4

Heathers

The ’80s classic starring Winona Ryder serves up so much fashion inspiration in the form of plaid blazers and jackets. You can easily recreate the high school clique movie with items you already own or cheap thrift store finds. Complete your jacket and skirt combo with knee-high socks and heels, and you too can be a Heather for the night. (Or—swipe through this gallery—you could go as Veronica in her, uh, less polished final form.)

5

Euphoria

This is more about the sparkly, OTT makeup, but a show-stopping outfit helps pull the whole thing together. You'll look like you came straight out of the popular HBO show—bonus points if you go to the edgier season 2 for inspo (I mean, any outfit from Cassie is instantly iconic).

6

Ash Ketchum from Pokémon

If you're the crafty type, you can make your own version of Ash's signature outfit in no time. Grab a pair of jean shorts, a red trucker hat, a green backpack, and, of course, a stuffed Pokémon. If you've got a pair of green socks, cut the toes to turn them into gloves, and paint/sew the front panels of a plain white short-sleeve button-down to make the shirt.

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7

A Fairy

You know those old dance costumes you have stuck in your closet, or maybe a lil prom dress from forever ago? Put one of those on and call yourself a fairy. Add wings and prosthetic pointy ears or headpieces to complete the look.

8

Ariel from The Little Mermaid

For the ultimate mermaid look, pair a green sequined skirt with a bandeau swimsuit top and a long red wig. If you want to go the whole nine yards, you can also get a purple bra and glue seashells on it for the full Ariel effect. Peep the Disney live-action trailer for all the inspo you need.

9

Captain Underpants

This costume might only consist of a pair of boxer briefs and a cape, but anyone who was a fan of Captain Underpants would get it right away. Don't have a red cape? Use a red blanket or towel instead.

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10

Anna Wintour

If you don't have a tea-length dress, anything tweed will work just fine for an Anna Wintour costume. Big sunglasses and a statement necklace are perfect accessories, but a blunt bob wig will really complete the look.

11

Sandy from Grease

An all-black 'fit with red shoes and lipstick makes this such an easy costume (and a lovely tribute to the late Olivia Newton-John). But curl your hair and don't forget about the leather jacket, of course.

12

A Goth

Wear all black everything (even lipstick) to pull off this costume. Statement jewelry, fishnet tights, and heavy eyeliner are key.

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13

Little Women

Cottagecore has been a trend for a few years now, so all you'll need for this is that nap or prairie dress you already have in your closet. Add a straw hat and lace-up shoes, and you'll look like you could pen a novel. This also works as a fun group costume too!

14

Little Red Riding Hood

Conversely, wear all red pleather and don a cape to seem like you came straight out of this classic tale. A picnic basket for grandma helps seal the deal.

15

Pamela Anderson in Barb Wire

Kendall Jenner wore this leather corset to become Pamela Anderson in the flick Barb Wire, and you can also recreate the cinematic costume with a bustier, fishnet tights, and gloves. (And a barbed wire temporary tattoo.)

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16

Beyonce in the "Single Ladies" Music Video

Yes, this music video is a throwback, but it's so recognizable! Grab a black leotard, ankle strap heels, and bust out your solid dance moves, obvi.

17

Edna Mode in Incredibles 2

Edna has so many iconic lines in The Incredibles movies, and her look is super simple to copy. The short black wig and big round glasses really sell it.

18

Chucky's Bride

A leather jacket, white dress, and white wig is all you need to pull this spooky costume off. Dark makeup is prob a good idea too.

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19

Minnie Mouse

Throw on some red-and-white polka dots, mouse ears, and yellow shoes to be this Disney character for Halloween. So easy!

20

The Olsen Twins

Got some denim overalls and a baseball cap? Great. You and your sister (or friend) can go as Mary-Kate and Ashley from their younger days. So cute!

Lettermark
Lauren Adhav
Associate Fashion Editor

I'm Cosmopolitan's Associate Fashion Editor and write about any and all trends, major celeb fashion moments, and why wide-leg jeans are basically the best. I originally moved to New York City to audition for RENT, only to find out that the play closed 10 years ago. 

Headshot of Brooke Shunatona

Brooke Shunatona is a contributing writer for Cosmopolitan.com.

Headshot of Katherine J Igoe
Contributor

Katherine J Igoe (she/her) was a contributing editor for Cosmopolitan and is a freelancer covering style, lifestyle, culture, and beauty (she's obsessed with gift guides, best-of movie lists, and beauty products). She's been a freelance writer and editor for over a decade, previously working for Marie Claire (2018 to 2021) and Bustle (2021), with bylines in the The New York Times, Parents magazine, and elsewhere. She lives in Boston with her family, and you can follow her on Instagram or Twitte. It's "I go to dinner," not "Her huge ego," but she responds to both.

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