30 ways to DIY your Halloween costume without spending a dime
Gather your friends, raid your wardrobes, and get ready for a spooktacular Halloween without breaking the bank!
As Halloween approaches, it’s easy to lose track of time and find yourself scrambling for a last-minute costume. Instead of panicking or rushing to the store, look around your home for inspiration!
Halloween is the perfect time to unleash your creativity and have fun with costumes, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune. With a little imagination and some items you likely already have in your closet, you can create unique and memorable DIY costumes that stand out.
So gather your friends, raid your wardrobes, and get ready for a spooktacular Halloween without breaking the bank!
1. Tetris
Collect a bunch of cardboard boxes and cut them into Tetris shapes.
Paint and assemble them on a large cardboard backing, then attach some string or yarn to wear your Tetris masterpiece around your neck—retro gaming brought to life!
2. Cereal killer
Turn a box of cereal and a (fake) knife or butter knife into a punny "cereal killer" costume!
Bonus: you’ve got a snack on hand all night long.
3. Employee
Repurpose an old work uniform from a coffee shop, restaurant, or any past job for a simple costume from your closet.
Make sure to brush up on your barista lingo for the night!
4. Athlete
Dig out your old sports gear and go as an athlete for the night.
If you’ve been holding onto golf gear you haven’t used in ages, here is your excuse for those clubs to see the light of day.
5. Leftovers
Wrap yourself in aluminum foil. Boom: leftovers.
6. Baked potato
Similar to the above, but this time wear a tan trench coat and wrap foil just around your head. Easy and delicious.
7. QR code
Dress in something comfy and tape a printed QR code to your outfit that links to a costume you would have worn.
It's a clever and tech-savvy twist that keeps people guessing—and scanning!
8. Formal apology
Put on your fanciest outfit and carry a sign that says, "I'm sorry"—voilà, you're a formal apology!
9. Ceiling fan
Slap on any sports jersey, a #1 foam finger if you have it, and a sign that says “Go Ceiling!” Presto, you’re a ceiling fan.
10. Versatile vampire teeth
With a single set of vampire teeth, you can transform your look effortlessly: wear PJs for a Vampire Slumber Party, a polo shirt for a preppy vampire vibe, a suit for a corporate twist, or roller skates for a Vampire Derby.
Add bunny ears for a fun Bunnicula nod—it's a costume that keeps on giving!
11. Error costume
Sport a plain white shirt with the message "Error 404 - Costume Not Found" for a simple yet humorous costume.
12. Brawny man
Put on a red flannel shirt and carry a paper towel roll, and you'll transform into the iconic Brawny Man!
13. Fruit
Take an old shirt destined for the thrift store and use any paint or markers you have on hand to transform it into your favorite fruit! Strawberry, watermelon, kiwi, grapes, the possibilities are endless!
14. Egg
Put on a white shirt and attach a circle of yellow construction paper to create a sunny-side-up egg costume.
For an extra dash of fun, add devil horns to transform into a "deviled egg."
15. Bachelor contestants
Gather your friends for a fun group costume as Bachelor contestants!
Slip into your best suits and dresses and carry red roses, embracing the charm and drama of the show.
16. Paddington Bear
Throw on a blue coat and a red bucket hat, and just like that, you’re Paddington Bear.
Don’t forget to carry around a jar of marmalade in your pocket!
17. Hiker
Dress in your favorite hiking gear and throw on some boots for an easy hiker costume.
Complete the look with a backpack and hiking poles, and you're ready to hit the trails, even if it’s just around the backyard!
18. Pajama party
Slip into your coziest PJ sets, fuzzy robes, and slippers, and don’t forget the messy hair and maybe even a retainer for added authenticity.
A comfortable costume choice that lets you relax and jump straight into bed when the festivities end!
19. Tourist
Put on your favorite tourist shirt, wear a hat or visor, and grab some sunglasses for an easy tourist costume.
Add a camera or your iPhone for the perfect touch, and you'll be ready to explore—and don’t forget to ask for directions!
20. In disguise
Wear a long coat, put on sunglasses, and top it off with a fedora.
If anyone asks what you are, simply respond, “I’m in disguise”—it's a fun and playful costume that keeps everyone guessing!
21. Freaky Friday
Channel the spirit of "Freaky Friday" by swapping outfits with your significant other or best friend!
It's a fun and quirky costume idea that lets you step into each other's shoes for the night.
Use each other’s hobbies to seal the deal!
22. Identify thief
Collect a bunch of name-tag stickers and write random names—or the names of friends who will be at the party—and stick them all over yourself.
Now you’re an identity thief, with a clever twist that’s sure to get some laughs!
23. Dad on vacation
Embrace the ultimate "Dad on Vacation" look with white socks and sandals, light-washed jorts, and a fanny pack.
Pair it with a Hawaiian shirt and a wide-brimmed hat, and don’t forget to add zinc sunscreen on your nose for that perfect finishing touch.
24. FBI
Tape "FBI" to a black jacket, and complete the look with sunglasses and an earpiece if you have one.
It’s a simple yet iconic costume that will make you feel like you’re part of an elite team!
25. Scarecrow
Throw on a flannel shirt and overalls for a classic scarecrow look, and add face paint if you have it for extra flair.
26. Boss baby
For a quick and easy "Boss Baby" costume, just grab a pacifier and wear a suit.
This playful costume is a clever take on the iconic character that’s sure to bring some laughs!
27. Minion
This costume is perfect for parents!
Wear a yellow shirt paired with overalls or a denim skirt, and you'll be a delightful Minion ready to spread some cheer!
28. Work of art
If you're up for carrying an empty frame around all night, hold it up to your head, and you’ll instantly become a work of art!
29. Mixed greens
If green is your color, dress head to toe in various shades of green and you’ll be a delightful representation of mixed greens.
30. Party animal
Sport your favorite animal print and style it up for a night out to transform into a "Party Animal!"
So tap into your creativity this Halloween!
Embrace the spirit of DIY, enjoy the process of putting your costume together, and have fun celebrating with friends and family.
Whether you opt for a classic look like a scarecrow or something more whimsical like a "Work of Art," the possibilities are endless.
Tracy McCubbin is the founder of dClutterfly, one of America’s top decluttering companies. Tracy looks at the root of our clutter to find the real cause and ways to find real solutions.