October is finally upon us, ghoulfriends — so let’s eat, drink, and be scary. If you’re strapped for cash and short on time, have no fear. These DIY Halloween costumes are all thrills (and no frills).
11 DIY Halloween Costumes Any Basic Witch Can Make
1. Modern Medusa
It’s totally safe to gaze upon this version of Medusa, which is great considering this costume is sure to turn heads.
What You’ll Need:
- A white dress or white fabric for a makeshift toga
- Rubber toy snakes
- Bobby pins
- Gladiator sandals and gold jewelry (optional)
Make several messy braids throughout your hair, and then pin them to your head to create a plaited updo. Next, weave the rubber snakes through the braids, securing them to your head with bobby pins.
Slip into a flowy Grecian-inspired dress and complete the look with gladiator sandals (although if your dress is long enough, the footwear won’t even show). Add some optional snake jewelry and cuff bracelets for a glamorous finishing touch.
Source: The Joy of Fashion
2. Majestic Mermaid
Speaking of mythical creatures, who doesn’t want to be a mermaid? Sure, you can spend $100+ on a sparkling Ariel costume — or you could dive right in and make one yourself.
What You’ll Need:
- Green sequin fabric
- Safety pins
- A corset (a plain t-shirt or tank top can also work)
- Decorative seashells
- Hot glue gun
- Hot glue sticks
The most time-consuming part of this costume is hot-gluing seashells all over your top of choice. This is definitely the prettiest way to create the look, but you can also take the lazy girl’s route and iron, stencil, or paint seashells onto a plain white t-shirt instead.
For the skirt, buy some green glitter fabric at your local department store. Wrap it around your waist, secure it with safety pins (because who has time to sew?), and let the excess fabric gather in the back to mimic a fishtail.
Source: The Joy of Fashion
3. Bandits on the Run
A black-and-white striped shirt is a wardrobe essential, and it can come in especially handy when you’re looking for a costume that’s a real steal.
What You’ll Need:
- A black-and-white striped shirt
- Black gloves
- A black mask
- A canvas bag
- A black marker
Paint or stencil a dollar sign onto a canvas bag, add some cold-weather accessories with your striped shirt, and cover up your face with a black eye mask.
Just don’t walk into any business establishments.
Source: Say Yes
4. Sweet Scarecrow
If you’re obsessed with fall fashion like we are, it only makes sense to include your favorite seasonal styles in your Halloween get-up.
What You’ll Need:
- A plaid shirt
- A floppy hat
- Artificial flowers
- Black eyeliner
- Orange eyeshadow
Wear a plaid shirt with leggings or a pair of jeans, and then top things off with a floppy hat. Use eyeliner and orange eyeshadow to create a face full of stitches, and carry around a few artificial sunflowers if you’re so inclined.
Source: The Joy of Fashion
5. Crazy-Comfy Cat Lady
Skimpy Halloween costumes have their place, but I’ll take a comfortable alternative any day. That’s why this DIY is so perfect. You’re literally wearing a robe and fuzzy slippers, plus you can curl your hair for work the next day (#multitasking).
What You’ll Need:
- A robe
- Stuffed cats
- Safety pins
- Hair curlers
- Eyeglasses (optional)
Pin or stitch a bunch of stuffed cats onto an old robe, wrap your hair up with big foam rollers, and show off your cat-itude.
Source: Crafty Morning
6. Little Bo Sheep
Speaking of cozy costumes, this sheep outfit is sure to keep you warm on the chilliest October evening.
What You’ll Need:
- An old dress
- Cotton balls
- Hot glue gun
- Hot glue sticks
- A beanie cap
- Pink felt
- Black felt
- Scissors
- A needle and thread
You’ll need an old dress that you no longer wear anymore and a lot of patience, because you’re going to hot-glue cotton balls all over it. Seriously, all over. Front and back. Top to bottom.
For the hat, cut some black and pink felt sheets into ears. Sew the ends together to give them a pinched, more rounded appearance. Next, sew the ears onto a white beanie cap. Cover the cap with more cotton balls, and you’re ready for some boos and baas.
Source: The Joy of Fashion
7. Madame Fortune Teller
If you’re a fan of boho-chic style, then this DIY project will suit you to a T.
What You’ll Need:
- A long dress
- Lots and lots of costume jewelry
- A turban
- Tarot cards
Gather up your favorite bohemian threads and accessories (or thrift a flowy dress and costume jewelry if you’re starting from scratch). Add a turban, rim your eyes in black liner, and carry around a bunch of tarot cards or a crystal ball.
Source: Madame de Rosa
8. Magic Act
Old wire hanger? Check. White clothes? Check. White taffeta fabric? Okay, you may have to buy that. But that’s literally all you need to create this adorable half of a couple’s costume.
What You’ll Need:
- A wire hanger (or 18 gauge wire)
- White or off-white clothes
- White taffeta fabric
- A needle and thread
- A man with a top hat
Cut two panels of taffeta fabric into long ear shapes, sew the cutouts together, and leave a small opening where you can insert the wire.
Shape the ears to your liking, and ask your man to don his best suit. Buy a top hat for a prop, and you’re ready for some tricks and treats.
Source: Say Yes
9. Daenerys Targaryen
Mother of Dragons. Breaker of Chains. Winner of Halloween costume contests. #Bendtheknee.
What You’ll Need:
- A plain t-shirt
- Alphabet stencils
- A fabric marker or fabric paint
- Kids (or pets!)
- Jon Snow (optional)
Okay, so you may have to buy your kiddos or doggies some dragon costumes, but all you need to accompany them trick-or-treating is a plain t-shirt that reads “Mother of Dragons.”
Source: Bel and Beau
10. The Princess Bride
Fellow thrifters, this is for you. If you’re obsessed with The Princess Bride (and honestly, who isn’t?) then you’ll be pleased to know that dressing like lovelorn Princess Buttercup only requires a few items. Almost inconceivable.
What You’ll Need:
- A long, red dress
- A gold belt
- A long blonde wig
- Your Westley
Buy or borrow a long red dress, add a gold belt at the waist, and dress your man like a swashbuckling ninja, AKA the Dread Pirate Roberts. (Just remind him that the costume includes a sword to get him to do “as you wish.”)
Source: Say Yes
11. Ghostbusters
Who you gonna call? All your favorite gals, that’s who.
What You’ll Need:
- Khaki jumpsuits (or khaki shirts and pants)
- Backpacks
- Orange electrical tape or duct tape
- Gloves
- Boots
- Toy guns
- Black spray paint
- Some Ghostbusters logos
Strategically wrap orange tape around some khaki jumpsuits or khaki separates, and then accessorize the look with gloves, boots, and black spray-painted water guns. Last but not least, print out a few Ghostbusters logos for the sleeves.
#Squadghouls
Source: Popsugar
Are you making your own Halloween costume this year? Let us know all the details in the comments section below!