If you’re reading this, you’ve probably waited a little too long to start looking for a Halloween costume… Or you’re just really indecisive. Either way, I’m glad you’re here! Today I’m going to give you some super quick DIY Halloween costume ideas and example outfits to go with them. All of these costumes can be built by thrift shopping, or going to look for specific items at any retail store. Some of the best places to look (if they’re in your area) are:
- Ross Dress For Less
- Gabriel Brother’s
- Goodwill/Salvation Army
- Plato’s Closet
- Twice As Nice
Really, you can go to any local thrift shop in your town and just look for similar items like the ones below. All you need to remember is that it’s not an exact costume that you’re trying to make. You’re just trying to capture the likeness of the character. I think that creating a likeness of the character out of everyday clothing makes the costume seem more realistic and unique.
Costume #1: Velma Dinkley
Creating an outfit like Velma’s is pretty simple and is perfect for a warm but still cute Halloween costume. A warm sweater and knee high socks – What could possibly be better than that?
What You Need:
- Oversize yellow or orange sweater
- Red pleated or circle skirt
- Thick rimmed glasses
- Yellow or orange over the knee socks
- Red mary jane style shoes (or just red flats)
- Optional items are a magnifying glass or a stuffed Scooby Doo
If you don’t have straight bangs you can buy a wig, or put your own touch on the costume by creating your own nerdy hairstyle.
Costume #2: Shaggy Rogers
If you’re going as Velma, why not get your man in costume too? Although there isn’t any romantic connection between the two in the cartoon, fans will often pair them up. Shaggy Rogers is one of the easiest costumes to recreate and can easily be altered to fit your personal taste.
What You Need:
- Green v-neck t-shirt
- Baggy brown pants (bonus points if you find cords!)
- Tan or brown loafers (Sanuk’s are great)
- Optional items are a box of Scooby Snacks or a stuffed Scooby Doo
See? Super simple. This is esspecially great if your boy isn’t big on dressing up for Halloween.
Costume #3: Princess Peach
Although her outfit may seem complex, you can create an obvious Princess Peach costume out of some simple pieces. Remember, these are likenesses of the characters and not the actual costume!
What You Need:
- Pink dress
- Light pink tights
- Gold crown or tiara
- Pink shoes (flats or heels)
- Big, round turquoise earrings and a pendant
- Optional items are a pink umbrella, Bowser plush, or any Super Mario inspired jewelry
If you have blonde hair, flip it out at the ends and you’re done! If you don’t have blonde hair, you could always be Daisy instead. Just do the same thing with yellow instead of pink and grab a Luigi plush instead of Bowser.
Costume #4: Marty McFly
Here’s another one for the guys. An easy outfit to make and surely recognizable, Marty McFly from Back to the Future is a great option for a warm but epic Halloween costume
What You Need:
- Light plaid shirt
- Denim shirt
- Red puffer vest
- Light wash skinny jeans
- White Nikes
- Optional items are a watch, sunglasses, and a Delorean (just kidding! But if you have one that’s pretty cool)
Costume #5: Minnie Mouse
This costume will surely be cute and easy to create. Minnie Mouse is a great last minute costume for girls that’s both fun and adorable.
What You Need:
- Red or pink and white polka dot dress
- Black tights
- Yellow mary jane style shoes
- Red or pink bow
- Micky Mouse ears
- Optional items are a mouse tail and a white petticoat
Polka dot dresses are pretty common and easy to find. You may have to go to a retail store like Forever 21 or Target to find one in a more modern style like the one pictured to the left.
Costume #6: Jesse Pinkman
With the end of the series, Breaking Bad is becoming one of the most talked about, controversial TV shows to date. This is another simple costume for guys that can be created out of some basic everyday clothes.
What You Need:
- Baggy hoodie
- Graphic heavy t-shirt
- Baggy Jeans
- Beanie hat
- Sneakers
- Respirator
Remember that the respirator is essential to make this costume work unless you look a lot like Jesse. Also make sure that all of your clothes are oversize and baggy. All of his outfits are coordinated by a single color, so look for things that go together.
Costume #7: Misty (Pokemon)
This one might leave you a little cold on Halloween night, but it’s easy and great for indoor parties. Misty’s outfit is so simple and can be recognized very quickly.
What You Need:
- Yellow tank top
- Denim shorts
- Red suspenders
- Red Chuck Taylors
- Optional items are a Pokeball or a stuffed Pokemon like Togepi or Mudkip
Costume #8: Clark Kent
This is probably the easiest costume to put together for a guy. Most guys probably already have a suit laying around, so all you need to get for this is a Superman t-shirt and put it underneath!
What You Need:
- Black well fitted suit
- Superman graphic tee
- Thick rimmed glasses
- Dress Shoes
- Fancy tie
Costume #9: Powerpuff Girls
This is a great option for any girl because you can adapt the costume to your current style very easily. If you have red hair, you’ll be Blossom, blonde is Bubbles, and black or brown hair would be Buttercup.
What You Need:
- Solid dress in green, pink or blue
- White tights
- Black waist belt
- Black flats
- Accessories are a red bow for Blossom, stuffed Octopus for Bubbles and an angry expression for Buttercup
If you have an awesome DIY Halloween costume that you made, let me know in the comments below. I’d love to see your creations and maybe make a post about them!
