One of my most memorable costumes as a kid was last-minute halloween costume. We totally DIY’ed it at the last minute. I don’t remember how old I was, only that it was Halloween day and I still didn’t have a costume.
My mom helped me make a Pocahontas outfit out of a paper grocery bag, complete with construction-paper feathers. I loved making the feathers best—and since we lived in a place with a lot of raccoons, that somehow made its way into the design too. I wish I had a photo, because I’m sure it was a look.
The Art of the Last-Minute Costume
Now that I’m the mom, I spend far more time on my kids’ costumes than my own. This year, though, we got lucky: they each found inexpensive outfits at a local consignment store. Even my pickiest kid found exactly what he wanted (a Link costume!)
Granted, it wasn’t exactly as he wanted… so he bought a plain wooden bow, and I painted it to look truer to character.
I actually thought about dressing as Elise from The Violin… I even found a thrift-store violin to paint as a prop! But it just never happened.
Maybe next year.
Quick and Easy Last-Minute Halloween Costumes
If you’re still searching for something festive to wear, don’t panic! Here are a few last-minute Halloween costume ideas that are low-cost, low-effort, and still look amazing:
- Jenny from “The Girl with the Green Ribbon.” Just tie a green ribbon around your neck (bonus points for a vintage-style dress). My version of this costume even went viral-for-me on Instagram—see it here.
- Skeleton. A bit of black eyeliner or face paint is all you need. Shade your cheekbones, hollow your eyes, and voilà—instant spooky classic.
- Post Malone. Use that same eyeliner to add a few facial “tattoos” and scruffy stubble. Easy, funny, and instantly recognizable.
- Wednesday Addams. Black dress, black tights, braided hair—done. Simple and always creepy-cute.
- Ouija Board. Grab a piece of cardboard, write out the alphabet and “YES/NO,” punch holes for string, and wear it like a sign. It’s clever, fast, and a little eerie.
- Rosie the Riveter. Denim shirt, red scarf or headband, winged eyeliner, and a confident pose. You can do it!
- Cat Lady. Wear a robe or comfy outfit and carry a few stuffed cats. Safety pin them to your clothes if you need hands free.
- Cereal Killer. Take an empty cereal box, add fake blood and maybe a toy knife. It’s punny, quick, and surprisingly crowd-pleasing.
Why Last-Minute Halloween Costumes Are Often the Best
You don’t need to spend a fortune at Spirit Halloween to be festive. Some of the best costumes come from improvising with what you already have—old clothes, forgotten makeup, or a bit of cardboard and creativity.
Necessity fuels imagination, and Halloween is the perfect time to prove it.
If you’re dressing up this year, I’d love to see what you come up with! Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram @odellahoweofficial.
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