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One minute you're on a pool float, and the next you're jamming to Halloween tunes, because the spookiest holiday of the year is just around the corner.
As you gear up for the big day, chances are you'll start to brainstorm outfit ideas. You may already have that costume planned out with your BFF or have the ultimate couples costume decided on, but more likely, you've put off planning to the very last minute. And you know how that goes: There's almost always that one theme party that creeps up on you.
So what do you do when you need an easy, last-minute Halloween costume, but don't want to spend all night fashioning one? There's a place to turn for ideas: Your closet. That's right—in many cases, you don't have to spend a single dollar to come up with a creative, homemade costume. Simply pull together your look by putting your normal clothes to work and combining a few things around the house, whether you're making something for yourself, your kid, or your teen. (Think: dust off that fancy black dress you never get to wear, pair it with some bewitching makeup and you'll be a sorceress in seconds). And, if you really need to, you can buy a few cheap baubles at your local craft or dollar store to complete those finishing touches. The best part about these (very) last-minute Halloween costume ideas? No one will ever know you procrastinated.
1
Jack-o-Lantern
It doesn't get much easier than a jack-o-lantern—all you need is an orange dress, a matching beret, and some felt.
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4
Holly Golightly
Channeling Holly Golightly is as easy as shopping your closet for your favorite little black dress, a beautiful necklace, black pumps, and a pair of sunnies. Two-day shipping will get you a tiara and a pair of black gloves.
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5
Men in Black
As long as you have a suit at your disposal, you'll be in business as a galaxy defender.
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6
Lobster
A lobster makes for a surprisingly chic costume. It's easy, too: Pin a bit of tulle to the bottom of a sleek red dress, then fashion a red oven mitt into a claw with a bit of paint and some tiny matching red pom-poms.
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7
Social Butterfly
You're sure to rack up the likes for this creative last-minute costume. Simply slip on your normal clothes and add some wings. Then, print some of your favorite social media icons and pin them onto your outfit.
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8
Vampire Costume
To transform yourself into a blood-thirsty vampire, pull out your nap dress, put on a full face of makeup, and pop in some fangs.
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10
Fall Costume
Can't resist all things pumpkin spice? Solidify your love for the fall season by dressing as it. How? Just wear your normal clothes—be sure to pick rich, autumn hues—then add a headband studded with changing leaves.
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11
Legends of the Hidden Temple
12
Velma From Scooby Doo
Shop your closet for a cozy sweater and a flowy skirt. Add striped knee socks and your canine companion for maximum effect.
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13
Sandy from Grease
If you can't resist a little "Grease Lightening," this Sandy costume is classic—and will put a little sass in your step.
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14
Miss Universe
Go literal with this one. Cover a blue skirt with a replica of the galaxy, then add the usual beauty queen accessories—a tiara, a sash, and a bouquet of flowers.
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15
Mary Poppins
Get in the spirit for this year's Disney remake by dressing up like the beloved British nanny.
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16
Beetlejuice
Slip on a black and white striped T-shirt, then go heavy on the makeup and the temporary hair dye. For a great couples costume, have your partner go as Lydia.
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17
Hungry Hungry Hippos
For a fun family costume or mommy and me option, nod to a beloved classic game. Simply pin pom-poms onto a solid outfit and add a few felt accessories to a matching baseball cap.
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18
Dwight from The Office
If you're a The Office fan this easy, quirky costume channeling the eccentric Dunder Mifflin salesman will make your Halloween.
Catch more creative costumes @kanstelar >>
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19
Tough Cookie
Pair your favorite athleisure with boxing gloves and a homemade cookie headband. All you need for the simple craft is a little cardstock and glue.
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20
Mime
Want to wear your normal clothes? Pull out a striped shirt and black bottoms, then add a beret, white gloves, and a touch of makeup.
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McKenzie Jean-Philippe
Editorial Assistant
McKenzie Jean-Philippe is the editorial assistant at OprahMag.com covering pop culture, TV, movies, celebrity, and lifestyle. She loves a great Oprah viral moment and all things Netflix—but come summertime, Big Brother has her heart. On a day off you'll find her curled up with a new juicy romance novel.
Brigitt Earley
Contributing Writer
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.