Halloween is just around the corner, and whether you’ve been too busy to plan or simply forgot, finding a last-minute costume doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little creativity and some items you probably already have around the house, you can easily pull together a costume that’s fun, recognizable, and perfect for any Halloween party or trick-or-treating.
In this article, we’ll share some easy and creative last-minute Halloween costume ideas that you can put together in no time.
1. Cat or Mouse
One of the easiest costumes to throw together is a classic animal look like a cat or mouse. Chances are, you already have the basics in your wardrobe, and all you’ll need to add are some simple accessories to complete the look.
What You Need:
- Cat: Black clothing (shirt, pants, or dress), black eyeliner to draw on whiskers and a nose, and a headband with cat ears (which can be made out of paper or bought at a costume store).
- Mouse: Gray or white clothing, a DIY headband with paper ears, and black eyeliner for whiskers.
This quick costume is timeless and cute, perfect for anyone in a pinch.
2. Rosie the Riveter
For a quick, empowering costume, you can channel the iconic Rosie the Riveter from World War II. This look is simple to create with minimal items, and it’s an instantly recognizable symbol of strength.
What You Need:
- Denim or chambray shirt (roll up the sleeves)
- Red bandana to tie around your hair
- Dark jeans or pants
- Red lipstick
To complete the look, pose with a strong, flexed arm like Rosie’s famous “We Can Do It!” poster.
3. Mummy
A mummy costume is another easy last-minute option that can look impressive with minimal effort. You can use basic items like old sheets or gauze to wrap yourself up in minutes.
What You Need:
- White or light-colored clothing as a base layer
- Torn strips of white fabric, sheets, or toilet paper
- Safety pins or fabric tape to secure the strips
- Optional: Light face makeup to give you a “mummy” look
Wrap yourself in the strips and add some light makeup or dark eyeshadow around your eyes and wear Halloween Contacts to complete the spooky effect.
4. Tourist
A tourist costume is easy to assemble and fun to personalize. You can go as the stereotypical tourist decked out in tacky vacation gear, complete with accessories that scream “tourist.”
What You Need:
- Hawaiian shirt or brightly colored clothing
- Cargo shorts or khakis
- Sun hat, visor, or straw hat
- Sunglasses
- Camera or binoculars around your neck
- Flip flops or sandals
- Optional: A fake map or a fanny pack
This laid-back costume is perfect if you want something fun and simple that doesn’t require much prep.
5. Ghost
The classic ghost costume has been a Halloween favorite for generations, and for a good reason—it’s quick, easy, and always in style. With just a few materials, you can create a traditional or modern twist on the classic look.
What You Need:
- White sheet or fabric (cut eye holes for the classic ghost look)
- Optional: A white face mask or white face makeup for a more refined ghost appearance
- If you want to add a modern spin, you can carry props like a chain or a fake book titled “Ghost Etiquette”
Throw on the sheet, and you’re ready to haunt the Halloween party in true ghostly fashion.
6. Clark Kent/Superman
Transforming into Clark Kent turning into Superman is a quick and easy costume idea that packs a punch. It allows you to go from everyday clothes to superhero in just a few simple steps.
What You Need:
- Button-down shirt and tie
- Blue t-shirt with a Superman logo (you can print or draw this on a shirt if needed)
- Glasses
- Optional: A briefcase or messenger bag for a more professional Clark Kent look
Leave the shirt unbuttoned to reveal the Superman logo underneath, giving the effect that you’re mid-transformation into the Man of Steel.
7. Zombie
Turning into a zombie is one of the most versatile last-minute Halloween costume ideas. With a bit of creativity, you can turn any outfit into a creepy, undead look with some makeup and torn clothing.
What You Need:
- Old clothes you don’t mind tearing or dirtying (ripped jeans, torn shirt, etc.)
- Dark eyeshadow and face makeup to create the sunken eyes and pale skin of a zombie
- Fake blood or red lipstick for wounds and cuts
- Messy, teased hair for that just-crawled-out-of-the-grave look
Go for an extra scare by dragging your feet and groaning like a classic zombie!