Costumes shouldn’t stress you out or empty your wallet. Halloween is all about creativity, a bit of fun, and yes—a dash of spookiness. But you don’t need a designer outfit to make an impact.
That’s where DIY Halloween costumes come in. They’re original, personalized, and often way cooler than store-bought options. Plus, they’re a chance to show off your creative flair without breaking the bank.
So if you’re wondering what to wear this year, this guide has got you covered with ten clever, doable costume ideas that anyone can make.
1. Cactus Costume
Ever wanted to look sharp without even trying?
All you need is a green hoodie or dress, some white yarn, and safety pins. Cut the yarn into small pieces and pin them across your outfit to mimic cactus spines. Add some fake flowers or pom-poms to the shoulders for that extra cute desert vibe.
Pair it with brown boots and a pot-shaped cardboard cutout around your waist to really sell the look.
2. Bubble Bath Costume
Want to keep things bubbly?
Grab a white t-shirt and some light blue or clear balloons. Blow them up to various sizes and safety pin or tape them all over your shirt and pants. Don’t forget a rubber ducky or a loofah as a fun accessory!
Top it off with a shower cap and you’re ready to roll into any Halloween party looking fresh and clean.
3. Scarecrow Look
Do you have a flannel shirt lying around?
Pair it with jeans or overalls and a straw hat. Use face paint to draw on stitch marks around your mouth, nose, and cheeks. Stuff some raffia or fake straw into your sleeves and pockets.
It’s a cozy, classic costume that’s great for both kids and adults—and works especially well for fall-themed events.
4. Emoji Costume
Who doesn’t love emojis?
Choose your favorite emoji and recreate it with felt and cardboard. For example, cut out a large yellow circle, add felt eyes and a mouth, and wear it with a simple black outfit underneath.
You can also get creative and do group costumes with different emojis—like the heart eyes, poop emoji, or the dancing twins!
5. Tourist Vibes
Want to keep things goofy and fun?
Throw on a Hawaiian shirt, khaki shorts, sneakers, and a floppy hat. Add a camera around your neck, sunglasses, and maybe even a fake map. Walk around with wide eyes and a big smile for maximum effect.
You can even carry a guidebook or a fanny pack to complete the whole ensemble. It’s easy, fun, and you likely already own most of it.
6. Static Cling Costume
Looking for a laugh?
Wear a solid-color outfit (gray or black works well) and attach random clothes to yourself using safety pins or velcro. Think socks, underwear, dryer sheets, and even a sock stuck in your hair.
It’s quirky, unexpected, and bound to get people talking. Bonus points if you carry around a tiny bottle of laundry detergent!
7. DIY Witch Look
Love the classic Halloween aesthetic?
You don’t need to buy a full costume. Grab a black dress, tall boots, and a wide-brimmed hat. Use face paint or dark eyeshadow for a dramatic makeup look. Add a broomstick and maybe a black cat plushie for full witchy charm.
Want to modernize it? Try a glam witch look with sparkles, statement jewelry, or even neon green eyeliner.
8. Lego Brick Costume
Feeling a bit crafty?
Grab a cardboard box that fits over your torso. Paint it your favorite Lego color and attach six plastic cups to the front using glue. Cut holes for your arms and head, and wear matching clothes underneath.
It’s colorful, nostalgic, and perfect for both kids and adults.
9. Identity Thief Costume
Yes, it’s a pun—and it’s funny!
All you need is a bunch of name tags (the kind that say “Hello, my name is”). Write different names on them and stick them all over your shirt.
When someone asks, just say, “I’m an identity thief.” It’s clever, quick, and always gets a laugh.
10. Rain Cloud Costume
Want something whimsical?
Use a gray sweatshirt and glue or sew white stuffing (like pillow fill) onto the top and shoulders to make a fluffy cloud. Hang raindrop-shaped cutouts or silver ribbons from the hem or sleeves.
Add sparkly blue makeup or glittery tears for a dramatic effect. Umbrella optional!
11. Grapes Costume
Want to look grape this Halloween?
Blow up a bunch of green or purple balloons and tape or safety pin them to a matching outfit. Add a green beanie with a twisted brown pipe cleaner as the stem.
It’s fruity, fun, and great for group or solo costumes alike!
12. Bank Robber Costume
Feeling a little mischievous?
Wear all black, add a black beanie, and carry a canvas bag with a dollar sign drawn on it. Use black face paint or eyeliner to draw a mask around your eyes.
Optional: stick fake bills or coins in your pockets for extra detail.
13. Error 404: Costume Not Found
Need a last-minute idea?
Just wear a plain white T-shirt and write “Error 404: Costume Not Found” with a black marker.
It’s low-effort, high-humor—and especially great for tech lovers or costume rebels.
14. Party Animal Costume
Love puns and sparkles?
Put on animal ears or a nose (cat, dog, giraffe—your pick), and then add a party hat, glitter, and maybe even a noise-maker.
You’re now a “party animal.” It’s cute, hilarious, and ridiculously easy to pull off.
15. Gumball Machine Costume
Want a costume that’s both adorable and nostalgic?
Glue colorful pom-poms all over the upper half of a red top or white T-shirt. Add a label that says “25¢” to your belly and wear red bottoms.
It’s bright, cheerful, and definitely crowd-pleasing!
16. Rosy the Riveter
Feeling strong and empowering?
Throw on a denim shirt, roll up the sleeves, and tie a red bandana around your hair. Add red lipstick and flex that iconic pose.
It’s a classic DIY costume that makes a bold statement with simple pieces.
17. Instagram Frame Costume
Social media fan? Turn yourself into a post!
Cut a cardboard rectangle into the shape of an Instagram post and decorate it with your username, likes, and hashtags. Cut a hole for your face and hold it up.
It’s totally “like”-worthy and great for selfies all night long.
18. Avocado Toast Costume
Ready to toast your creativity?
Dress in all brown or tan, cut out a large green oval (for the avocado) from foam or cardboard, and wear it on your front. Add a smaller brown circle in the center for the pit.
Optional: make a toast headband from a bread-shaped cutout for extra flavor!
19. Bunch of Books Costume
Bookworm with a crafty side?
Attach paperback books or book covers (photocopies work too) to a plain outfit using safety pins or double-sided tape. Add some nerd glasses and carry a “return to library” sign.
It’s literary, smart, and perfect for anyone who loves to read.
Final Thoughts
DIY costumes prove that you don’t need to spend big to make a big impression. These ten ideas are fun, fast, and totally customizable.
Whether you want something cute, creepy, or downright silly, there’s a DIY costume on this list with your name on it.
So grab your glue gun, get creative, and make this Halloween your most original one yet!