You’ll look like you’ve been planning this for months.
(And you might save money too.)
Decide what direction you want to go in.
Photo: James Wojcik
Generally, last minute costumes tend to fall into a few different categories: pop culture costumes (i.e.
Taylor Swift), a creative way to use accessories (i.e.
scarves and jewelry for a fortune teller), or puns (alargepart of the list below).
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Choosing a path now can help you narrow it down.
Take a look through your closetand everyone else’s closet it’s possible for you to access.
See what you have stashed in the back (i.e.
Warner Bros.
Don’t forget your kids' dress-up bin, which can be costume gold.
Look in unexpected spots in your home.
Holiday decoration bins can contain garlands or balloons that can be the basis of a costume.
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You decide what kind of clothing from your closet gets you the “lady” part of the equation.
Stick the balloons to a jumpsuit or leotard, then place the leaves to complete the effect.
(Add a glass of wine to sip, too!)
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Cereal Killer Costume
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Head to the kitchen to source out this dad-pun Halloween costume.
and turn yourself into a real breakfast fiend.
Night Sky Costume
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There are two ways to make this super-easy DIY costume.
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(Or do both! )
(Or grab something from a thrift store if you’ve already purged all of your old formalwear!)
All you need is a catcher’s mitt and a couple of pieces of rye bread.
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An air of existential angst is optional.
Throwback Thursday Costume
Can’t tear yourself away from Instagram?
Then, wrap a bandage around yourself.
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Top it off with moans about your aching back.
Don’t want to carry a bouquet around at the party?
(We don’t blame you!)
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Iron-on a rose patch or two instead.
Or maybe you don’t want to repeatedly answer the question “what are you dressed as?”
Consider it the perfect excuse for keeping awkward conversations to a minimumyou’re welcome.
Philip Friedman; Styling: Blake Ramsey
Breadwinner Costume
Forget about what your salaryactuallyis, because on Halloween it doesn’t matter.
You’re the breadwinner tonight!
(You could also pin a first-place ribbon to the breast of your shirt.)
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Then, proudly carry around a loaf of bread (any variety will do).
And, bonus: There’s little-to-no effort involved in this one.
Simply put on a T-shirt and tape a color-coordinated, snack-sized bag of potato chips onto the shoulder.
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One thing youwillbe happy about?
With this costume, you’ll have a snack ready to go whenever the hunger pangs strike.
Bonus points for anyone who scribbles a faux memo onto a white T-shirt and wears that too.
Philip Friedman; Soft styling: Mai Tran
Don’t forget to finish the look with your old stand-by ears and tail.
Can a DIY Halloween costume get any easier?
Trace out the outline and cut.
Philip Friedman; Soft styling: Mai Tran
Safety pin the half-map to one side of your body.
Ghostwriter Costume
Breathe new life into a classic Halloween costume with this super simple upgrade.
Ceiling Fan Costume
Ready?
Philip Friedman; Soft styling: Mai Tran
across a plain T-shirt of any color.
Carry pom-poms or even clean mopheads.
Don a high ponytail and a short pleated skirt to complete the look.
Philip Friedman; Soft styling: Mai Tran
A peppy, can’t-bring-me-down attitude is optional but highly encouraged.
The only thing that could possibly make this last-minute Halloween costume even better?
A few friends to help you form your very own (and very official) squad.
Philip Friedman; Soft styling: Mai Tran
Fasten a plastic fork along the route.
Tape or safety pin the symbol onto your shirt.
You probably already have an iron.
Philip Friedman; Soft styling: Mai Tran
(You could easily make a chef’s hat out of white paper!)
This Halloween, keep your phone in your pocket (it’s possible for you to do it!)
and carry a large, empty picture frame (minus the glass, of course).
Philip Friedman; Soft styling: Mai Tran
you’re free to wear whatever you want.
In fact, we encourage you to show off your most stylish ensembleit is your self-portrait, after all.
But this costume is pretty painlessand you won’t get heckled for not donning a costume.
Philip Friedman; Soft styling: Mai Tran
Simply grab an empty soda bottle from the recycling bin.
Then, tie a string around its neck and loop the whole thing around yours.
Complain all night about “traffic on the 501.”
Philip Friedman; Soft styling: Mai Tran
The best part about this getup?
Now you’ve got a buck an ear.
(What in the world are you?
Philip Friedman; Soft styling: Mai Tran
Just wear your favorite pink dress and accessorize with a feather boa.
Want to go all out?
Buy a few bright pink boas and wrap them around a white dress borrowed from your closet.
Philip Friedman; Soft styling: Mai Tran
Now that’s a fun costume that’ll have people talking.
But the only other thing you’ll need is an empty bag or a pillowcase.
Bonus points for taking the time to master matching cat makeup for a look that’s nothing but sheerpurr-fection!
Philip Friedman; Soft styling: Mai Tran
Stop at the store for a pointy hat, and you’re golden.
Wrangler Costume
If you’re a little bit country, pull out your boots and hat.
Accessorize with a sharp plaid or gingham shirt and your favorite denimhorse not included.
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(Add a headless doll as a bonus accessory!)
Pair your favorite sheath dress (extra points for fringe) with T-strap heels or Mary Janes.
Accessorize this easy Halloween costume with red slides, hoop earrings, and a bad attitude.
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(Carry around a worn-out CD of theSinglessoundtrack for extra angst.)
Hippie Costume
Spread a little peace and love.
Fortune Teller Costume
We see lots of compliments on this last-minute Halloween costume in your future.
James Wojcik
Gwyneth Paltrow in The Royal Tenenbaums Costume
It’s all about the attitude with this funky costume.
Pair a striped polo dress and faux fur coat with a satchel bag and sensible shoes.
A black sheath dress and pearl necklace are the central bits.
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Ouija Board Costume
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Are you ready to commune with the spirit world this Halloween?
Turn yourself into the spookiest board game with minimal skill or supplies.
Wear leggings and a tank beneath it to keep things more modest.
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