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Finding an easy Halloween costume doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. Whether you're heading to a party, a school event, or just want something simple for trick-or-treating, there are tons of last-minute costume ideas that are clever, affordable, and require minimal effort. This guide features 10 easy Halloween costumes you can create with items you probably already have at home—or can grab quickly from a local store.
These ideas are perfect for adults, teens, and even kids, with options that range from funny and creative to spooky and classic. No sewing machine required.
1. Classic Ghost Costume
A ghost costume is the ultimate easy Halloween look. All you need is a white sheet and a pair of scissors. Cut out two eye holes, throw it over your head, and you're ready to haunt.
This timeless costume has endured for generations because it's simple and effective. You can elevate the look by adding chains, a spooky soundboard on your phone, or dark makeup around the eyes. For a modern twist, use a tie-dye sheet or layer a lacy curtain over the fabric to add a gothic vibe. This costume works for any age and is instantly recognizable.
2. Error 404: Costume Not Found
If you’re short on time and even shorter on costume ideas, go digital. Write or print the phrase "Error 404: Costume Not Found" on a plain white T-shirt or hoodie and wear it with confidence.
This is a go-to easy Halloween costume idea for techies, college students, or anyone who loves a good pun. It’s budget-friendly and gets a lot of laughs. Add some techy accessories like glasses, a keyboard as a necklace, or carry around a fake blue screen for extra effect. This costume requires almost no effort, but still delivers on creativity.
3. Bank Robber
For a low-effort Halloween costume that still feels complete, go as a bank robber. All you need is a black-and-white striped shirt, black pants, a beanie or ski mask, and a cloth bag with a dollar sign drawn on it.
Use black face paint or eyeliner to draw a simple mask around your eyes. This easy Halloween costume is popular because it’s accessible and allows for customization. You can go full “heist movie” style or keep it cartoonish. Either way, it’s a recognizable and effective costume that’s great for both solo wear or group themes.
4. Tourist
The tourist costume is not only easy but also hilarious. Wear a Hawaiian shirt, shorts, sneakers, and throw on a floppy hat or sun visor. Add a fake camera, a neck strap with sunscreen, and maybe a map or travel guide.
What makes this costume fun is the acting. Walk around pointing at things, take selfies, and talk loudly about how much you love “local culture.” Bonus points if you wear socks with sandals. It’s a creative, lighthearted option that works well for last-minute Halloween parties or office events.
5. Wednesday Addams
Channel your inner goth with a Wednesday Addams costume. It’s a quick and spooky Halloween costume that only requires a black dress with a white collar (or a white shirt underneath), black tights, and black shoes.
Braid your hair into two low pigtails and use makeup to pale your face and darken your eyes. This look is low-cost but iconic. It’s especially popular around Halloween because it leans into the eerie theme without requiring any props or complex materials. It’s also great for people who prefer subtle costumes.
6. Scarecrow
A scarecrow costume is a great DIY Halloween idea that’s both cute and rustic. Start with a plaid shirt, overalls or jeans, and a straw hat. Use eyeliner or face paint to draw stitches on your face, especially around the mouth.
Add some straw or raffia poking out from your sleeves or pant legs for a more convincing look. If you want to level it up, carry a small crow plush or use a cardboard sign that says "Cornfield Patrol." This costume is warm, practical, and family-friendly. It’s also one of the best easy Halloween costumes for those who enjoy fall aesthetics.
7. Rosie the Riveter
Pay homage to the iconic cultural figure with a Rosie the Riveter costume. You’ll need a denim shirt, rolled sleeves, and a red bandana tied around your head. Wear jeans or work pants and boots for a complete look.
This is one of the best easy Halloween costumes for women who want something empowering and quick. The makeup is simple: a red lip, defined brows, and winged eyeliner. Strike the classic “We Can Do It!” pose throughout the night for added flair. It’s recognizable, historical, and effortlessly cool.
8. Mummy
Wrap yourself in gauze, white fabric strips, or even toilet paper to become a mummy for Halloween. Just wear white clothing underneath and wrap around your body, leaving parts of your face and arms exposed for flexibility.
Use makeup to create dark sunken eyes and add fake blood or dirt if you want a more gruesome effect. A mummy costume can be as simple or dramatic as you like, making it one of the most versatile and easy Halloween costumes. It’s especially fun if you want to spook people without needing any advanced materials.
9. Men in Black Agent
For a sleek and simple costume, go as an agent from Men in Black. All you need is a black suit, white shirt, black tie, and sunglasses. Add a toy neuralyzer (or anything silver and tubular) as your “memory eraser.”
This look is great for duos or friend groups and doubles as a general secret agent costume. It’s sophisticated yet easy to pull together from your closet. If you want to lean into the theme, carry around photos of aliens or use sci-fi jargon throughout the night.
10. Freddie Mercury
Turn up the rockstar vibes with a Freddie Mercury costume. All you need is a white tank top, jeans, a fake mustache, and a microphone. Add a studded belt or armband for extra detail.
Freddie Mercury’s look is both nostalgic and instantly recognizable. It’s one of the best easy Halloween costume ideas for music lovers and fans of classic rock. Bonus points if you learn a few lines from “Bohemian Rhapsody” to sing throughout the night. This costume is fun, energetic, and sure to get attention at any Halloween event.