50+ Easy DIY Halloween Costumes! (Last-Minute Ideas)


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50 Easy DIY Halloween Costumes!  Getting ready for spooky day has never been easier!   Instead of just buying a cheap crappy costume that ends up being a glorified garbage bag with printing on it...make a high quality costume using thrifting, sewing, Cricut, painting, creativity and imagination!   I'm sharing 50 (maybe 51--I can't count) awesome cosplay or Halloween costumes that I made!   I love dressing up and costuming.   I usually dress up every week for church during September and October...but our church time switched to 9 a.m...and that's too early for getting up and being creative--plus getting there on time, so I'm a bit of a bah humbug this year.   Anyway, hope you enjoy all these costumes of my past--which is your favorite?


50 Easy DIY Halloween Costumes! Last Minute Ideas too!


Getting ready for spooky day has never been easier than with these over 50 easy DIY costume ideas!


Instead of just buying a cheap crappy costume that ends up being a glorified garbage bag with printing on it...make a high quality costume using thrifting, sewing, Cricut, painting, creativity and imagination!


I'm sharing 50 (maybe 51--I can't count) awesome cosplay or Halloween costumes that I made!


I love dressing up and costuming and have been known to dress up for church or even just to go shopping with friends! 


Make a costume completely from scratch or find base pieces at the thrift store and make fun accessories to go with it.


Anyway, hope you enjoy all these costumes of my past and they'll give you inspiration for your costuming needs this Fall season--which is your favorite?


Indiana Jones


Perfect costume to celebrate one of the most favorite characters in cinematic history, Indiana Jones!

 Grab a classic fedora, a leather jacket and a whip--then just wear a button up from the closet and khaki pants...if you don't have them just thrift them for a fraction of the price.


Make an Indiana Jones Halloween costume or cosplay easily with a fedora, leather jacket, button up shirt, tan pants, and a leather bullwhip...plus the Indiana Jones theme song playing on a loop!


Doctor Costume


This cute doctor costume is a creative diy halloween costume that you can make with just a little iron-on vinyl and a lab coat--great for busy parents!


Use Cricut and Iron on Vinyl for the perfect finishing touches to any costume!


I had such a fun opportunity to make Doctor Halloween costumes for a couple of my friends little girls. The Cricut Maker made it a cinch--and they turned out super cute! Add the perfect finishing touches to a Halloween costume using iron-on vinyl and a Cricut cutting machine.


Naruto Cosplay


Get creative thrifting for the perfect group costume, family costume or creative costumes for comic conventions.


These creative costumes are made with thrifted old clothes for the base orange pants, orange shirt, etc...then decorated with paint, hot glue and fabric.



Naruto Group Cosplay Halloween Costumes DIY! Are you a fan of Naruto? My kids love the show and did a fun cosplay fan convention with their friends about a few years ago.  This is the perfect group costume idea for Halloween or comic fandom conventions. I always see a few Naruto cosplayers when I go to conventions...but the bigger the group--the better!


Simple DIY Pirate Costume


Arrr! A pirate costume is a fun costume with the classic looks that just say pirate.


Felt pirate hat, simple tie up shirt and vest are super easy to DIY with just a white t-shirt, shoe lace, a thrifted vest and some felt.


Make the entire family buccaneer costumes and don't forget Captain Hook, or use for last minute Halloween costumes. 


This could be a fun idea for a Peter Pan theme with family members all dressed up to match the movie.





Young Maleficent Costume


This Walt Disney World movie inspired costume is perfect for a creative costumes DIY. 


Use craft Styrofoam and spray paint for the perfect headband horns, use poster board and feathers for the wings!





Legend of Zelda Link Costume


Legend of Zelda is a classic video game with the iconic character, Link!


Use freezer paper and Cricut to make the perfect Hyrule Shield stencil.


This costume is so much fun--great for older kids, and it won a cosplay contest too with minimal effort! 




Strawberry Shortcake


Learn how easy it is to make a Mobcap or Mop Cap--or as I call it a Muffin hat!


Move over Barbie costumes, Strawberry Shortcake is where it's at.


Get a simple red dress, a white apron and sew up a round gathered hat for perfect easy costume ideas.




Fortnite Enforcer Costume


Turn a video game character into the perfect costume made of cardboard and repurposed items--just need a black shirt, black pants and black masks make the perfect base!


Making your own costumes is the best part of the halloween party and letting your children decide and help is so fun!


This costume was made with cardboard boxes, spray paint, and a hot glue gun!


It's a great way to learn how to sew, how to shape an old cardboard box into armor and how to fit to a body.


Make the perfect Halloween Fortnite Cosplay. The Enforcer Skin Costume DIY is easy to make with items found in the closet, upcycled items like cardboard, foam and brads and a boogie bomb.


Greek Goddess Costume


Make a metallic leather leaf laurel crown and pair it with a drapey white dress and rock some metallic  gladiator sandals. 


Easy Halloween costumes are my jam. 


I found this white dress at the thrift store for a few dollars and I searched long and hard for the perfect sandals...but that was the best part of the costume!


The majority of my costumes or cosplay comes from the thrift store.   I scored this toga-like dress from Savers thrift and got the metallic knee-high Collin Stuart gladiator sandals from Mercari.     I was on the hunt for these shoes all last year and couldn't find them...finally I got my hands on a pair--I love them!   I love thrifting!


Ron Weasley Costume


You will not believe how I colored his hair!!!


Creative costumes don't have to be complicated, just a simple black robe with his church clothes is an easy way to make great Halloween costumes.


The make up can be the focal point of the costume!





Miss Frizzle Costume


Get ready kids! This costume is perfect in all the details...and also some fun additions like a Tardis and Millennium Falcon.


When you make your own easy DIY Halloween costume, you can make it with your own extra fun personal touch!


Why not add your favorite features to a costume!?


Miss Frizzle Magic School Bus Copslay Halloween Costume Space galaxy dress perfect for fan convention


Ghostbuster Costumes


Use Cricut and Heat Transfer Vinyl to make the perfect Ghostbuster costume jumpsuits!


Simple khaki jumpsuits and some heat transfer vinyl is all it takes for this costume theme for best friends.


Ghostbuster Costumes Made with Cricut!


Alice in Wonderland


Alice in Wonderland is a great family Halloween costumes theme, there are so many fun characters that just take a little creativity.


This classic Alice costume I did 2 different versions of because I couldn't decide which blue dress I liked best!


Which blue dress do you like better? This baby blue...



Or this aqua blue dress?


I ended up liking this one the most, I just love the aqua blue for the perfect quick costume.


Just a blue dress and a white apron is all that is needed.




Naruto Headband DIY


Old tee shirt, leather scrap, brads, and puff paint for the best Hidden Leaf Village Headband.


This costume theme headband is easy to make with a little dimensional paint in the right place.


Make the perfect Naruto Hidden Leaf Village Ninja Headband for costume or cosplay. Tween dressed as Naruto for comic convention or Halloween costume.



Cindy Lou Who


Cindy Lou is a classic and cute costume that works great for Halloween and Christmas parties alike.


It's an easy way to look over-the-top!


The best hair style for Halloween to Christmas!


How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss is one of my favorite Christmas stories. Ever since I was young, I'd sit on my dad's lap while he read us the book. Cindy Lou Who is an adorable little Who that lives in Whoville, and celebrates Christmas.

20 Minute Cape Tutorial!


How to make a cape! 


This is the perfect gathered cape, easy to make with just a couple straight seams! 


This is a great option for DIY Halloween costume ideas, even if it's not a recognizable character from movies or video games...a cape is great to class up any costume.


I love how this shimmery cape turned out! Best part--it only took me 10 minutes to make.  Full diagram and instructions at the end of the post!


Princess Anna Cape


This cute costume is easy to make with thrifted base pieces and a pink capelet.


Capes are such a good part of every costume!


Just pair it with a blonde wig in braids and you are ready to go win a Halloween costume contest!


Creepy Doll


Thrift an old dress with a fun pattern and take some scissors to it to rough it up.


Old dress with cut edges, pinafore apron and some creepy make-up!




Easy Mermaid Costume


Get some iridescent Iron-on and use Cricut to cut some seashells! 


Perfect last minute costume...pair with mermaid scale skirt or leggings!


As far as homemade costumes go, this one gets lots of attention.


Last Minute Mermaid Halloween Costume made with Cricut Holographic Iron-On Vinyl   I love Halloween, but mostly I love dressing up! Give me any excuse to put on a costume and I am there. This is a simple but really attention grabbing last minute Halloween costume!     It's a breeze to make with the Cricut, seriously, you should own one of these!   Become the queen of the sea with this simple but shiny shirt that takes less than 10 minutes to make. Perfect for the kids Halloween parties or a spooky night out!   Do you like dressing up?


Rapunzel Braid


Hair clip goes great with pajama dress!


This braid is the perfect alternative to a blonde wig for a Rapunzel costume.


It's cute and fun for dress ups later too!


French Maid


This fun costume uses the same white apron as other costumes I've done...just needs a black dress.


Lace, ostrich feather and rose for the perfect French Maid hair piece.




Egyptian Mummy


Wrap up a perfect last-minute costume idea with this mummy costume...but take it a step further with the Egyptian headdress for a perfect finishing touch.


Make a King Cobra headdress for the crowning touch on a mummy costume!



Maleficent Costume


Most iconic villain costume!


This Maleficent costume isn't a last-minute costume idea...it takes a little more effort to make this high quality costume theme.


But this could be built simpler with the headpiece and a black shirt, skirt and staff.




Harry Potter


Harry Potter will always be iconic themed family Halloween costumes because the books are so good and focus on Halloween themes.


Make the whole family ties, robes and wands!


Learn how easy it is to make a Gryffindor striped tie!



Nurse


Make a felt headband nurse hat for a quick last minute nurse costume...pair with scrubs or a dress and apron.


Again using this apron, having some stock base pieces makes DIY costumes so much easier...and makes the last-minute Halloween costume ideas a breeze.




Pinkie Pie Gala Costume


Throwback to the My Little Pony days!


Halloween is a great way to let your children express themselves in a fun and colorful way.


My daughter loved picking hard costumes to make, but I think we did great with this My Little Pony costume theme!




Vampire Costume made with Cardboard!


Make a costume out of boxes and plastic table cloth--it's a great option to make your costume out of the recycle bin!


Amazon asked me to make a costume out of their shipping boxes a few years ago and I love it.


I was able to make this high collar Vampire costume and a big jewel necklace. 


I love how this turned out using recyclables as my costume!


Pre-packaged store bought costumes are cheaply made and can be super pricey.     It's much more rewarding to make a costume in a couple hours out of things that are on the way to the recycle bin.     I don't have little kids to dress up for Halloween anymore, so I made this to fit me!     This costume is simple enough to make any size and it just takes a few supplies found easily around the house.


Vanellope Von Schweetz Cosplay


Sugar Rush racer! 


Paint the striped tights, tie up the hoodie and make the candy for the hair in one easy hair piece!


You can make this with a hoodie or just bluish green shirts.


Vanellope Von Schweetz cosplay halloween costume diy. Vanelope, Vanellope von shweetz, Wreck it Ralph inspired.


Elf Ear Headband


Make magical elf ears for a Christmas elf, Lord of the Rings elf or some other pointed ear creature!


This fun costume accessory takes an ordinary costume and amplifies it.


Elf Ear headband made of polymer clay perfect for Christmas elves, Lord of the Rings Elf, or Elven Princess


Corpse Bride with Maggot Worm Cosplay


Maggot.


Hair piece or necklace, perfect finishing touch for a Corpse Bride cosplay.


Wear a colorful wig and clip the little maggot on your hair for Emily from Corpse Bride.


Get a similar look with big eye makeup!


Tim Burton's Corpse Bride Emily Cosplay with maggot or worm hair clip and necklace made of polymer clay. Worm on Corpse Bride diy.


Soos from Gravity Falls Cosplay


Simple costumes are the best! 


Be Soos from Gravity Falls with this simple tee shirt and hat tutorial.


We found this hat at the grocery store and it was perfect for this character.


Gravity Falls Disney cartoon cosplay costume of Soos easy last minute halloween costume idea.


Steampunk Mermaid


Add a little steampunk flair to a mermaid costume.


Use a stencil to paint scales on face, and wear fish scale leggings for a fun costume.


Steampunk pink hair with corset and leggings land mermaid easy Halloween costume


Once Upon a Time's Belle Cosplay


Even though Once Upon a Time was so 2011, this Belle cape is dynamite!


Capes add so much to a costume, no matter the theme. Easy cape with hood pattern!


Once upon a time tv television series Belle cape traveling robe just like the movie diy


Jedi or Wizard Robes


Jedi robes double as wizard robes, renaissance, medieval, Kingly, Biblical and much more! 


Robes are a staple in our costume wardrobe!


Jedi robe pattern perfect for Star Wars themed halloween costumes or comic convention cosplays


Knight/Paladin/King Costume


Real Chain maille and a stenciled shirt, perfect little knight.


If you have a wood shop, adding a wooden sword and shield is a fun accessory, but they won't want to carry it around all night anyway.


Knight in shining armor or Paladin Halloween costume. Easy to make tunic.



My Little Pony Derpy Cosplay


So good. My little pony days were some of my favorite days. 


Easy wing tutorial can be customized for so many other winged costumes.


My little pony Derpy Hooves, Muffins, cross eyed pony Halloween costume or cosplay with wings and ear headband made of craft foam.


Morgana from Merlin Cosplay


Make a great hooded cape or cloak.


Again, a great cape makes the costume. 


This one is hooded and no sleeves.


Morgana from Merlin Halloween costume or cosplay with red robe pattern and sewing instructions.


Luna Lovegood Cosplay


Earrings and other fun Luna goods, easy to make with clay and a great way to accessorize a Luna costume.


Harry Potter inspired Luna Lovegood cosplay or Halloween costume with dirigible plum earrings or radish earrings made of polymer clay.


Princess Leia


Learn how to make extra big Princess Leia buns!


This iconic hairstyle is all it takes to look like the Star Wars character...just add a white dress or jumpsuit and you are good to go.


Twilight Sparkle as an Equestria Girl cosplay. Oh how I loved my daughter's pony craze days. 


Twilight Sparkle Equestria Girls Dance Halloween costume or cosplay, with wings, headband, dress and faux bang tutorial.


Draco Malfoy Costume


How to make a Slytherin tie to complete your family's Harry Potter costumes.


Get a similar look with a blonde wig.





Mabel Pines from Gravity Falls


Stencil a sweatshirt for the perfect Mable Pines!


Thrifted sweat shirt that we painted directly onto for this cute Halloween costume.


Gravity Falls Disney cartoon cosplay costume of Mable Pines easy last minute halloween costume idea.


Valkyrie Headband


Thor, Hermes, Valkyrie!


These little wings make a great accessory for a variety of costumes.


Winged headband made with fun foam, perfect for Thor, Valkyrie or Hermes, or winged messenger.


Wolf Tail


Reminds me of 10th Kingdom, Wolf.


This fun wolf tail is easy to make, pair it with some ears for a homemade cat costume or wolf!


Wolf tail tutorial great for Halloween costume, cosplay or clubwear diy


Pop Art Comic Girl


Just add make up--and maybe a colorful wig!


Sometimes all you need is make up for your costume. 


This would look great with blue jeans and a yellow t-shirt, and maybe some red shoes --easy quick costume!


Pixelated Pop Art Makeup with fun POW headband, easy for last minute Halloween costume or comic convention.


Link from Legend of Zelda Costume 


Fleece is great for costumes because it does not fray...but it can be too warm in parts of the country.


This costume is easy to make with fleece and a sewing machine.


See my other Link costume post for the Hyrule Shield.


Legend of Zelda Link Halloween costume or cosplay, complete with real chainmaille, bracers, pointed hat and wooden shield.


Queen Amidala Cosplay


Hairstyle tutorial!


This hairstyle is easy to make for the iconic queen.


Add the make up dots on the cheeks and the painted lips and everyone will know who you are dressed like.


Make up and hair tutorial for Queen Amidala from Star Wars diy, great for Halloween costume or Cosplay.


Moaning Murtle Costume


Fake bangs, ghosty make up!


Harry Potter costumes DIY are so fun to make. 


Thrift a gray sweater, add a black robe and then accessories to transform into any of the Hogwarts students or teachers!


Moaning Murtle cosplay or Halloween costume with simple diy. Great for a last minute costume.


Rainbow Dash Equestria Girls Cosplay


Simple stencils make all the difference, attention to details.


Get a rainbow wig and some fun foam for this fun cosplay.


Add some thrifted base pieces and you've got a quick costume!


Rainbow Dash from My Little Pony Equestria Girls Cosplay or Halloween Costume.


Cindy Lou Who from the Dr. Seuss Book


The littlest Who! This headband is easy to make and pair with a sweater for Halloween or Christmas!


This cute costume is made with a headband, black or white pipe cleaners and ribbon bows! 


Cindy Lou Who headband from Dr. Suess Seuss How the Grinch Stole Christmas book.


That's it!


Which of these 50 Easy DIY Halloween Costumes do you like best!?


Most of these DIY Halloween costume ideas are pretty fast to make and pretty low cost.


There's a few that take much more time (looking at you Maleficent!)


My favorite ever is...


Strawberry Shortcake!


I loved being her last year!


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postscript

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