How to Thrift DIY Halloween Costumes (15+ Easy Ideas)

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How to Thrift DIY Halloween Costumes (15+ Easy Ideas)

Looking for creative costumes that won’t break the bank? You’re in the right place!

In this roundup, we’ve gathered 15+ easy thrifted costume ideas that are perfect for Halloween, cosplay, or themed parties.

With just a little digging through thrift store racks and a touch of DIY magic, you can transform everyday clothes and accessories into fun, unique costumes.

From classic characters to clever twists on pop culture, these ideas prove that amazing costumes don’t have to come with a big price tag.

Thrifting DIY Halloween Costumes, Costumes and Cosplay

The Halloween season (and costume shopping) is the perfect excuse to get creative, save money, and stand out from the crowd.

(Halloween 2006)

Instead of settling for a mass-produced costume, a trip to your local goodwill stores or America’s thrift stores can uncover endless costume inspiration and an easy diy halloween costume idea.

With just a quick trip and an open mind, you’ll find thrifted finds, costume pieces, and an ever-changing selection of new accessories that make it easy to design a standout look.

The good news? Most thrifted purchases support local communities and local charities, adding a layer of community support to your Halloween shopping experience.

(Ghostbusters Costume DIY)

From a classic witch in a little black dress, black shoes, and a wide-brimmed hat to a black cat with a pair of black rose headbands and creepy cloth assortments, you’ll find plenty of easy DIY costume ideas at thrift stores.

If you’re feeling nostalgic, channel an 80s fitness instructor with blue jeans, plaid shirt, or neon workout gear, or try an Audrey Hepburn iconic look with a pearl necklace, trench coat, and red lipstick.

(1920's Flapper Costume DIY)

Want something bolder? A cowboy hat and denim shirt paired with red bandana and flannel shirts create a scarecrow costume or a rugged wanderer vibe.

Pop culture fans will love recreating Stranger Things characters, the kind look channeling Britney Spears, or Barbie costumes with second hand finds and just the right accessories.

A bit of creativity and a glue gun can go a long way.

Use fabric paint or EVA foam pieces to craft larger statement pieces, or go the spooky route with fake blood for a mad scientist or skull bride instant kits enhanced with unique patterns.

Add day of the dead hats or a quick eye patch for pirate flair, or pull a Hocus Pocus ensemble together with fun accessories from your favorite thrift shop.

(Link Costume DIY)

The possibilities are endless—whether you’re styling for a whole family, coordinating with best friends, or just throwing together a last-minute costume.

(Monkey Piggy Back Costume DIY)

In the end, thrift shopping for costumes isn’t just about creating a quick look or your next costume—it’s about unleashing your creative spirit, finding easy Halloween costume ideas, and celebrating the season in creative ways.

From an organized layout to unique waiting treasures, thrift stores give you the tools to go the extra mile and craft a Halloween hub full of memories.

(M&M Costume)

Whether you’re after a quick costume or last-minute DIY Halloween costumes, choose America’s thrift stores, you’ll walk away with a favorite character look and wonderful thrift store finds.

CHECK OUT ALL THESE EASY THRIFTED DIY COSTUMES

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How to Make Wizard Cape DIY (Cricut Moon Phase Vinyl)

There’s nothing quite as magical as creating your own costume piece, and this DIY wizard cape is a project that’s simple, quick, and full of sparkle!

Perfect for dressing up, cosplay, or adding a little whimsy to everyday play, this cape is knee length, lightweight, and decorated with shimmering gold vinyl.

The best part? You only need one piece of fabric (even an old sheet from the thrift store), vinyl and some creativity.

How to Make a Super Mario Costume (Easy DIY Costumes)

Level up your Halloween this year with a classic DIY Mario costume!

Everyone’s favorite mustached plumber from the Super Mario universe is instantly recognizable, and the best part is—you don’t need fancy supplies to pull it off.

With just a few thrifted pieces, some clever crafting, and maybe a hat heat press, you can create an affordable and fun Mario look that’s perfect for parties, trick-or-treating, cosplay or themed events.

In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to put together your own Mario Brothers costume step by step so you can jump into the holiday in true Nintendo style.

How to Make Best Person Costume DIY (The Good Place)

If you’re a fan of The Good Place, you’ll recognize Eleanor Shellstrop’s iconic “Best Person” sash!

This Good Place costumes idea is a quick and easy project you can make for Halloween, cosplay, or even a themed watch party.

Get a whole party together and do group costumes of Janet, Michael, Chidi, Tahani and Jason. (Thrift sweater vest, floral prints, track suit, bow ties, and a tea dress)

With just a few supplies and a mini heat press, you can recreate this hilarious piece of TV history in under 30 minutes.

How to Thrift a Creepy Doll Costume

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!

How to Make an Alice in Wonderland Costume

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 in baby blue!

How to Make a 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!

How to Make a Group 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!

How to Make DIY Black Cat Costume Easy Halloween Idea

Learn how to Make DIY Black Cat costume!

Whether you need a last minute idea or want something easy to make for the kids, this easy cat costume comes together with just a few supplies and lots of cuteness factor.

Looking for a DIY cat costume that is quick, budget-friendly, and perfect for a Halloween party?

How to Make DIY Black Cat Costume Easy Halloween Idea Looking for a DIY cat costume that is quick, budget-friendly, and perfect for a Halloween party? Whether you need a last minute idea or want something easy to make for the kids, this easy cat costume comes together with just a few supplies and lots of cuteness factor.

How to Make 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.

How to Make Artist Painter Costume (Easy DIY Ideas)

If you’re looking for a creative and colorful idea for Halloween costumes this spooky season, a DIY artist costume is a fantastic way to stand out while honoring your favorite artist.

How to Make an Indiana Jones Costume

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!

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Costume (Easy DIY)

Strawberry Shortcake Costume DIY--1980's style! Learn how to make the classic Strawberry Shortcake costume!

Make the perfect Strawberry Shortcake costume easily with a few items in the closet (or easily sourced) and the perfect puffy fluffy muffin hat!

How to Thrift Pirate Costume DIY (Halloween Costumes)

Ahoy, matey!

Creating pirate attire doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank or settling for flimsy pieces from party stores.

With a little creativity and a keen eye, you can piece together the perfect pirate costume straight from your local thrift shop and fabric stores.

Whether you’re inspired by Captain Jack Sparrow, drawn to the golden age of piracy, or simply want to embody a modern pirate, thrifting allows you to capture an authentic look with budget-friendly finds.

Think stretchable fabric for comfort, a loose shirt tailored to your chest size, and a pair of tall boots that will have you ready to sail the high seas.

Add in accessories like a treasure map, belt, and scarf, and you’ll be well on your way to building a pirate persona that balances creativity with a touch of historical accuracy.

How to DIY Fallout Raider Costume Cosplay or Halloween

Fallout video game fans will instantly recognize the Charmer Outfit—a bold, punk-inspired look that screams confidence and Wasteland attitude.

With a little thrifting, some creativity, and DIY touches, you can pull this costume together without breaking the bank.

Here’s how I recreated the look using secondhand finds and a few Fallout-inspired details.

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.

How to Thrift Y2K 2000s Halloween Costume DIY Ideas

If you’re searching for a nostalgic and budget-friendly Halloween look, thrifting a Y2K costume is the perfect way to relive the early 2000s.

This era was filled with bold style choices—think shiny fabrics, flared jeans, bedazzled accessories, and chunky belts—that make for a fun and instantly recognizable outfit idea.

With just a trip to your local thrift store, you can piece together an ensemble that screams Y2K while keeping it authentic, affordable, and one-of-a-kind.

How to Thrift Saved by the Bell Costume DIY Ideas

Step back into the halls of Bayside High this spooky season with the perfect Saved by the Bell costume!

Whether you’re channeling Zack Morris with his classic cool, embracing your inner Kelly Kapowski with cute outfits and big hair, or teaming up as A.C. Slater and friends, this theme makes for fantastic group or couple DIY costumes.

A true Bell fan knows there are plenty of different options—from the Miss Bliss days to everyone’s favorite times at Bayside—that make for great Halloween costume ideas.

So if you’re heading to a Halloween party, a bell costume is a nostalgic way to say “good morning” to one of TV’s most iconic shows!

How to Thrift Regency Costume DIY (Jane Austen Dress)

Thrifting and DIY’ing the perfect Regency costume is a fun and budget-friendly way to step back into the early 1800s.

Start with a base dress from the thrift store that has the right shape to mimic the fashionable silhouette of a regency gown, then adapt it into a complete regency outfit.

That's it!

Hope these easy DIY and thrifted costumes inspired you to make your own costume!

I love thrifting base pieces for costumes and then adding my own special touches to make them unique and high quality!

Happy thrifting and costuming!

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Hope these easy DIY and thrifted costumes inspired you to make your own costume! I love thrifting base pieces for costumes and then adding my own special touches to make them unique and high quality! Happy thrifting and costuming!

CHECK OUT THESE OTHER COSTUME ROUND UP POSTS FOR MORE EASY DIY IDEAS!

10 DIY Costumes with Cricut (Halloween Costume Ideas)

Learn how to use your Cricut to add accents or create recognizable costumes!

With a Cricut machine, you can transform everyday materials into stunning, custom-made fun costumes in no time.

From a last-minute DIY Halloween costume with detailed accessories to children's Halloween costume visions come to life, or personalized shirts and layered costume pieces, your Cricut opens up a world of creativity.

In this round-up, I’ve gathered some of the best DIY costume projects you can make with your Cricut Maker—whether you’re dressing up for Halloween, a themed party, or just for fun, these ideas will help you stand out with one-of-a-kind style!

10 DIY Costumes with Cricut (Halloween Costume Ideas) Learn how to use your Cricut to add accents or create recognizable costumes! With a Cricut machine, you can transform everyday materials into stunning, custom-made fun costumes in no time. From a last-minute DIY Halloween costume with detailed accessories to children's Halloween costume visions come to life, or personalized shirts and layered costume pieces, your Cricut opens up a world of creativity. In this round-up, I’ve gathered some of the best DIY costume projects you can make with your Cricut Maker—whether you’re dressing up for Halloween, a themed party, or just for fun, these ideas will help you stand out with one-of-a-kind style!

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.