To say that this year has been tough would be a colossal understatement and with one of the most important elections in United States history just a few days away, everyone is stressed to the max. A lot of us haven’t had the time to find the perfect Halloween costume, adding to the stress we already feel, but don’t panic. I've got your back. Take a deep breath and check out this list of last minute Halloween costume ideas.
1. Vampire
Let’s start with a classic. Even before the Twilight era gave rise to a new wave of vampire fans, people were already dressing up as these creatures of the night. It shouldn’t be too hard to find things in your closet that will fit the vampire aesthetic.
Dark clothes and silver jewelry should do the trick. Dust off the clothes and accessories from your high school Goth phase, find some fake blood and vampire teeth, and you’ll be looking fangtastic!
2. Little Red Riding Hood
This storybook character’s look is easy to replicate. Just thrown on a red hoodie (or use bedsheets if you’re really in a pinch) over a simple dress and you’re good to go. If you’re in need of a cool looking wicker basket, try going to your local store and checking out the fall decoration section.
And if you want to go the extra mile, you can pick up some sweet treats to put in your basket to complete the look. Hopefully the Big Bad Wolf doesn’t sniff them out!
3. The Scooby-Doo Gang
Luckily for us last minute costume shoppers, the famous teens of Mystery Inc. wear very simple outfits when they’re busting bad guys and unmasking maniacs. If you wanted to replicate Velma’s look, find a cozy orange sweater and a nice red skirt. Add in some orange knee-high socks and a pair of glasses and you’re officially the brains of the team.
If you wanted to go as Shaggy, it’s as simple as throwing on a green T-shirt and some khakis. For those of you with a dog, your canine companion will make the perfect Scooby-Doo.
4. Beetlejuice/ Mime/ Referee
If you happen to have a black and white striped shirt hanging in your closet then you’re in luck. There’s more than one different costume you can make with this. Pair the shirt with a green wig or temporary hair dye, and just like that you’re the iconic Tim Burton character Beetlejuice.
Got a black beret and some white gloves? Congratulations, you are now a mime straight off the streets of Paris. If you aren’t feeling those two costumes, get your hands on a nice whistle and become a sport referee.
5. Cute Animal
As they said in Mean Girls, a cute outfit with animal ears counts as a Halloween costume. You can find some animal ears in just about any store right now. Whether you want to dress in all black and go as the (un)lucky cat or don an all white ensemble and go as a fluffy bunny, you will have many options to choose from.
Just make sure to dress in layers so you don't get too cold. No one wants to get sick right now.
6. Thing 1 and Thing 2
This is a great couples costume idea or if you wanna rock out with your best bud. All you really need is a red T-shirt and a name tag. You can even cut out a white circle, write Thing 1 or Thing 2 on it, and tape it to your shirt.
If you can find a fluffy blue wig, then all the better. If not, some blue hair chalk or temporary hair dye will bring the outfit together.
7. Witch
Another Halloween classic. Whether you want to go as one of the infamous Sanderson sisters from Hocus Pocus or the notorious Wicked Witch of the West, being a witch for Halloween is both easy and standard. To be your typical witch, you’ll need a black dress and a witch hat which, once again, you can find at just about any store right now.
If you want to really steal the show, some green face paint will make you stand out. Grab the broom out of your hall closet and you’ll be good to go!
8. royalty
Raise your hand if you’ve ever imagined donning a crown and ruling a country. From the various princesses of the Disney movies to real life royal families, princes and princesses are everywhere in pop culture. And while it may be hard to find a costume for your favorite Disney princess at the last minute, don’t let that stop you from being your own princess, if only for a night. Find your best dress, your most precious jewelry, and an eye-catching crown and you’ll be the bell of the ball.
9. Magician
Halloween night is all about making magic happen right? So what better costume to find at the last minute than a magician. With a black jacket and a black top hat, you’ll be looking [censored] and span as you dazzle audiences with your card tricks. With a wave of your magic wand, you can win a costume contest without breaking the bank or stressing over your outfit.
10. Angel/ Devil
It all depends on whether you want to give tricks or treats on Halloween. If you want to be a force of good, then find some white clothes and a nice pair of wings. You can make your own halo with some wires and paint too.
Add some sparkly makeup and you’ll be looking angelic in no time. On the other hand, if you know you’re going to be up to no good that night, then go ahead and let your inner devil out. Throw on some red-hot clothes and take a short trip to the store to find some devil horns and your very own pitchfork. If there’s one night a year to let your bad side shine, it’s Halloween.
Bottom line, even if you don’t have the time or money to go looking for a super cool costume for Halloween this year, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on dressing up. Your closet might just end up being your best source of inspiration to find a thrifty and unique costume. So have fun with it and enjoy the night.
Leave all the stress for November 3 and try to relax this weekend. Fill your stomach with chocolate and candy apples, or even candy corn and black licorice if you’re into that (I know I am!).
