From Halloween enthusiasts looking to go full cosplay-mode, to the casual partygoer just looking for a quick and easy last minute idea, there’s a DIY Halloween costume solution for everyone.
This year, ditch the costume-in-a-bag approach and consider upcycling or repurposing some gently-used items from your local Goodwill to put together a look for less. Check out some of our favorite ideas below:
Carole Baskin
Murder! Mayhem! Madness! This nod to the sensational Netflix miniseries is an excellent choice for all the cool cats and kittens out there. Enjoy hunting for a loud, loose-fitting animal print outfit as part of the ensemble. A flower crown and a stuffed tiger are the perfect final touches to properly pay homage to the mysterious big-cat rights activist.
E.T. and Elliot
Planning on being outside? Have a bike? Here’s an opportunity to maximize the public wave of ‘80s nostalgia. Search for an oversized red hoodie, jeans, a basket/crate, and a white towel or sheet. Attach the basket or crate to the front of the bike, swaddle a stuffed animal with the towel/sheet, and place the bundle of extra-terrestrial joy into the basket. Done!
Men in Black
Let’s start simple. This classic choice is a solid go-to for any duo looking to be sharply dressed and easily recognizable. All that’s needed to properly channel Agents J and K are a black blazer, black slacks, a white collared shirt, a black tie, and black sunglasses. Bonus points if you can find a device that looks like a neuralyzer.
Mrs. Maisel
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel continues to delight audiences everywhere, and is a fabulous choice for our treasure hunters out there. To put this look together, hunt for a dress or a coat with a vintage silhouette. Add evening gloves, a purse, and a sensible pair of heels to complete the look. Looking to fully sell the character? See if you can find a retro microphone!
Mystery Gang
Scooby-Doo’s human friends are a timeless option for groups, and involve nothing more than the mixing and matching of basic apparel items. Grab an orange sweater, red mini skirt, orange knee-highs, and pair of glasses to be Velma. A purple dress (or sweater and skirt), pink tights, purple headband, and green scarf round out Daphne’s outfit. Fred’s look only requires blue pants, a blue collared shirt, white sweater, and signature orange ascot. And Shaggy? An oversized green V-neck and red pants will do nicely.
Scarecrow
Adults can’t have all the fun! This scarecrow outfit is the perfect not-so scary costume for your little one. Start with a pair of overalls stuffed with straw, a flannel shirt, and a straw hat. If there’s extra time, you can sew flannel patches to the overalls or attach faux sunflowers to the hat. Face paint goes a long way to add the finishing touches to this adorable look. We can’t promise the birds will stay away!
Feeling Inspired?
Check out a Goodwill location near you to get your DIY Halloween costume started.