23 Easy DIY Halloween Costumes You Can Put Together Fast
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Halloween is coming soon, and we’re all dreaming of ways we can make the holiday more fun than ever this year. While you carve your jack-o’-lanterns and ready your home for spooky season, it’s also time to think about all the amazing Halloween costume ideas you can come up with! But if you’ve been scratching your head trying to find the best look for this year—or if you need an idea in a pinch—then you’re in the right place. We have the best easy DIY Halloween costumes you can put together in minutes that are still creative and will make it seem like you put hours into your look (don’t worry, we won’t tell!).
Whether you’re contemplating favorite TV show characters, a funny costume, or something classic, there are plenty of easy DIY Halloween costume ideas that you can pull off quickly. And they won’t all be your typical black cat or witch costumes—though we do have a couple ideas to make those classics stand out, too. These unique DIY Halloween costume ideas are easy to put together and affordable, with plenty of the costume components being things you already have hanging in your closet. Just mix in the fine details, and your look will come together like magic.
1. The Property Brothers
Grab your tool belt, your favorite flannel, and your best pal and you’ve got yourself the perfect DIY Halloween costume—Drew and Jonathan style. Just don’t knock down any walls while you’re in character!
2. Nikki from ‘Obsession’
If you’ve seen the hit supernatural psychological horror movie Obsession that came out this year, then you know that it left a lasting impact, to say the least! Earning a stunning 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, it became an instant classic. That’s what makes the main character, Nikki, such an amazing easy DIY Halloween costume for 2026. Choose one of her super simple but easy-to-recognize outfits, and keep a One Wish Willow prop in your back pocket.
3. Ice Cream Truck Man
It’s hard not to love a DIY costume as nostalgic and fun as the ice cream man! All you need is an apron and a box of ice cream cones. Or, go with a couple fake prop ice cream cones that come with all the fixings—like sprinkles, chocolate sauce, and more—for the full effect. (You’ll probably be the most popular person at the Halloween party if you bring the ingredients to make some real ice cream sundaes, too… Just saying!).
4. Hershey’s Kiss Candy
When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with a candy costume! They’re easy, cute, and instantly recognizable. With this Hershey’s Kiss costume, for example, it’s really as simple as throwing on a silver dress, writing out “HERSHEY”S” on a white headband or long scarf, and carrying around some of the famous candies with you.
5. Minion
A minion hits all the marks of a great DIY Halloween costume: It’s a funny character, a comfortable outfit, and super easy to put together. Grab any yellow t-shirt laying around and that old set of gardening overalls, and all you’ll need are the minion goggles to make it all come together. Now, all you have to do is get your minion language down right—bello, poopaye, banana—you got this!
6. The Lorax
Do you speak for the trees? The Lorax is one of the easiest DIY Halloween costumes—and one of the cutest, too! You can customize it however you’d like (an orange jumpsuit, orange skirt and sweater, orange sweatpants and tank top), and just add in the signature yellow mustache to finish off the look.
7. Freddy Krueger from ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’
It wouldn’t be Halloween without Freddy Krueger! And luckily, his costume is also super easy to recreate. All you really need is a red and green striped sweater (bonus points if there are some rips and tears) and his signature knife glove, and voilà—you’re ready for a real-life Nightmare On Elm Street.
8. Ballerina
A ballerina is an easy DIY Halloween costume that you can customize to fit into your unique style. Dress up as Nina from Black Swan for a more moody, spooky vibe; or instead, go the classic route with a ballet pink tutu, tiara, and a high bun.
9. Paddington Bear
Paddington Bear is a heartwarming character that brings us all the warm and fuzzies! This one is super simple to make and combines maximum cuteness with minimal effort: All you need is a yellow or blue coat, bear ears, a red hat, and a red bag. Plus, if you’re going for comfort this Halloween, then a DIY Paddington costume is your perfect match. Bonus points if you bring a marmalade sandwich along with you!
10. Race Car Driver
Drivers, start your engines, because this race car driver Halloween costume will be winning first place! With just a few special touches, you can turn a regular outfit into a speedway uniform in minutes. Add in a cool racing jacket or just put some patches on one you already own, adorn yourself in medals, and you’re ready to ride.
11. Beanie Baby
Simple, cozy, cute, and creative? This one has it all. Hone in on the memory of your favorite toy with a beanie baby Halloween costume! Everyone will instantly recognize your costume, especially with the TY tag. DIY your beanie baby tag with some craft paper and twine, and tie it around your neck or wrist for the full beanie baby effect. You can even fill out your beanie baby info inside your tag to go the extra mile.
12. Phantom Bride
Here comes the (ghostly) bride! Some haunted makeup, a worn wedding gown or white dress, veil (which you can make out of tissue paper, in a pinch), and a withered flower bouquet will do the trick to take your ghoulish bride costume to the next level. Consider making it a group Halloween costume by having friends dress up as bridesmaids so you can go as the “Phantom Bride Tribe.”
13. Mermaid
Lovers of the sea and sand will have a blast putting together this easy mermaid Halloween costume. You have lots of options for the base: You can wear a green, blue, or purple skirt, dress, or pants. Then, the trick is to add a ton of pearl makeup jewels, eye shadow and blush in sea-inspired colors, and seashell costume jewelry. Oh, and the more glitter, the better!
14. Vintage Circus Clown
Give the clown costume a chic twist this year by embracing the vintage circus vibe. Complete the outfit with a pompon party hat, old-school striped clown suit, and of course, the perfect clown makeup. It’s a simple Halloween costume that will still look creative and fresh.
15. Pop Star
If you’ve ever had wishes of making it as a pop music sensation, then Halloween is the perfect time to dive head-first into that dream! Best of all, you probably don’t need much to put the costume together. Grab your flashiest outfit (or even just a cool leather jacket) and a microphone or toy guitar, and you’re ready for your debut performance.
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16. Skeleton
A skeleton is a classic Halloween costume, and it’s one of the easiest costumes you can put together fast! All you need is the right makeup and a skeleton onesie. (Or you can wear all black if you’re really in a pinch.) It also makes a great pick for an easy family Halloween costume—get everyone their own skeleton costume and you’ll be the cutest haunted bunch in the neighborhood.
17. Magician
Did you know Jonathan is actually a trained illusionist? It’s true! If you want to tap into inner trickster, then a magician Halloween costume is a great idea. Plus, it’s super easy to put together. All you need is a suit or cape, top hat, and a deck of cards (or a stuffed animal bunny), and you’re ready to perform your magic tricks!
18. Mary Poppins from ‘Mary Poppins’
Mary Poppins might be the perfect costume for the last-minute planners, because all you need is a few pieces to become an immediately recognizable character. You can likely find most of these items at your secondhand stores, too.
19. An ’80s Girl
If you’re looking for a groovy DIY costume, consider the iconic ’80s girl! There are a few outfit options to go with—a workout outfit, a leotard and colorful tights, or a track suit. From there, get your sweat bands and your permed wig, and you’re ready to rock and roll.
20. Wednesday Addams
Ever since the TV series Wednesday premiered, we’ve been obsessing over the resurgence of the Addams family! You can’t go wrong with a classic spooky character, and Wednesday Addams is one of the most iconic.
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21. Witch
It’s a classic for a reason! Plus, there’s so many creative ways to alter a witch costume: Add in embellishments, go with a unique color scheme, or a distinct witch character, like the Wicked Witch of the West.
22. Beetlejuice
The new Beetlejuice Beetlejuice movie coming out is the perfect reason to break out this Halloween favorite. Extra points if you make it a best friends costume and have someone dress up as Lydia!
23. The Mad Hatter from ‘Alice In Wonderland’
We’re all mad here! The Mad Hatter is an easy DIY Halloween costume with a huge payoff. It’s more original than you’re typical witch or vampire, but still simple to put together. Complete the whimsical and colorful costume with a teacup from the thrift store or your cabinet for added attention to detail.
Halloween Ideas
We have everything you need, including decor, pumpkin stencils, and costume ideas. (For you and your pets!)
Get Spooky!
Bree Pulver O'Hagan
Bree is the Senior Digital Editor at DrewandJonathan.com. In the past, she’s worked for publications focused on home improvement and sustainable living. Bree’s Pinterest board is filled with cozy textures; vintage patterns; sculptural furniture; and moody, warm-toned colors. She has a degree concentrated in the intersection of writing and architecture, which influences her passion for exploring creative solutions to unusual home layouts and stylish renter-friendly decor. She’s a self-proclaimed pro at finding the best antique furniture in the most unlikely of places (but her cat Blue can certainly back these claims).
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