30+ Best (Easy) Halloween Costumes on a Budget
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With just under 6 weeks left until Halloween, it’s time to start getting serious about costumes.
Let’s be honest all you need for a successful Halloween is candy, at least one viewing of Hocus Pocus, and a good costume.
But a good costume doesn’t have to mean an expensive or complicated costume.
In this post I’m breaking down 30+ easy and budget friendly costumes. Many of them you can put together with stuff you already own. So let’s dig in and get our costume on…
1. Witch
Perhaps one of the most iconic Halloween costumes. All you need is to dress in all black, and throw on a witches hat that you can get for cheap online or at a local costume shop
Need:
- Black clothing
- Witches Hat
- Witch Hat has a circumference for the head of 22.5" .The hat is somewhat stretchy and actually fits better.Vertically the hat is almost 10" tall, so it could easily be used for regular wearing as well as for costume.Tilted toward the back seam, so it's a bit curved, which looks good.
- The brim is a nice size, not overly large so it isn't going to "flop" around but instead hold it's shape because of the wire in it. The tip does have that slight curl to it, which is amazingly cute.
- Modern Witch Hat Perfect for halloween party,masquerade cosplay costume accessory and daily.
2. Pan Am Stewardess
Got a blue skirt suit? If not you can put one together by hitting up a thrift store, that’s what I did for Halloween 2015. Using some felt, a cheap hat, and a hot glue gun I put together the hat, and had picked up the bag a few years before. But if you don’t have the bag, you could easily make one or pick up one on Amazon (though the Amazon route, will definitely cost more).
Need:
- Blue Suit
- Sheet of Blue felt
- White ribbon
- Hat
- Print out of PanAm Logo
- This tutorial on creating a Pan Am hat
- BRIGHT & REFLECTIVE - Specially hand printed with bright reflective ink. Diamond grade reflective material provides the best visibility during both day and night!
- PEEL N' STICK - Hassle free to use! Just clean the surface, spray some water, peel the backings then applying to wherever you want.
- MADE TO LAST - Made of premium 3M vinyl, waterproof and fade resistant, it is guaranteed to stick for a long time.
- WARRANTY - We stand behind our products!
- USA - Made and ships from the USA
3. Bob Ross
Who doesn’t love Bob Ross? An afro wig, a white t-shirt, jeans and a cardboard paint pallet with a brush will do the trick.
Need:
- White button up shirt
- Jeans
- Wig
- Cardboard to make a “paint pallet”
- Paint Brush
- Wig; Beard; Moustache
- Brown/Grey
4. Athlete
Whether you used to be an athlete or still are one, you can use your gear to play the part on Halloween. Maybe you’re a soccer player, or rugby, whatever the sport dress for the game and carry the ball around, and bam! Halloween costume complete.
Need:
- Sports gear for whatever sport you currently or used to play (shorts, shirt, cleats, ball)
5. Graduate
Put that aging cap and gown in the back of your closet to good use. It’s easily one of the easiest and most comfortable Halloween costumes.
Need:
- Cap
- Gown
6. Rosie the Riveter
Iconic? Check. Easy? Check. Budget friendly? Check. Denim and an updo with a bandana and you’re in business.
Need:
- Denim/blue button up with sleeves rolled up
- Jeans
- Bandana
- Soft, Breathable & Comfortable Material - The red and white dot headband is made of cotton fabric to provide a smooth touch and good air permeability.
- Fit for Most Usage Scenarios - Regardless of winter or summer, sport or shopping, the headwear are used widely in daily life for halloween cosplay, cycling, yoga, morning jogs, racing, hiking, skiing, riding, fishing, dressing up, etc.
- One Size Fits More - The headband measures about 36.6"/93cm that accommodates most head sizes.
7. Audrey Hepburn
There are so many options when dressing up like Audrey Hepburn, but perhaps the most iconic is Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The trickiest part of this costume is getting your hair up right.
Need:
- Black dress
- Pearl necklace
- Cigarette
- DESIGN: This iconic, fully functional, long cigarette holder inspired by Breakfast at Tiffany’s is the perfect way to filter your nicotine with style. Not only is it the picture-perfect prop, but it is also fully functional and can accommodate any regular-sized cigarette.
- SIZE: The diameter of this cigarette holder is 8 millimeter and 2.51 centimeter circumference. It measures 6.5" inches (Unextended) and 13.5" inches of pure vintage charm when fully extended. This item has other brilliant color options available. Our product holds all regular size Cigarettes, not suitable for slim size cigarettes, cigars or any other non-regular sized cigarettes
- SATISFACTION: Your comfort is our first priority and we are committed to ensure the utmost satisfaction to our customers. In case, you are still not happy with our product, let us know and we will offer you a satisfactory solution.
8. Flo/Jamie from Progressive
The only downside of this costume is that it’s primarily white, so if you’re going to a rager where you are likely to have a drink spilled on you, you may want to choose another costume. But otherwise, this one is super easy and super comfortable.
Need:
- White polo shirt
- White pants
- Finally, a white apron
- Printer/iron on of Progressive
- Sneakers
9. Mime
A classic Halloween costume. A striped shirt, black pants, and a little face makeup and you’re done.
Need:
- Black pants
- Black and white horizontal striped shirt
- White and red face paint
- Beret
10. Harry Potter
You could make this costume really in depth and complicated, but you don’t need to. Some round glasses, a lightning bolt “scar” and you’re done. If you want to take it up one level, create a wand and maybe a house scarf.
Need:
- Round Glasses
- Use makeup to create a lightning bolt scar
- Wand
- PACKAGE INCLUDES – Our package includes one pair of round wizard costume glasses that you may wear every day. Perfect pair of harry potter circle glasses for dressing up in a Halloween-themed party, cosplay party, or dressing up as a unique character to have a good time.
- HGH QUALITY MATERIAL – The black round glasses are composed of PC material, which is safe and difficult to break, as well as long-lasting. Classical design harry potter glasses for kids and adults help us to stay current with fashion trends while still looking stylish!
- 100% SATISFACTION – We're sure that you will fall in love with our black circle frame glasses and use it to their utmost potential. The plastic round black glasses should suit most men, women, and children of all ages. Full-frame non-prescription fake black glasses with clear lenses.
11. Christmas Present
This is throwing it back to my childhood. But all you have to do is take a large box (you can get one from Home Depot for about $2) cut holes for your arms and head. Then tape wrapping paper to the box, add a bow to your head and you’re done.
Need:
- Box
- Wrapping paper
- Bow
12. Arthur/John Legend
Blue jeans, a yellow sweater, red shoes, and some glasses and you’re good to go.
Need:
- Blue jeans
- Red Chucks
- Yellow sweater
- Round Glasses
- PACKAGE INCLUDES – Our package includes one pair of round wizard costume glasses that you may wear every day. Perfect pair of harry potter circle glasses for dressing up in a Halloween-themed party, cosplay party, or dressing up as a unique character to have a good time.
- HGH QUALITY MATERIAL – The black round glasses are composed of PC material, which is safe and difficult to break, as well as long-lasting. Classical design harry potter glasses for kids and adults help us to stay current with fashion trends while still looking stylish!
- 100% SATISFACTION – We're sure that you will fall in love with our black circle frame glasses and use it to their utmost potential. The plastic round black glasses should suit most men, women, and children of all ages. Full-frame non-prescription fake black glasses with clear lenses.
13. Minnie/Mickey Mouse
Wear anything black, red, and white along with some mouse ears and gloves and you’re automatically Minnie or Mickey Mouse.
Need:
- Mouse ears
- Mouse gloves
- 100% polyester
- Officially licensed
- Mouse ear headband w/ red and white polka dot bow
- Soft white velour gloves w/ dark cartoon lines on top
- Red and white polka w/ Minnie Mouse cameo fits with Hook and Loop fastener
14. Smartie Pants
This is a pun costume. All you do is tape smarties candies to a pair of pants.
Need:
- Pants
- Tape
- Smarties
Bonus: Any smarties you don’t use for your costume you can use as candy to give out.
15. Sheldon Cooper
Bazinga! Could this costume be any easier? Pants, a long sleeve shirt, and a flash t-shirt over it and say, “Bazinga!” a lot.
Need:
- Pants
- Long sleeve T-Shirt
- Officially licensed flash logo tee
- Distressed logo printed on 100% cotton
16. Mary Poppins
This is both a classic costume and modern one since they are remaking Mary Poppins.
Need:
- Umbrella
- Bowler hat
- Black skirt
- Red bowtie
- White button up top
17. Barbie Dolls
Hello Barbie! Put on your best dress, then pop a Barbie box over you and you’re all set. Check out the video below for a tutorial on creating a great Barbie (or Ken) box.
18. Devil
Let your bad side out on Halloween. Dress in all red, throw on some horns and a tail and voila!
Need:
- Red clothes
- Horns
- Tail
19. Forrest Gump
Pick your favorite look from the movie and then make it happen. It could be a blue button up with slacks, or running shorts, a large t-shirt, crazy hair and ball cap, or a messy white tank and pants from the boat. Complete your look by carrying around a box of chocolates.
20. Clue Characters
Was it the maid or the professor? This can also make for a great group costume. Check out this post for inspiration on creating the costumes.
21. Bank robber
Really all you need to do is dress up a burlap bag, by adding a dollar sign to it, or buy one already dressed up.
Need:
- Black clothing
- Money bags
- Mask
- The bank better watch out with this fun robber costume set, that includes great accessories for your costume.
- This fun criminal costume set includes a $ bag, an eye mask, and sleek leather looking gloves for a quick getaway.
- Great way to complete your robbery costume getup, for Halloween or costume parties alike.
- Perfect for adults of all ages, this costume accessory set is a fun way to be a pretend criminal on the loose.
- Amazing quality, this bank robber set includes the necessary essentials to give you that criminal look.
22. Hans Solo
AKA fall wear for women. Pants, boots, white shirt, and vest. Done. Complete the look with a blaster and Chewbacca by your side.
Need:
- Dark pants
- Boots
- White long sleeve shirt
- Vest
- Blaster
23. Rachel Green
A tank top, some overalls, and a Central Perk apron and you’re one of the gang.
Need:
- Tank top
- Overall shorts
- Central Perk Apron
- Machine wash cold; do not bleach; tumble dry low; do not iron over decoration.
- one size fits most adults.
- For ages 12 and up.
- Made in the USA.
24. Gunther
Spray your hair bleach blonde/white and wear a button up with a tie, obsess over Rachel and you can be Gunther for Halloween.
Need:
- White Hair Spray
- Slacks
- Button up shirt
- Tie
- LURID DESIGN: Style up your hair with vivid a colored hair spray that features a white color.
- PERFECT FOR MANY OCCASIONS: It is perfect for birthdays, halloweens, costume parties, dress ups, pictorials, stage performances, role plays, events, everyday use and other occasions that needs hair styling.
- EXCELLENT QUALITY: It is made of non-toxic and hypo-allergenic materials that are safe to use without damaging your hair.
- TEMPORARY COLOR: Just spray ample amount to achieve the desired color, rinse it with shampoo and water to remove.
25. Regina George
Get yourself a cheap tank top cut some holes in the front and carry a burn book and you’re on your way to being the top mean girl.
- White tank top
- Colored bra
- Black mini skirt
- Burn Book Cover
- Size: Standard
- Mean Girls Burn Book Stretchy Book Cover
- 97% polyester 3% spandex stretch knit book cover
- Printed details on outside cover
- Sewn sleeves inside fit over hard bound book cover
26. Damian from Mean Girls
Quite possibly the most perfect costume for an introvert. Wear a blue hoodie and sunglasses and occasionally shout, “she doesn’t even go here!”
27. State Farm
All you need is a red polo shirt and some khakis. Then throw on a name tag that says you’re from State Farm.
Need:
- Red polo shirt
- Khakis
- Name tag
28. Wheres Waldo
Another comfy and easy and budget friendly costume? Yup, what can I say, I love being comfortable. All you need is some blue jeans, a red and white striped shirt and a red beanie.
Need:
- Blue jeans
- Red & White striped shirt
- Red or red and white, hat
- Round Glasses
- PACKAGE INCLUDES – Our package includes one pair of round wizard costume glasses that you may wear every day. Perfect pair of harry potter circle glasses for dressing up in a Halloween-themed party, cosplay party, or dressing up as a unique character to have a good time.
- HGH QUALITY MATERIAL – The black round glasses are composed of PC material, which is safe and difficult to break, as well as long-lasting. Classical design harry potter glasses for kids and adults help us to stay current with fashion trends while still looking stylish!
- 100% SATISFACTION – We're sure that you will fall in love with our black circle frame glasses and use it to their utmost potential. The plastic round black glasses should suit most men, women, and children of all ages. Full-frame non-prescription fake black glasses with clear lenses.
29. Cowgirl
Yeehaw! If you’re not an actual cow girl, now is your chance to pretend. Put your hair in braids, get a hat and some boots and then you can pretty much wear whatever you want. Jeans and a plaid top, or a dress.
Need:
- Cowgirl/boy boots
- Cowgirl/boy hat
30. Bag of Jelly Beans or Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans – it’s all about the logo
All you have to do for this one is get a large clear plastic bag, cut out holes for your extremities and fill it with balloons. Finally, add your preferred logo.
31. Pink Lady
Grease Lightning! Put on your favorite poodle skirt or just all black (pants and shirt) along with a pink jacket. The last thing you’ll need is attitude.
Need:
- Black pants
- Black top
- Dark shoes
- Pink Lady Jacket
32. Thing One/Thing 2
There are a lot of ways you could go with this costume. But the simplest would be to rock a Thing One or Thing Two t-shirt.
Need:
- Red pants
- T-shirt
- Official Dr. Seuss T-shirt
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
What Will Be Your Halloween Costume?
With all these great, easy and budget friendly Halloween costumes, which will you choose? Let me know in the comments!
