21 last minute Halloween costumes you can make tonight
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21 last minute Halloween costumes you can make tonight

In need of a super quick, easy Halloween outfit? You’re in luck, each of these last minute Halloween costumes ideas can be created with just a few materials in no time at all.

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Published: August 21, 2024 at 7:00 pm

Has Halloween snuck up on you this year? If so, you’re going to need one of these quick and easy Halloween costumes that still look amazing. 

Even though these last minute Halloween costumes can be created in only a few hours it doesn’t make them any less impressive! They’re suitable for any event from Halloween house parties to nights out. 

Read on and get inspired with our round-up of quick and fun costumes, most of which can be created yourself at home…

21 quick and easy Halloween costumes to make tonight

1. The Sims last minute Halloween costume

The Sims fancy dress outfit

For the ultimate last minute costume which still has buckets of creativity and fun, try the Sims ideas from Lorraine Stanick

All you need for this costume is the green geometric shape that floats above a Sim’s head (AKA the Plumbob). 

The video tutorial shows you exactly how to make one in just a few steps. You’ll need a headband and some green cardstock or paper. Add green sparkles for extra points! 

After that, you can dress in any outfit, and don’t forget to speak in Simlish.


2. Pasta Halloween costume 

last minute halloween costume - pasta

This one would make an amazing last minute group Halloween costume. You’ll need foam and yellow spray paint – choose your favourite pasta types and get making! 

Studio DIY shows us how to make bow tie and ravioli pasta, but you can adapt it to your favourite shapes. 

If you’re struggling to get foam, try using a cardboard box to create your shapes. 


3. Black cat Halloween costume

last minute halloween costume - cat

It’s a classic for a reason! The black cat is a popular symbol of Halloween, so it makes the ideal costume. Not to mention it’s quick and easy to make. 

Head over to Bustle for the full tutorial, you should be able to whip it up in a couple of hours – sorted!

Kid's Halloween outfit ideas

If you’re looking for Halloween outfits for little ones, check out our kids Halloween costumes.


4. Bat easy Halloween costume

last minute halloween costume - bat

Another easy-peasy Halloween costume – the bat! All you need for the base of the costume is a full black outfit. 

For the wings, She Knows shows you how to make them yourself.


5. Domino simple Halloween costumes

last minute halloween costume - dominoes

This one will likely take you only an hour to make up! All you need to do is wear all black, grab some white paper or card, and cut out the circles to create the domino numbers. 

For advice on applying the circles to your clothing, head over to The Merry Thought.

Discover lots more fun group Halloween costumes.


6. Gumball machine Halloween costume

last minute halloween costume - gumball

This one might look complex, but cut a few corners and you’ll be done in no time. You’ll need a red outfit and a bucket load of pom poms. 

If you’re a crafty household, you might already have pom poms, but if not you can pick up a tonne of them for a really low cost on Amazon

You can get the full tutorial over on Instructables.


7. Wednesday Addams quick and easy Halloween costume

If you loved the new series Wednesday, then who better to go as than Wednesday herself? 

This one is quite straightforward, you’ll need a black dress with a pointed collar and a black plaited wig (oh, and your best sullen expression)! 

Follow this quick Halloween costume tutorial by Amy Serrano on YouTube


8. Napoleon Dynamite simple Halloween costume

last minute halloween costume - napoleon dynamite

If you want a quick duo costume, go as Pedro and Carter from Napoleon Dynamite. This one doesn’t need a lot of explanation. Head over to The Blushing Bungalow for a few top tips on nailing the look. 

For more Halloween laughs, check out our funny Halloween costumes.


9. Eye candy Halloween costume 

last minute halloween costume - eye candy

If you’re really strapped for time, this one is so easy. You’ll need candy and googly eyes, attach them to your top and you’ve got eye candy! 

See how The Kitchn did it.


10. 404 costume not found

last minute halloween costume - costume not found

Fed up with fancy dress? Grab yourself this ironic t-shirt, perfect for any Halloween event. It’s super simple and will give your friends a laugh. 


11. Burglar Halloween costume

last minute last minute halloween costume - burglar

Do you have a black and white striped shirt? If yes, that’s the costume almost ready! All you need to do is get a white tote bag and paint a large dollar sign on it. Finish the look with racoon-style black face paint.

Get the full tutorial over at My Frugal Halloween.


12. Cactus couple quick Halloween costume

last minute halloween costume - cactus

This prickly costume is cute and makes a great duo costume. Start with a green item of clothing, then adorn it with pipe cleaners for the thorns and bright pink or orange flowers. 

Aleene’s shows us how it’s done with their easy-to-follow tutorial.

Going as a pair, check out duo Halloween costumes.


13. Mummy easy Halloween costume 

It’s a classic! Go as a ghostly mummy this Halloween and complete your costume in just a few easy steps. 

Brit + Co shows us how to make this spooky costume.


14. Miss Trunchbull last minute Halloween costumes women

last minute halloween costume - matilda

Dress up as the wicked principal from Matilda, Miss Trunchbull. That means a grey hoodie, leather belt, slicked-back hair and you’re meanest scowl. 

Check out this costume on Pinterest.


15. M&Ms quick Halloween costumes 

last minute halloween costume - mandms
Pinterest

Got a group of friends in need of a last minute Halloween costume? Well, we’ve got just the thing. These colourful M&M costumes are so easy to make and really stand out! 


16. Bob Ross fancy dress costume

last minute halloween costume - bobross

The man. The myth. The legend! Grab your curly wig and paintbrushes and voilà! Check out the full tutorial and tips on creating the look with Dainty Dress Diaries


17. Beanie Baby easy Halloween costume

last minute halloween costume - beaniebaby
Pinterest

Beanie Babies are making a comeback this Halloween! This outfit is great because you can use any Beanie Baby you like for inspiration. 

Finish your outfit with a TY tag – Pop Sparkle Fizz has a free printable PDF. 


18. The Dude from The Big Lebowski 

last minute halloween costume - thedude

This one is pretty easy: dressing gown, shorts and vest. If you want to make it even easier grab the lot on Amazon. White Russian anyone? 


19. Eleven - Stranger Things Halloween costume

last minute halloween costume - strangerthings

Go as Eleven’s iconic 80s-style outfit! We found a highly-rated option on Amazon. Just grab a bit of fake blood to recreate the nosebleed.


20. Wind-up doll quick Halloween costume idea

last minute halloween costume - wind up doll

Let’s face it, wind-up dolls are creepy, so opting for this Halloween costume will be sure to give your friends a fright. 

Polish and Pout shows us how to complete the look, but you really don’t need much to do it!


21. Unicorn last minute Halloween costumes for women

last minute halloween costume - unicorn

Glitter and sparkles, what’s not to love? This cute tutorial from Polish and Pout shows you how to do it. It’s all in the make-up really!


Quick and easy Halloween costumes you can make in a few hours 

If you’re strapped for time these Halloween costumes are fun, quick and easy to put together. Despite their low effort, these costumes still pack a punch. 

Even more amazing Halloween costume ideas

Are you heading to the party with a group of friends? Why not combine forces and go in one of our group Halloween costumes?

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