With a few simple pieces from your closet, you’ll be able to create these easy Halloween costumes.
My sorority’s Big Little Night, homecoming, and away football games all seem to coincide with Halloween every year, so I have very little money to spend on a fantastic costume.
What should a girl do if she wants a fantastic costume but is broke? Look for free Halloween costume ideas.
Friends, do not worry—CF will save the day! I have compiled a list of 58 simple, non-lame Halloween costumes that you can make with items you (or a friend) would most likely already have in your closet.
Classic Halloween Costume Ideas
1. Cheerleader
As a Halloween costume, cheerleaders are usually adorable and easy to make.
All you need to create this costume is a gorgeous skirt, like this one, and a matching cropped tank. The school’s logo should be printed out and adhered. Additionally, you may accessorize the outfit with matching pom poms to add even more flair.
2. Black cat
Recreate this easy costume:
Almost anything can be done for this ensemble. All you need is any kind of black attire. (And I am fairly certain that every CF reader wears something black.)
You will be the best cat of the night if you draw whiskers on your face and purchase some inexpensive cat ears like these from Amazon.
3. A Doll
This one is easily identifiable. All you need for Barbie is a bright pink dress and high heels to go with it. Make sure to wear anything with sequins or an acid-washed denim jacket as well! Searching for a party dress with an 80s theme in your mom’s wardrobe or the costume closets of your sorority home is another entertaining suggestion.
Use a lot of hairspray, a teasing comb, and hot rulers to make your hair look enormous. Apply a ton of black mascara, blue eyeshadow, pink lipstick, and shimmering pink blush as a finishing touch.
Another option is to dress more edgily and apply different makeup to look like a Bratz doll, like the one shown above. You decide!
4. Devil
You have undoubtedly seen someone dressed as the devil if you have ever gone out on Halloween.
This straightforward Halloween costume is incredibly well-liked and a creative way to stand out from the crowd. All you need to do is add some devil horns and wear crimson.
5. Dark Angel
Recreate this simple college Halloween costume idea:
An adorable and rather surprising Halloween costume for college is a black angel. Additionally, it is a fantastic way to recycle an old pair of angel wings; all you need is a little spray paint!
It really could not be simpler than dressing all in black and accessorizing.
6. Hippie
It should be easy to collect all the items you need for an amazing hippy costume because 1970s fashion is making a tremendous comeback.
Start by selecting your favorite tie-dye shirt to go with a pair of bell-bottom pants. Wear a hairband across your forehead and accessorize with platforms or fringe boots.
Wear your hair in waves or in a haphazard braid around your face. Accessorize the ensemble with a cross-body bag, a suede or faux fur sweater, and layered statement jewelry.
7. Skeleton
A tight jumpsuit with a skeleton design on it can make this incredibly adorable and sexy. Skeletons are a popular Halloween costume idea.
Devil Walking, which sells a ton of printed catsuits for Halloween, is the source of the skeleton jumpsuits shown above. They feature a vast assortment of jumpsuits in every possible color and pattern.
A simple catsuit and some fabric paint, or simply leggings and a sticker-adorned top, could also be used to create this costume if you are artistic.
8. Wednesday Addams
Recreate this easy Halloween costume idea for college:
This simple Halloween outfit is fantastic. Even though it is so easy, everyone will recognize you.
You will need either a black dress with a collar or a black dress and a collared white shirt for this. If you can pull off the pigtails and pretend that nothing matters, that is extra credit.
9. Modern Witch
Recreate this easy Halloween costume idea:
The coven from American Horror Story would approve of your costume if you wore a black dress, black boots, white tights, and a round hat.
Simple and Easy Halloween Costume Ideas
10. Holly Golightly
Get this Halloween costume:
There are a few key components to this classy Halloween costume.
The main ones include a little black dress, some pearls, and the iconic cat-eye sunglasses. Pull your hair into a chignon, and maybe add a tiara while you’re at it.
Bonus points if you go out with a cup of coffee and a pastry in your gloved hands.
11. Sandy from Grease
Leather leggings, red heels, a black bodysuit or tank top, and a leather jacket make up this combo. You get extra points if you start singing every time you have to make a big choice.
12. Golden Goddess
This outfit is really lovely and easy to make. A gold gown (anything will do), gold jewelry, cosmetics, and an optional goddess headpiece are all you need to create a golden goddess appearance. For that goddess glow, do not forget to add body shimmer.
This one will make you feel beautiful all night long and is genuinely a lot of fun!
13. A Parisian
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Consider dressing as a Parisian for your Halloween costume this year if you want a little comfort and glitz.
All you need is a beret, striped shirt, black slim pants, ballet flats, and a bright red scarf for a pop of color.
Get a coffee mug and a novel that looks elegant if you want to really make a statement with your appearance.
14. Space Cowgirl
This adorable Halloween costume concept makes me think of Kacey Musgraves. Everyone will wish they had thought of it because it is so cute and easy!
To get a space cowgirl costume, you just need a metallic ensemble (preferably in pink or silver) and a cowboy hat! The more bling the better, but the rest is up to you. (“If you have a lot of glittery stuff, a rhinestone cowgirl would be another adorable version of this style.)
Additionally, do not forget to add cowboy boots to complete the ensemble if you have any in your closet!
15. Billie Eilish
You may dress like Billie Eilish for Halloween by imitating one of her looks from her music videos, whether you are a diehard fan or just admire her style.
To get this outfit inspired by the video for “Happier Than Ever,” you just need a baggy graphic tee, which Billie can be seen wearing in the music video. (You probably have one in your closet already.) Additionally, you can add a bleach blonde wig that matches Billie’s haircut if you want to look exactly like her.
16. Britney Spears
Recreate this simple Halloween costume idea:
Britney Spears has been the talk of the town. Why not dress up like the most popular music star for Halloween as a way to honor her?
If you want to be instantly recognizable, try wearing one of Britney’s many well-known styles from her music videos.
Britney’s schoolgirl ensemble from the music video for “Baby One More Time” is one of her most famous looks. A black skirt that goes well with a white button-up top is necessary for this look, as are adorable, fluffy pink scrunchies for the hairstyle.
17. Ariana Grande
Recreate this Halloween costume idea:
Another well-liked celebrity who would look fantastic as a Halloween costume is Ariana Grande, particularly if you have long hair that you can put up in a high ponytail.
Wearing a black dress, big circular earrings, and gloves will allow you to create your own Ariana Grande costume. Once more, this look relies heavily on the hair and makeup.
18. Nerd
Recreate this easy Halloween costume idea:
A button-down shirt (buttoned all the way up!), a sweater vest, nerdy glasses, Oxford shoes, and an amusing bow tie are all you need for this easy costume.
Extra points for putting your hair up in messy high pigtails and wrapping tape over the center of your spectacles!
19. A 1950s Housewife à la I Love Lucy
Recreate this easy costume:
Wearing a full-skirted dress is a lot of fun, and wearing one for Halloween is the ideal way to celebrate! For a Lucy mood, accessorize a 1950s-inspired dress with a charming apron, pearls, high heels, a fluffy ponytail, and bright red lipstick.
20. Marilyn Monroe
Recreate this easy costume idea:
Marilyn Monroe is another someone you might wish to dress up like. Because it can be based on the iconic scene where Marilyn is wearing a white dress, this costume is quite simple.
Just be sure to pick a white dress with a fit and flare shape, and apply some red lipstick and black eyeliner on and you will have your Marilyn Monroe look!
22. Black Widow
You may transform yourself into the Black Widow this Halloween with a basic costume, whether you are a Marvel fan or simply want a beautiful costume!
A long-sleeved black jumpsuit that matches the Black Widow’s characteristic black ensemble is all you need to transform into this superhero.
23. Cher (Clueless)
Recreate this easy Halloween costume:
The key components of this costume are a matching yellow jacket and skirt combination and knee-high white socks, however, Mary Jane shoes would also work well.
You can locate the exact components at a number of retailers because this style has generally returned in recent seasons.
24. Sabrina Spellman
Recreate this easy Halloween costume:
I am not only stating this because the majority of the clothes in this iconic autumn show have a retro feel. (For additional information on our leading lady’s appearance, view our comprehensive Sabrina Spellman style guide!)
All you need for a Sabrina costume is a black skirt, a black headpiece, and a red off-the-shoulder sweater. Finding a black cat to follow you around is a bonus.
Other idea: If you like an edgier look and/or have hair styling skills, a Prudence Night costume would also be simple to make!
25. Blair Waldorf
Recreate this easy Halloween costume:
Another well-known figure you might choose to dress up as for Halloween is Blair Waldorf. Blair has a ton of amazing clothing options.
However, I suggest donning a yellow headband, one of Blair Waldorf’s well-known looks from Season 1, if you truly want to get the appearance that everyone will recognize.
In order to get a traditional Blair Waldorf look, you should also buy a white top with a bow on the front.
26. G.I. Jane
Recreate this easy Halloween costume:
Dressing up as G.I. Jane (or any other member of the armed forces) is a fantastic and patriotic choice if you have camouflage or military-inspired attire!
This outfit will look excellent with a patched button-down, camo jacket, army anorak, or slender cargo pants. G.I. Jane, played by Demi Moore, had a bald head, although you are welcome to wear yours down or tucked into a hat. To get more effect, smear your face with dirt or brown eyeshadow. Add a pair of combat boots to complete the look, and you are ready to go!
27. Elle Woods
Recreate this easy Halloween costume idea:
Elle Woods is one of my favorite movie characters ever. You can surely dress up for Halloween if you are a fan of this renowned figure or if you adore the color pink.
This one is really easy—just dress entirely in pink! I suggest purchasing a pink midi dress similar to the one she dons in the film, along with matching pink heels, if you are shopping for this one.
28. Harley Quinn
Recreate this college Halloween costume idea:
If you are into comics, you may also wish to dress up as your favorite character. For years, Harley Quinn has been a well-liked college Halloween costume, and this autumn, her popularity is still high.
I suggest modeling your Halloween costume after her appearance in the film Birds of Prey if you are thinking of dressing up as her.
Make sure to dress in vibrant hues if you want to look like Harley. For instance, she frequently dons a bright jacket, so you could dress like her to get a Harley Quinn costume. Make sure to get a black heart tattooed on your face to match Harley Quinn’s if you truly want to change into her.
29. Dorothy Gale from The Wizard of Oz
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For Halloween, you could wish to dress up as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, a renowned movie heroine.
This one is really simple; all you need to do is wear a dress that is blue and white, like this one, and put your hair in braids. Extra points for red shoes of any kind.
30. Lola Bunny from Space Jam
Recreate this easy Halloween costume idea:
Everything from the 1990s is back right now, including movies, as we all know! A Lola Bunny suit is such a cute costume idea, and Space Jam was a classic movie of the decade.
All you need for this simple college Halloween costume are white shorts and a cropped shirt. One of them might already be in your wardrobe, or you could get an inexpensive outfit that you will wear frequently. When you print out the TuneSquad logo, everyone will recognize you.
You are ready to travel if you put your hair in a ponytail and wear sneakers!
College Halloween Costume Ideas You Can Try With Friends
31. Powerpuff Girls
Simply gather two pals and dress in the trademark color of each character for this fantastic group Halloween costume. You may wear pretty much anything so long as you’re wearing your girls’ colors, so have fun and put your own style to it!
Do not forget to accessorize your hair to create a distinctive Power Puff look! Adorable.
32. Euphoria characters
This is such a great concept for a group Halloween costume because Euphoria is a really popular show with incredible elegance!
With this, you may go as large or as small as you like. Take your friends and go as the entire squad, or take your best friend and go as Cassie and Maddy. For that feeling of euphoria, make sure to go all out with gorgeous makeup.
Recreate this easy college Halloween costume:
If you want to make this super easy, you can buy Cassie and Maddy’s cheerleader uniforms on Amazon:
33. Bank robbers
Recreate this easy costume:
To be honest, you basically only need a black beanie and a striped shirt for this costume, however, you could get a mask here for a reasonable price.
34. Daphne and Velma
Recreate these easy Halloween costumes:
I appreciate that the characters may be dressed up or down. That crimson beret is also quite cute.
You will need a red skirt, an orange sweater, orange knee-high socks, and glasses for Velma.
Daphne requires a purple headband, a purple dress, or a skirt and jacket set. These outfits are really cool!
35. Napoleon Dynamite and Pedro
Recreate this easy costume:
Like in the movie, you can purchase a vote for Pedro tee here. Old glasses are also a good addition to the Napoleon costume.
The Pedro one requires a bolo tie, a white shirt, and a belt in the Western manner.
If not, all you need is a pair of jeans.
36. Winx Club
Recreate this simple Halloween costume:
Dress up as characters from Winx Club to relive your childhood! This is a great concept for a group costume because there are six key characters from the early seasons.
Although each member has a distinct style, the ensembles tend to feature a lot of crop tops, miniskirts, and vibrant clothing, so you are likely to already have some of these pieces in your closet!
Do you want additional advice on how to look like the Winx Club characters? We have an entire post about Winx Club fashion, complete with character attire.
37. Biker Chick(s)
Recreate this easy Halloween costume:
This one could not be more straightforward or adorable! Although it is a cute costume to wear alone, it is even more adorable if you can persuade some girls to join you for your own motorcycle gang.
Simply wear your best leather skirt, combat boots, and a Harley t-shirt. Make sure you apply layers of eye makeup and, for added edge, wear ripped tights. You are ready to go!
38. Monster High Characters
With the news of the impending series relaunch and character-based musical, Monster High has been in the headlines a lot lately. So for Halloween, why not get your buddies together and dress up like Monster High characters?
Depending on how many individuals you have, you can wear this outfit in a variety of ways. For some Monster High costume ideas that you can make using clothing you already own, watch the video above!
39. The Cast of The Breakfast Club
Only if you have five buddies will this plan succeed. The Breakfast Club’s characters (and stereotypes) are so well-known that you could definitely manage to pull this off with a group of girls or a coed group!
A pair of slacks (the color is not crucial), a red flannel shirt, a denim jacket, wayfarers, and black fingerless gloves—which you can manufacture by cutting the ends off of some inexpensive black ones—are required for Bender. Brian will need a nerdy lunchbox, khaki pants, and a green sweater, while Andy will need jeans and a varsity jacket. While Claire’s ensemble calls for a long brown skirt, brown boots, a pink shirt, and a silk scarf, Allison’s appearance is accomplished with loose-fitting black clothing and a winter coat lined with faux fur.
40. Linda and Heather
Recreate this cute Halloween costume idea:
This one will be familiar to you if you follow TikTok trends or simply grew up watching the Disney Channel. Liv & Maddie’s Linda and Heather would make a very adorable best friend costume!
Wigs and headbands are needed for this one, but other than that, it is just colored clothes; it does not have to be accurate! This year, bright colors are popular, so wear your brightest outfits and have a good time.
For this one, there are no excuses—just make sure you commit the song and dance to memory!
College Halloween Costume Ideas for Girls on a Budget
41. Frida Kahlo
Recreate this costume idea:
You will primarily need a flower crown and an unibrow for this costume, which you may draw using a brow pencil. You might purchase a flower crown or construct your own using this technique.
Any dress will work for this, although lace or floral designs would be ideal.
42. Rosie the riveter
Recreate this easy costume idea:
It is not too difficult to pull off this legendary outfit. You only need a pair of jeans, a denim shirt, and a red bandana.
For the benefit of feminists everywhere, pull your hair back and strike a posture.
43. Tourist
Recreate this easy Halloween costume idea:
For this, pull out your fanny pack and Hawaiian shirt. Extra points if you can locate a lei and some dad-style sunglasses.
44. Alex DeLarge from A Clockwork Orange
Recreate this easy Halloween costume idea:
45. Mia Wallace from Pulp Fiction
Recreate this college Halloween costume idea:
Everyone adores the film Pulp Fiction, and Mia Wallace’s appearance is instantly identifiable and incredibly simple to assemble, which is why this costume design is a classic.
A men’s white dress shirt, black pants, and a method to style your hair like Uma Thurman’s in the film are actually all you will need. Alternatively, you can use temporary spray hair color and roll your ponytail under to create a “faux-bob” or get a black bob wig from the Halloween store. Always be the first girl out on the dance floor and keep a candy cigarette with you the entire time (a prize is optional).
46. Marty McFly from Back to the Future
Recreate this college Halloween costume idea:
This is yet another fantastic choice for all of you movie lovers. Dress up like Back to the Future’s Marty McFly, the quintessential young hero of the 1980s!
Wear a button-down shirt, a jean jacket (if you do not already have one, grab one at any thrift store), and your go-to down vest (it is even better if it is orange) to acquire Marty’s style. Choose a pair of aviation goggles from a Halloween store to wear pulled up on your forehead, and combine them with trousers and white tennis shoes.
There are a lot of quotes from the movie that make this costume idea entertaining, plus it will keep you warm if you happen to be at a bonfire or other outdoor event. Additionally, your closest friend or boyfriend may easily dress up as Dr. Emmett Brown by donning a gray wig and a lab coat!
47. Punny Halloween Costumes
I understand that some of you have mixed feelings about these costumes, but if you have a little budget, a strange sense of humor, and some creativity, this might be the best option for you.
The author Chelsea’s younger sister is shown above in a Deviled Egg costume!
Other amusing choices include a Pig in a Blanket, a Black Eyed “P,” a Ballerina, a Pastafarian, a Cat Burglar, or a Cereal Killer.
48. Waldo
Recreate this easy Halloween costume:
People will notice you if you wear a red beanie and a red shirt with stripes. If you wear glasses and cover your face when someone asks what your costume is, you get extra points.
49. Selina Kyle / Catwoman
Recreate this cute Halloween costume idea:
The Dark Knight Rises, another insanely popular superhero movie, shattered box office records. The leading lady (Anne Hathaway) in the catsuit, Selina Kyle, was the fashion force of the film, much like Scarlett in the Avengers.
If you are a brunette, this outfit is quite simple. Like with the Black Widow, it is unlikely that you will want to purchase the actual catsuit. The suit is not necessary, though, because Selina’s Catwoman ensemble has enough accessories.
Once more, choose leather leggings and pair them with high-heeled boots and a tight black long-sleeved shirt. Get goggles or sunglasses to wear on your head as “ears” and purchase (or construct) a black mask. Tell everyone you meet, “Mr. Wayne, there is a storm coming,” while sporting a crimson lip.
50. Joel Goodson in Risky Business
Recreate this cute Halloween costume idea:
I could not leave this costume off my list because it is so timeless, even if you have seen it at parties before!
All you need for a Risky Business costume is a pair of tube socks and a men’s button-down dress shirt. However, instead of tight whiteys, I suggest wearing a tiny pair of gym shorts underneath your shirt!
Include a pair of wayfarers in this ensemble as well; while Tom Cruise does not don them in this scene, Risky Business is recognized as a major factor in the 1980s resurgence of Ray-Ban wayfarers!