Halloween costumes you can find in your closet
Last-minute Halloween costumes that require no shopping
Finding the right Halloween costume is always a challenge, especially when you’re expected to wear multiple each year. Buying all of the components for each costume can be expensive and it can leave you with clothing and props that you’ll never use again. This year, instead of shopping online or in-store for your costume, try utilizing what you already have. By using clothes that you already own, you can participate in the holiday without having to spend a penny. Check out these four costumes that can easily be recreated with common items that you probably already own. So you can dress up without the stress of shopping.
A Casual Princess Diana
Princess Diana wore an oversized sweatshirt and bike shorts as a casual outfit countless times. Luckily, the resurgence of bike shorts in the past few years makes it an easy look to recreate last minute. For this costume, you’ll need an oversized sweatshirt, spandex bike shorts, long white socks, sneakers, and sunglasses.
Princess Diana often carried a tote bag or a small purse with this outfit as well, so feel free to add one in to take the accuracy of the costume one step further. The addition of a bag is also a great way to keep track of your belongings throughout the night. The ease and comfortability of this outfit makes it a great last-minute costume no matter how you’re celebrating.
Steve Jobs
When you think about Steve Jobs, your mind probably goes to Apple and his influence on modern-day technology, but it’s not unlikely that, soon after, you think about the outfit he always wore. The simplicity of his well-known uniform makes it easy to put together last minute, but it is still recognizable. For this costume, you’ll need a black turtleneck shirt, blue jeans, sneakers, and glasses (preferably wire-rimmed). Plus, for iPhone users, an item that you were likely already bringing can also be part of your costume. You might not have started one of the world’s most well-known companies, but at least you can pretend.
Wednesday Addams
If you want an easy and last-minute costume that keeps the spooky Halloween spirit, Wednesday Addams is the perfect choice. Known for her somber attitude and personality, Wednesday Addams is a great costume to embrace the darkness of the holiday. Her simple outfit also makes it easy to recreate her look if you are short on time, money or both. For this costume, all you’ill need is a white collared shirt, a simple black dress, black shoes and to wear your hair in two pigtail braids. You could also opt-in to wearing black tights if you have them which will darken the look even more, but they’re not absolutely necessary.
Boxer
Dressing up as an athlete is always an easy way to go if you are wanting a more general costume. A boxer is a great athlete costume to choose, you can easily utilize your workout clothes rather than needing a specific uniform or jersey. For this costume, you will need athletic shorts, a sports bra (if applicable), a robe or zip-up hoodie, and sneakers.
And to further sell the persona, try hanging a towel around your neck, wrapping your hands in tape or gauze, and putting your hair up in a ponytail if it is long enough. The good thing about a more general costume like this one is you don’t have to worry as much about specific details for an accurate and convincing portrayal.
is a digital producer for The NewsHouse.
is a contributing photographer and reporter for The NewsHouse in the multimedia, photography and design master’s program. When she’s not taking photos or writing about pop culture, she’s trying the latest vegan recipe she found on Instagram.
