Halloweekend is just around the corner! The pumpkins are carved and the rooms are decorated, but if one question keeps lingering it’s, “What am I wearing for Halloween?” I’ve got a bundle of last-minute ideas that are fun, easy, and affordable.
I understand you’ve probably been very focused on classes, midterms, or work, and costume planning got pushed to the bottom of your to-do list, and now every Amazon delivery is delayed. Don’t panic, you don’t need a full month’s worth of planning to wear something creative and trendy. Here are some ideas you can throw together using pieces you might already own or can borrow from a friend.
Pop Culture
Barbie (or Ken), the colors pink or blue never miss. For Barbie, you can find any shade of pink, either a dress with heels, a workout set, or even a pink hoodie with white sneakers, and call it Barbie. Add some sunglasses or a “Hi Barbie!” name tag for extra flair. For Ken, anything sporty, such as tank tops, swim shorts, and a backwards hat. Bonus points if you’re hanging with your “Barbie” and carrying around a toy surfboard while saying “I’m just Ken” all night.
Wednesday Addams is a great last-minute costume since all you need is a black dress, a white collar, tights, and braid your hair in pigtails. For makeup, add dark lipstick and eyeliner, and you’re all good to go! It’s classic, spooky, and recognizable. It’s a perfect costume to stay low effort but high impact.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are a good duo costume if you’re going with a friend or partner. It can be a fast and fun costume; one person can wear red lipstick, sparkly eye makeup, and a glittery outfit for Taylor, possibly adding a “22” or “Swiftie” sign for a cute photo moment. For Travis, that person can wear a football jersey or Chiefs colors.
Classic but Creative
A vampire is the ultimate Halloween classic. Wear all black, throw on fake fangs, and dab a little red lipstick near your mouth. Spirit Halloween also provides vampire makeup kits with instructions to follow! Also, for accessories, if you’ve got a leather jacket, lace top, corset, or red jewelry, even better. You can go full gothic elegance or “just fed” messy, both give vampire chic.
For ghosts, you can go very old school by grabbing a white sheet, cutting out eye holes, and then you’re done. But if you want to go more in-depth, try layering a white dress, skirt, or oversized hoodie with silver or sheer accessories to give an ethereal effect. Add pearl jewelry, eyeliner, gray or blue smoky eyeshadow, and a shimmery highlighter for a ghostly glow. You can even get sparkles or rhinestones from Walmart for extra glamour.
A witch costume never fails. All you need is a black dress or sweater, boots, and some dark lipstick. If you have any pointy hats and a broomstick for drama. You can choose different aesthetics between cottage core and full goth glam. Both will cast a spell!
Funny & Easy
When you forget your costume, grab a name tag and write “Error 404: Costume Not Found.” Lazy? Yes. Iconic? Also yes. Bonus points if you commit to the bit and look completely unbothered all night.
A tourist is pretty simple, you can wear a floral shirt, baseball cap, sunglasses, socks with sandals, and a disposable camera. Walk around with exaggerated curiosity, take pictures of everything, and say “Wow, what a beautiful campus!” every five minutes. It’s low-effort comedy.
You can dress as a trendy social media influencer by cutting a cardboard square to resemble your favorite social media app, like TikTok, Instagram, or Snapchat, and wear colors that match. Find inspo pictures of easy outfits they have worn since the cardboard pulls this look together.
Groups and Duos
The movie “Mean Girls” is perfect for friend groups. Think pink skirts, glossy lip gloss, and a lot of attitude. Add a “Burn Book” prop and quote lines all night. It’s nostalgic and timeless, the ultimate trio costume.
The Scooby-Doo Gang is easy and adorable. Velma wears orange, Daphne purple, Shaggy green, Fred white with a scarf, and Scooby can be brown with DIY ears. It’s colorful, recognizable, and perfect for a five-person friend group.
The “Adam Sandler” crew where comfort meets comedy. Throw on oversized basketball shorts, sneakers, and a giant T-shirt or hoodie. It’s ironic, cozy, and perfectly suited for a chilly October night. The best part? You can literally nap in it afterward.
DIY & Aesthetic Looks
To dress as a fairy, all you need is a flowy top, glitter, and some wings from the dollar store. Add sparkly eyeshadow and soft curls or space buns for that whimsical touch. It’s quick, cute, and fits almost any vibe.
A cowgirl/cowboy wears jeans, flannel, boots, and a hat, which can be done from your closet. Add a bandana or temporary tattoos for fun. Make it a creative duo costume with “Yee” and “Haw” shirts.
Overall, Halloweekend at Monmouth isn’t about perfection; it’s about having fun, being creative, and celebrating with friends. Whether you’re rocking pink as Barbie, haunting the halls as a ghost, or going full DIY mode, the best costume is the one you actually enjoy wearing. So raid your closet, borrow from your roommates, and make it work.
At the end of the night, it’s not about how much you spent; it’s about the memories you made before Monday morning hits. Happy Halloweekend, Hawks!
