Halloween has a way of sparking our inner child. Between the costumes, candy, and creativity, it’s a holiday that invites everyone to play pretend for a night. Whether you’re planning to take the kids trick-or-treating, heading to a party, or pulling together something last-minute, coming up with costume ideas can feel like a lot. But here’s the good news—you don’t need to spend a fortune at the Halloween store. With a little imagination (and a peek inside your closet), you can put together a costume that’s festive, funny, or just plain cute.
If you’re still wondering what to wear this year, I’ve rounded up some simple, DIY Halloween costume ideas for adults, kids, and even families. Many of these can be made with things you already have at home—or with just a few crafty tweaks.
DIY Halloween Costumes for Adults
Tanya from White Lotus
If you loved the drama and humor of White Lotus, Tanya makes for a clever, easy costume. A long floral dress, strappy heels, and a pink scarf draped dramatically over your head is all you need. Add oversized sunglasses and a bold lip, and you’re instantly the quirky socialite. Bonus points for a blonde wig.
Wednesday Addams
She’s been a classic for decades, but thanks to Netflix, Wednesday is back and better than ever. Black dress or skirt-and-shirt combo, tall socks, loafers, and a white-collared shirt are essentials. Add a braided wig (or braid your own hair), pale makeup, and a moody expression to seal the deal.
Barbie (or Weird Barbie!)
After the blockbuster Barbie movie, it’s no surprise she’ll be a star of Halloween. Go classic Barbie with neon workout gear, a high ponytail, and roller skates. Or embrace Weird Barbie: a frilly pink dress, messy hair, scribbled face paint, and plenty of awkward flair.
Cowgirl / Coastal Cowgirl
This one’s a timeless go-to. Pull on jeans, boots, a flannel, and a cowboy hat and you’re set. Want a fresh twist? Try the coastal cowgirl look: swap jeans for a breezy dress, add a denim jacket, and keep the white cowgirl hat.
Emily in Paris
Channel your inner Emily with a bold red beret, chic skirt, and stylish boots. Over-the-top accessorizing is encouraged. If you’ve ever side-eyed the show’s fashion choices, this is your chance to lean into them.
The Little Mermaid
Inspired by the new film, this one’s simple but recognizable. Wear a purple top, a green skirt (or scarves tied to mimic fins), and a red wig. A seashell prop or two helps make the character unmistakable.
Flapper
Always a party favorite. A beaded or fringe dress, fishnet stockings, and a feather headband are all you need. Add red lipstick and dance shoes, and you’ll feel ready for the roaring ’20s all over again.
DIY Costumes for Kids (and Adults Who Love Crafting!)
Disco Ball, Cassette Tape, or Record
Break out the cardboard! For a disco ball, spray-paint circles silver and glue on squares of foil for the “mirrors.” For a cassette tape, cut and paint a rectangle to match your favorite throwback. And for a record, paint a large circle black with a white center. Each one is fun, lightweight, and instantly recognizable.
Tree
One of the simplest but cutest DIYs. Start with brown pants and a green top. Hot-glue twigs or faux leaves onto a headband, and you’ve got yourself a tree. Make it fall-themed with red, orange, or gold accents.
Lumberjack
Jeans, suspenders, a flannel, boots, and a beanie—add a toy axe and you’re done. Bonus if you already have the rugged beard.
Farmer
Overalls, straw hat, and boots are all it takes. Add a stuffed farm animal (cow, pig, chicken) for a playful touch.
Butterfly
All it takes is cardboard wings, some paint, and elastic straps. Pair with black clothing and a simple headband with pipe cleaner antennae. Colorful, fun, and customizable.
Classic Black Cat
A true Halloween staple. Wear black, paint on whiskers, and pop on some cat ears (easy to DIY with paper and a headband). Add a yarn ball as a prop if you want to get playful.
Family Costume Ideas
Super Mario Crew
Thanks to this year’s Super Mario Bros. movie, the whole family can join in. Mario and Luigi need overalls, colorful shirts, and hats. Princess Peach gets a gown, Toad gets a mushroom cap, and Yoshi can be any green dino-inspired look.
Crayons
Everyone picks a color and dresses head to toe in it. Create simple cone hats, add “Crayon” down the side with black tape, and you’ve got a cheerful rainbow of crayons.
Skeletons
Black clothing + white tape = easy skeleton costumes. Arrange the tape in bone shapes, and you’re set. You can even find printable templates online to make it extra simple.
Robots
If you’ve got spare boxes, this is the costume for you. Spray-paint them silver, cut out armholes, and decorate with buttons and dials. Add a smaller box for the headpiece if you’re feeling ambitious.
Greek Gods
All you need are white sheets, gold scarves, and maybe a few DIY laurel crowns. It’s simple, timeless, and surprisingly elegant.
The Best Part of Halloween Costumes
At the end of the day, Halloween isn’t about perfection—it’s about fun. Some of the most memorable costumes are the ones that are a little messy, a little silly, or completely homemade. Whether you’re rocking neon Barbie, a cardboard disco ball, or an improvised cat costume, the spirit of Halloween is about creativity and play.
So dig into your closet, grab some cardboard and paint, and don’t stress. The best costume is the one you’ll have fun wearing.
