Need some easy halloween costume ideas for a last minute party invite? Maybe you have kids that suddenly decided they DO want to go trick or treating this year?
If you’ve left it late, don’t panic! Whether you’ve just been invited to a Halloween party, you want to save some money or you just feel like getting crafty, here are some easy Halloween costume ideas that you can make at home!
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The ghost costume is a timeless Halloween favorite, and a super easy homemade Halloween costume It’s spooky, yet simple, requiring very few materials and it is suitable for adults or children. So, if you need a last minute outfit, this is a perfect choice. All you’ll need is a large piece of white fabric or an old white sheet, a pair of sewing scissors, and a black marker. Ideally, you’ll want to wear white or black clothing underneath.
A plain, lightweight sheet will work best. Before you start, make sure the material is large enough to cover you without dragging on the floor. Put the sheet on and mark where your eyes should be when the sheet is in position. Remove the sheet and make small openings for your eyes and trim the length if needed to ensure you won’t trip.
You can outline the holes with black marker to create that dramatic eyed ghost look. You can also make a wide open mouth using your marker. If you want to make your costume unique or quirky, carry a sign that says “Boo!”
Have a final try on of your costume to make sure that the length won’t get caught under your feet, you can move freely and breathe comfortably.
If you want to move away from the spooky into a funnier style, but still easy halloween costume, the burglar could be a good fit. This costume can be created almost entirely from the clothes already in your closet.
You’ll need a black and white striped shirt or a plain black shirt, dark jeans or trousers, a dark cap or black beanie, a pillowcase and paper and markers to make your props. The black and white stripe pattern is easily identifiable as a cartoon burglar, but you can make a plain black t-shirt or sweatshirt work if you don’t own any stripes.
Pair your shirt with dark trousers or jeans and add a cap or beanie to complete your look. You can also take your costume to the next level by using face paint or make up to create a dark band across your face to cover your eyes.
You can also create props by creating a swag bag. Draw a dollar sign on a piece of paper and attach it to your bag, before you tie it shut. This bag can also be used for carrying your essentials, if you make the tie closing the bag a little longer, so you can wear it on your shoulder.
If you are feeling particularly crafty and enjoy a fall inspired Halloween, you could create a scarecrow costume. By combining old clothes, a few details and some simple face paint, you can create a completely unique look that you could make cute, funny or even spooky.
You’ll need an old checked shirt or a long sleeved top, a pair of overalls, jeans or old trousers, an old straw hat or sun hat, an old scarf, fabric strips and some washable face paint.
Your starting point is the old shirt, and while checks or plaid patterns are traditional, any worn looking shirt will work. Pair it with overalls- but this is a great opportunity to use some jeans or trousers that are past their best and look a little threadbare. Complete your outfit with a loose scarf and an old straw hat, gardening hat or cap. You can decorate your entire outfit with some fabric patches, which can be glued or pinned on to your clothing.
However, what will really bring your scarecrow costume to life is how you decorate your face. Use washable face paint or make up to draw rosy circles on your cheeks, add small lines to the corners of your mouth and a simple stitched line across your chin or forehead. Keep the design simple as it will have more impact. You can make your scarecrow look child friendly with brighter colors and a smiling face or darken your make up and add uneven looking stitches for a spookier version.
If you want to take your scarecrow costume to the next level, you could add fine strips of yellow or brown paper pinned to the inside of your shirt sleeve cuffs to look like straw filling. You could also carry a pumpkin, or wear a jack-o-lantern mask!
These three costume ideas can be used for adults or children alike, allowing you to use your imagination rather than spending lots of money. So, before you head out to a costume store, take a look through your closet, craft supplies and recycling bin. You can use old clothes, spare fabric and some crafting items to make a unique, cool homemade costume.
However, there are a few practical things you should keep in mind. You need to make sure that the costumes fit properly; you don’t want items dragging on the ground or blocking your vision and breathing. Be sure to keep loose fabrics or paper away from candles or open flames; if you want to carry a pumpkin lantern, choose a battery operated light rather than a candle version.
The great thing about homemade Halloween costumes is that you can create something that is unique and it doesn’t need to look perfect. In fact, if you have a slightly crooked ghost face or mismatched patches on your scarecrow, it can make your outfit even more charming.
You can also create coordinating costumes with family members or friends without breaking the bank. You could have a family of ghosts, a burglar with a police officer or detective or a scarecrow out and about with a farmer.
With these three easy Halloween costume ideas, you can create a memorable look using things you probably already have at home. Whether you choose something funny, spooky or fall inspired, with a little creativity, you can turn some everyday household items into an affordable, original costume that is ready for trick or treating or any Halloween party.
