Here are quick, easy last-minute costume ideas you can put together with items you likely already have, plus a few very affordable or quick-pick options if you want to add a small prop. Direct ideas you can assemble from a closet

• Cat or animal: Black clothing, cat ears (headband), eyeliner whiskers and nose.
• Classic ghost or sheet costume: White sheet with eye holes; add a belt to shape it, or cut out a head opening for better fit.
• Tourist: Hawaiian shirt, shorts, camera or map; pair with a sunhat and sunglasses.
• Mummy: White or light-colored clothing wrapped with bathroom tissue or gauze; add some faux bandages on the face.
• Rock star: Leather jacket or denim, fake mic or broomhandle guitar, sunglasses.
• Banker or businessperson: Dress shirt, blazer, tie, and a stack of prop “money” or a briefcase.
• Nerd or professor: Sweater vest, button-down shirt, glasses with tape in the middle, backpack.
• Mimes or silent film star: Black-and-white striped shirt, black pants, white face makeup, and a beret (or hat).
• Rosie the Riveter: Denim shirt, red bandana, rolled sleeves, “We can do it” vibe.
• Superhero using basic color blocks: Solid color shirt and tights with a cape made from a curtain or fabric.
• Minion-inspired look: Blue overalls (shorts or pants) with yellow top and goggles (create goggles with craft foam or cardboard and clear plastic).
• Trucker or farmer: Plaid shirt, jeans, cap, and a prop mug or hay bale prop if available.
• Pirate: Striped or white shirt, vest, dark pants, scarf or bandana, and a toy sword.
• Viking or medieval: Tunic-like top, brown belt, rough-looking boots.

Low-cost, quick gear from a store or online (if you want a small purchase)

• Makeup kits to create character faces (witch, zombie, vampire) in minutes.
• Simple capes (black or red) or inexpensive accessories to transform basic outfits.
• Temporary tattoos or face gems for a glam look (glue-on gems for a galaxy or punk vibe).

Tips to minimize effort

• Focus on one strong prop or accessory to anchor the look (e.g., a camera for “tourist,” a scarf for “mummy,” a cape for “superhero”).
• Use contrasting makeup to create a focal feature (face paint for a ghost, whiskers for a cat, bold lip for a vampire).
• Reuse items from everyday outfits to avoid buying anything new.

If you share what you have in your closet or your preferred vibe (funny, spooky, easy-elegant), a tailor-made, step-by-step plan can be crafted using only items you already own.