Here are quick, easy last-minute Halloween costume ideas you can pull together with items you likely already have. Short and simple ideas

• Ghost or sheet costume: White sheet with eye holes.
• Mummy: White fabric strips or toilet paper wrapped around.
• Vampire: White shirt, dark pants, cape (or a black blanket) and pale makeup with fangs.
• Witch: Black dress, pointy hat, broom or wand.
• Cat: All-black outfit, ears headband, eyeliner whiskers, optional tail.
• Tourist: Loud shirt, shorts, sandals with socks, camera or map.

Pop culture and character looks from common closet items

• Superhero: Plain T-shirt with a DIY emblem, cape (towel), dark bottoms.
• Pirate: Striped shirt, scarf or bandana, eye patch, belt.
• Zombie: Tattered clothes and face paint.
• Mad scientist: Lab coat (or white shirt), messy hair, goggles.
• 80s workout vibe: Bright leggings, crop top, leg warmers, headband.

Smart, budget-friendly twists

• “Last-minute influencer”: Fashionable outfit, pretend to film with a phone, selfie stick.
• “Louvre thief” vibe: Black outfit, eye mask, carry a small prop “jewel” (foil-wrapped token).
• “Tourist taken photos”: Hawaiian shirt, shorts, sunglasses, fake camera.

Face-paint and accessories to sell the look in minutes

• Simple eye makeup to hint at a character (e.g., pale face for vampire, bruised look for zombie).
• Use a scarf, hat, belt, or coat to change silhouette quickly.
• Temporary black eyeliner to draw whiskers for a cat, or a mustache for a goofy character.

Pro tips for speed and reuse

• Layer clothing you already own to create new silhouettes.
• Use existing props (bags, cameras, scarves) as costume anchors.
• Pick a theme (classic horror, pop culture, or everyday disguise) and tailor your outfit around one standout item.

If you’d like, share what’s already in your closet and how much time you have, and the list can be tailored to your exact items for a perfect last-minute look.