5 Last-Minute DIY Halloween Costumes

Halloween has a way of creeping up on us, and if you don’t have a costume it can be that much more stressful. Even if you don’t have much time on your hands, you can still make your Halloween costume one to remember. Look no further, we have you covered with some last-minute DIY Halloween costumes for the whole family! Read below to learn more.

First, Gather Your Supplies

First things first, you’ll need to gather your supplies. Some materials can be found at your local grocery store, while others you probably have in your home already. Most of these ideas require a good base layer of clothing, we recommend a warm pair of sweatpants and sweatshirt. Halloween in New York can be “chilling to the bone,” so make sure you check the weather before you hit the candy-lined streets!

1. A Spooky Skeleton

All you need to create a spooky skeleton costume is white duct tape, a long-sleeved black shirt, and black pants. Lay out your clothing flat and start to place the tape where your bones would be. Some key areas would be the rib cage, collar bone, arms, and legs. If you are feeling up to it, add some face paint and a hat and you are ready to go! 

2. Your Favorite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle

Grab a disposable roasting pan for this one, it makes for a great homemade Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle shell! Start by painting your pan green (pro-tip: use spray paint to cut down on time.) Before painting, also be sure that the chosen paint will work on aluminum. While the paint is drying, get started on the mask, armbands, and leg band by using strips of colored fabrics! It’s that simple! 

3. Go for a Nostalgic Look

Pull inspiration from your favorite movie or tv show when you were younger. Think characters from favorites like Wayne’s World, Clueless, Family Matters, or Full House. Whether it’s yellow plaid, or a grungy band tee with ripped jeans, all the way to scrunchies and butterfly clips, all you have to do is dig in the back of your closet and get creative.

4. “Electrify” as Static Cling

Using safety pins, attach socks, handkerchiefs, and anything else you can think of in your wardrobe to a long-sleeve shirt and jeans. Don’t forget to add some dryer sheets as well to add to the illusion of fresh-from-the-dryer static cling. This one couldn’t be easier, and as a bonus, you’ll smell really nice! 

5. Build-Your-Own Lego

If you have a lot of leftover cardboard boxes from your early holiday shopping, a Lego brick might be the perfect costume to help reuse what you already have in your home. All you need is a cardboard box that you can fit into, six disposable cups, and some paint. Start by cutting out holes in the box for your head and arms, and then glue the cups onto the cardboard in columns of 2. You’ll want to add 3 rows total. Once the glue has dried, paint the cardboard and cups your favorite Lego color. Once everything has dried, you are ready to hit the streets and collect some candy! 

Now that your Halloween costume is all set, it’s time to carve your Jack-O-Lantern! Click below to review some safety tips before placing the perfect pumpkin on your front step!