Halloween is right around the corner, the one day of the Ber months where we are not hyper-fixated on Christmas. However, with all the Ber months’ busyness, many of the cool girls—yes, that’s you, because anyone can be a cool girl—may not have a Halloween costume planned yet, even with the social event already scheduled. Well, not to fear, this is the ultimate last-minute guide on how to pull off an effortless, It-Girl-approved Halloween costume using pieces you may already own in your closet.
1. Mime
If you have a black and white striped shirt or long sleeved top, then this is your sign to be a cool mime! Wear the top with some red accessories, such as shoes, tights, a bag, or a beanie or beret. Then, use your black eyeliner or eyeshadow to create bold eye accents, teardrops, triangles, or lines, and finish off with a red lippie.
Photo: Pinterest – Carly Malone
2. Ballerina
A bodysuit isn’t just something you can wear with jeans on a night out—it can also be turned into your Halloween fit. Pair the body suit with a flowy short skirt (better if it’s sheer or tulle), leg warmers if you have them, and ballet flats (a fashion trend that many already participate in), and you can be a ballerina. Make sure to put your hair up and have your outfit in the classic ballerina black, white, or pink.
Photos: Pinterest – Asiya and metria🎀
3. Vampire
Makeup is the real key to a last-minute Halloween costume that looks great. You can easily create a vampire look with just black eyeshadow and red lipstick. For that sunken, “kinda-dead” vibe, you can apply black eyeshadow all over your eyelids and under your eyes. To complement that, you can do a vampy ombre lip combo by applying black eyeshadow to the outer edges of your lips, fading it slightly inward toward the center, then applying red lipstick in the center. The perfect final touch is then a small red drip stain on the side that looks like you just sucked someone’s blood. Then, your ensemble could be as simple as an all-black piece with red details, preferably lace accents.
Photo: Pinterest – b♡rney
Photo: TikTok – @jennatanisha
4. Cowgirl
Got a plaid shirt and denim bottoms? Boom—you’re a classic cowgirl. Just knot the shirt over a white tee, toss on a chunky belt, add a bandana, and step into some boots. With just the right amount of time, you can get a last-minute cowboy hat to top it off, and you’re officially ready to yeehaw your way into that Halloween party!
Photo: Pinterest – Johanne
5. Magic Mike
Jeans, a white tank, and a tie. That’s all you need to be a Magic Mike dancer, because who said men do it better? Add a little douchebag-approved hat and some boxers peeking out, and queue up Ginuwine’s Pony. You’re officially ready to steal the show (and ladies’ hearts).
Photos: Pinterest – maggiestevens and cassie 𝜗𝜚
6. Bunny, cat, or any animal, really!
Animal costumes are the ultimate easy DIY. Just grab a cheap pair of animal ears online—like a black cat, bunny, or leopard—and match your outfit to the headband. Want to take it up a notch? Add matching makeup! A simple eyeliner is all you need to draw on quick whiskers, leopard print, or a bunny nose.
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- Photo: Pinterest – celestemrod
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- Photo: Instagram – @aathenaa.v
Photo: Pinterest – Alyssaafelixx
7. Mia Thermopolis
If you have a short white dress lying around, this is your sign to go as Mia Thermopolis from The Princess Diaries. All you’ll need is to buy the princess tiara, but beyond that, add a pair of black shades you probably have from your many beach trips, and you’re good to go! If you have the matching wired headset and white long gloves, that’s the perfect added bonus.
Photo: LTK – karinabtw
8. Breakfast at Tiffany’s
White isn’t your thing? Well, you can swap the entire Mia Thermopolis costume for an all-black one with the same tiara, and now, you are Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Style your signature LBD (little black dress) or long black dress if you’re up for it, with a pearl necklace, shades, and perhaps some black gloves, and you may just look like the bougiest one in the party.
Photo: Pinterest – Urban Mamaz
9. Easy A
Another iconic movie costume is Olive Penderghast from the hit comedy Easy A. In one of the movie’s most memorable scenes, Olive embraces false school rumors about her sexual reputation by sewing a giant, red “A” onto her corsets—a nod to Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1850 novel The Scarlet Letter. Recreating this bold look is incredibly simple: all you need is a black corset and a red letter “A” cut from paper, cardboard, or fabric that you can stick on with double-sided tape. Pair it with tight black bottoms, oversized sunglasses, and classic pumps, and you are ready to strut out with confidence.
Photos: Pinterest – chaosbyariel and lz_22
10. Alien
If you enjoy applying makeup and have anything shiny, you can be an alien! Bold eye makeup in vivid green, pink, or blue can already indicate that you are out of this world (pun intended); better yet if you decide to go with face paint. If you have time for a little splurge, you can make your own antenna headband or purchase a colorful wig or tights. In any case, you will appear as though your costume was already “planet ahead” with something as simple as a sparkly fit and colorful eyeshadow.
Photos: Pinterest – sparkswebb and raineeatsbrainz
With these ideas, you’re officially ready to serve looks this spooky season without having to spend on an entire new outfit that you will only wear once. And don’t forget, whatever Halloween costume you decide on, remember that the key to a perfect last-minute costume is the one you feel great wearing. Now, go check out your closet for a trick of a costume that will surely be a treat this Halloweekend!
