38 *Cheap* Halloween Costumes You Can Easily DIY On A Budget

Here's your annual reminder that whatever you wear on Halloween doesn't have to be super expensive, especially if you really own your Halloween makeup skills and pick a super-current costume. (Insert caveat here: If you're one of those people who's been planning their costume since last October or who's dropped a lot of money to get the *perfect* scary-day look, then just know I appreciate you. Also, I am very much not that person—I coordinate most of my costumes the day of.) If you’re still trying to figure out your costume before Halloween rolls around, there are so many clever, funny, and flat-out genius ideas out there that don’t require a ton of work...or, more importantly, moolah. Trust, you can turn a cheap Halloween costume into the Best Costume winner at your Halloween party with a little creativity and resourcefulness.

We've got some fresh, 2023-specific costume ideas (I dare someone to dress up as modern-day Carrie Bradshaw in a nightgown), but you've also got your classic fairy and skeleton costumes in here, too. As long as you have some makeup, basic craft supplies, and extra time (OK, in some cases, maybe a ~lot~ of time), you can totally pull these Halloween costumes off. If you want to make an effort but also save some serious cash, these ideas are evidence that an impressive look is easy to do by yourself or even with a friends as a group costume. Ahead, 38 cheap Halloween costume ideas to get you into the spirit.

1. Wednesday Addams

   All you need to channel Wednesday Addams: a black dress (preferably with a sharp collar that you can also DIY), dark hair (or a black wig) worn in two braids, dark nail polish, and a big ole scowl.

2. Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen

   Disney's Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen is one of the most iconic movies of the early aughts. DIY a Coca-Cola necklace with some bottle caps and pull out your old fishnets. 

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3. The Princess Diaries

   You probably saw everyone on Halloween last year channeling Hailey Bieber à la The Princess Diaries, but that's because it's literally the easiest, quickest costume ever. Grab some '90s sunnies, headphones, a tiara, and a lil white dress—most of which you probably already have in your closet.

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4. Captain Underpants

   This costume might only consist of a pair of boxer briefs and a cape, but anyone who was a fan of Captain Underpants would get it right away. Don't have a red cape? Use a red blanket or towel instead.

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5. Elvira Hancock from Scarface

   Idk what's more iconic, Michelle Pfeiffer in Scarface or Olivia Rodrigo channeling Michelle Pfeiffer in Scarface. Any blue dress will work, but you'll def need a short blonde wig with bangs to pull it all together.

6. Barbie

   2016 Beyoncè was ahead of the game. What makes a Barbie costume so great is that there are literally so many options to choose from. Running late? Head-to-toe pink (that's most likely already in your closet) will do the trick.

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7. RuPaul

   Winnie Harlow as RuPaul is *chef's kiss*. You'll absolutely need a platinum blonde wig, but the real secret to getting this costume right is to perfect RuPaul's fabulous drag makeup.

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8. Black Swan

   Looking for a costume for you and your BFF? Natalie Portman's Black Swan gives you a two-for-one-deal. Really, the only thing you need to buy is a black or white tutu, then use a simple black or white bodysuit to tie together the rest of the costume.

9. Alexis Rose from Schitt's Creek

   Dressing up as Alexis Rose is easy—statement gold jewelry, floppy hats, and a boho-esque dress'll do it. Oh, and don't forget to always be texting and hollering for "David!!"

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10. Napoleon Dynamite

    Funny Halloween costumes are the best Halloween costumes, IMO. Napoleon Dynamite and Pedro Sánchez are the most iconic duo there is. This BFF costume is super easy to recreate. For Pedro, draw on some mustache whiskers and wear a button-up shirt with a bolo tie. For Napoleon, the classic glasses, curly wig, and "Vote for Pedro" shirt will do the trick.

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11. Carrie Bradshaw 2.0

    You could always don a tulle skirt to channel Carrie's OG Sex and The City look, but the most lol-worthy moment from the sequel can come together in a snap: blue cardigan, long gingham dress, rubber gloves, and handkerchief around the face. You probably already have the big sunglasses, tbh.

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12. Anna Wintour

    Anything tweed will work for an Anna Wintour costume. But the most important part: big sunglasses and a blunt bob wig.

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13. Amanda Seyfried as Elizabeth Holmes

    You can always go in the all-black, red lipstick look that Holmes was known for. But if you wanna pull off a more subtle reference, pick one of the early college outfits Amanda's rocking in The Dropout (hello, '90s rust-colored sweater and striped Oxford!) and then practice randomly lowering your voice while you pitch your big "idea."

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14. Sandy from Grease

    An all-black 'fit with red shoes and lipstick makes this such an easy costume (and a lovely tribute to the late Olivia Newton-John). But curl your hair and don't forget about the leather jacket, of course.

15. A Goth

    Wear all black everything (even lipstick) to pull off this costume. Statement jewelry, fishnet tights, and heavy eyeliner are key.

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16. Little Women

    Cottagecore has been a trend for a few years now, so all you'll need for this is that nap or prairie dress you already have in your closet. Add a straw hat and lace-up shoes, and you'll look like you could pen a novel. This also works as a fun group costume too!

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17. Little Red Riding Hood

    Conversely, wear all red pleather and don a cape to seem like you came straight out of this classic tale. A picnic basket for grandma helps seal the deal.

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18. Pamela Anderson in Barb Wire

    Kendall Jenner wore this leather corset to become Pamela Anderson in the flick Barb Wire, and you can also recreate the cinematic costume with a bustier, fishnet tights, and gloves. (And a barbed wire temporary tattoo.)

19. Beyonce in the "Single Ladies" Music Video

    Yes, this music video is a throwback, but it's so recognizable! Grab a black leotard, ankle strap heels, and bust out your solid dance moves, obvi.

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20. Edna Mode in Incredibles 2

    Edna has so many iconic lines in The Incredibles movies, and her look is super simple to copy. The short black wig and big round glasses really sell it.

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21. Chucky's Bride

    A leather jacket, white dress, and white wig is all you need to pull this spooky costume off. Dark makeup is prob a good idea too.

22. Minnie Mouse

    Throw on some red-and-white polka dots, mouse ears, and yellow shoes to be this Disney character for Halloween. So easy!

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23. Violet Beauregarde

    Dust blue makeup on your face and wear a blue jacket to be this Willa Wonka and the Chocolate Factory character. Oh, and don't forget the chewing gum!

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24. Cher

    This is mostly about the makeup, but a '70s-inspired sparkly (and ab-baring) dress gets the point across too. Cher's signature back in the day was long sleek hair with a middle part and exaggerated colorful eye makeup, like Halsey's stunning look here.

25. A Bride

    You don't need to actually get married to dress like you're going to your own wedding! Any white dress will do, and you can either buy an inexpensive veil or hot glue tulle fabric to a headband to make your own. A small bouquet of flowers and something sparkly on your ring finger helps nail it.

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26. Elle Woods

    For an Elle Woods-inspired costume, you've got lots of iconic outfits to choose from: an all-pink ensemble, a sequin swimsuit, or the pink bunny costume. Choose one or, if you've got more than one Halloween party, wear them all.

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27. Cupid

    Despite what you might think, making a pair of wings is pretty easy. Cut the shape you want out of a cardboard box, then cover it in feathers, and use a ribbon to tie them on. Once that's done, all you need is an all-red outfit, red heart-shaped stickers, and a bow and arrow with a heart glued to the tip.

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28. Bride of Frankenstein

    If you already have long dark hair, use temporary hair dye to paint a small silver streak or throw in a white hair extension. Change into a long white dress, and boom. Bride of Frankenstein.

29. Maleficent

    The most important part of a Maleficent costumes is the horns (okay, maybe the cheekbones, too). As long as you've got those right, you can throw together whatever black dress and accessories you have. The easiest way to make the horns? Use wire to create the shape, wrap them in foam for thickness, then secure them together with shiny black tape. Then, all you gotta do is glue them to a headband.

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30. A Skeleton

    If you have crazy-good makeup skills (and a lot of black eyeliner), that's really all you need for a killer costume like this skeleton one.

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31. GRWM Morning Routine

    Well, you'll certainly be comfortable in this costume! Pajamas and a towel wrap make it look like you're just getting ready for the day, er, night.

32. The Wizard of Oz

    As long as you can round up a faux-fur coat, a silver outfit, a denim look, and some red slippers, you can put together a pretty convincing Oz-themed group costume.

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33. Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's

    Pair your fave sleeveless LBD with black heels, and wrap a long strand of pearls together with a broach. Top the outfit with little purchases from a costume store: hat or tiara, cigarette holder, and long black gloves.

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34. The '70s

    Why go as one person when you can go as a whole decade? Taraji P. Henson looked like a ’70s babe in flared jeans, oversize glasses, and a studded denim jacket.

35. Ariana Grande

    Get a super-short (and super-pink) mini, some over-the-knee boots, and hike that ponytail real high to transform into the “thank u, next” singer.

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36. Gomez and Morticia Addams

    A dramatic smoky eye, red lips, and a long-sleeve black dress with a slit makes you Morticia for the night. And if your S.O. wants in, all they need is a pinstripe suit and a pencil mustache made with eyeliner.

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37. A Unicorn

    Pile on ALL the glitter (in your hair, on your face, on your body), wear your energy crystals, and plop a unicorn horn on your head to be the most magical creature on Halloween.

38. Rosie the Riveter

    Even Queen Bey has donned this classic (and cheap!) costume. All you need to dress up as the feminist icon is a red bandanna, a chambray shirt, and 1940s-inspired makeup. Oh, and a toned bicep when you pose for your Instagram.

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This article originally appeared on Cosmopolitan.com. Minor edits have been made by the Cosmo.ph editors.