Halloween is inarguably one of the raddest days of the year, for adults and kids alike, because of the costumes. And the candy. And the parties. (And did we mention the candy?) But a lack of planning and preparation happens to the best of us, and before you know it, Halloween can sneak up on you. Here's what to do — and what to wear — when shopping for a Halloween costume has totally slipped your mind.
You can start by doing what our generation does best, thanks to Pinterest. Create. And make things pretty. But yes, mostly create. We can MacGyver any situation and make mountains from molehills with just a little inspiration.
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You'll be surprised how many costumes you actually already have in your closet. The outfit ideas below are easy and fun — but really clever, too! So even though they're last-minute, they don't have to look last-minute:
1. Hello Kitty
No one is ever too old for Hello Kitty. Here are the basics you'll need for this costume — but you can really have a lot of fun with this one. Think cute skirts, tall platforms and sparkly makeup.
- Pink bow or yoga headband tied in a bow (Suddora, $5)
- Pink tee (Amazon, $15)
- Pink dress (New Look, $8)
- Cat ears headband (Target, $14)
- Whiskers drawn with eyeliner (Ulta, $12)
2. Regina George
If you're really strapped for time and your closet selections are limited, try Regina George from Mean Girls. Here's everything you'll need (and your tanks can really be any color):
- Purple tank (Ebay, $9)
- Light pink tank with circles cut (Uniqlo, $6)
- Scissors (Amazon, $17)
- Black skirt (Amazon, $13)
- Black heels (Sammy Dress, $13)
3. Party animal
I love this one. You can take it so many different ways, depending on what you have. We've outlined what you'll need to be a party leopard, but think pandas, giraffes and lions, too!
- Party hat (Wholesale Party Supplies, $1)
- Animal print tee (Wet Seal, $8)
- Animal print shoes (Heels, $48)
- Animal ears headband or hairstyle
- Face paint and eye makeup
- Bonus: Add some leaves to your hair or outfit to increase the jungle factor.
Next Up: Walter White
4. Walter White
Forget Heisenberg — go for the real Walter White that we know and love from Breaking Bad. Head over to your boyfriend's closet for a little help on this one (except for maybe the underwear...).
- Green button-down shirt (Full Source, $50)
- Undies (H&M, $13)
- Glasses (Shop, $10)
- Sneakers (Amazon, $89)
- White socks (Target, $6)
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5. Rosie the Riveter
Don't forget about Rosie! She's our cultural symbol of feminism — and is inspiration for a very simple, but powerful, outfit.
- Navy button-down shirt (Polyvore)
- Red bandana (Urban Outfitters, $6)
- Retro hairdo
- Bold lip (Ulta, $9)
- A strong muscle flex!
6. Holly Golightly
If you're a girl for pearls, then this one is for you. Pull out your inner Holly Golightly from that first scene in Breakfast at Tiffany's with just these few items.
- Little black dress (Maykool, $21)
- Pearl earrings (Claire's, $6)
- Pearl necklaces (Claire's, $7)
- Mini crown (Claire's, $8)
- Fluffy cat (Ty Store, $10)
- Tiffany box (Hint: You can make your own.)
7. Unicorn
Yes! You can be a unicorn! Now's the time to pull out that old bridesmaid dress you wore once, try that hair chalk kit you bought last year and tie your hair into a bow.
- Paper towel roll — cut, curled and decorated
- Sparkly dress (Dillard's, $100)
- Rainbow accessories, like earrings (Claire's, $19) and a headband (Claire's, $5)
- Hair chalk (Party Supplies Delivered, $8)
- Bonus: Try a bow hairdo for extra cuteness.
Next Up: Minion
8. Minion
Minions and their popularity are taking over the world. So, why not join in? Heck, for this one, you could dress up as a minion and your friend can be the unicorn (above).
- Yellow tee (Amazon, $9)
- Denim skirt (Tea, $39) or overalls if you have them
- Suspenders (Belt Outlet, $10)
- Round glasses (Claire's, $10)
- Fluffy unicorn (Toys "R" Us, $20)
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9. Sandy
Look at me, it's Sandra Dee! Recreate one of the world's favorite scenes ever in the entire history of movies as Sandy from Grease.
- Black leggings (Soho Girl, $22) or leather if you've got it
- Black tee, scrunched down off your shoulders (Amazon, $11)
- Red heels (Tarolli, $90)
- Cigarette (You can buy fake ones at Wal-Mart for $2.)
- Red lips
10. Charlie Chaplin
You can always go for a classic, like Charlie Chaplin. Mustaches are so fun — why not spend the night in one?
- Mustache (Birthday Express, $4)
- White button-down (J. Crew, $70)
- Black tie (Open Tip, $2)
- Bowler hat (e4 Hats, $55)
- Cane (Active Forever, $10)
Originally published Oct. 2015. Updated Aug. 2016.