DIY Halloween Costumes Made Easy

This time of year, it’s always fun to start thinking about your Halloween costume. Whether you normally pull off something fabulous at the last minute or you’ve realized a little bit of forethought keeps you from late-game stress, simplifying your life can help you ensure you have a great Halloween regardless of your process.

Costume creation typically gives you two options: either you’ll head to your nearest retailer and buy something off the rack, or you’ll come up with a plan and DIY your costume. While elaborate DIY costumes can cost you both time and money, with a little planning and some creativity, you can truly work magic this Halloween with easy DIY Halloween costumes. Just sift through some old standbys that you might have in the back of your closet and purchase some basics from your local big box store, and these DIY Halloween costume ideas will be sure to slay your Halloween.

We hope one of these simple costume ideas inspires you to create your own costume this year!

Shark Costume Made Easy

We want your Halloween to be fun (read: without the misery of itchy, uncomfortable, readymade costumes made with cheap fabric). So, if you want to be comfy and make it look like you put some thought into your costume, this easy shark tutorial might be the trick for your treats.

First, you’ll cut the white felt so that it can be glued to the front of the sweatshirt to make a shape that looks like a shark’s underbelly. Once you’ve done this, go ahead and hot glue those pieces in place. Still using the white felt, cut out a zig-zag shape that will resemble teeth. Then, this can be glued inside the hood so the hood’s opening looks like a mouth. Next, cut the cardboard into a fin shape and cover it with gray felt, then you can attach it to the back of the sweatshirt. Finally, attach the two large, black buttons to the top of the hood on either side so they look like eyes. You can back these buttons with white felt circles just slightly larger than the buttons if you want the eyes to really stand out. Now you’re ready to take a bite out of your Halloween night!

DIY Strawberry Costume

First, cut out leaf shapes from the green felt. Then, choose two or three leaves and glue pipe cleaners down the center to accentuate the leaf shape. Attach these to the back of the green beanie. Next, decide if you want to attach the rest of the leaves to the top or if you have the skills to make a capelet. Depending on what you decide, attach the remaining leaves to the top of the dress or shirt or glue them together to create a capelet. Then, carefully paint teardrop shapes with the brown paint on the red parts of your outfit. Note: these shouldn’t be very large or regularly placed. Have a sweet Halloween in the perfect strawberry outfit!

The Ultimate Superhero

You could dress like Superwoman or Supergirl, or you could create your own superhero who is the epitome of what makes you great. We like keeping things unique, and you will, too, with this DIY idea.

The assembly for this costume couldn’t be simpler. Decide on your superhero name, and using duct tape, create the first letters for each word. For example, if you’re Mega Meg, you’d create two Ms and place them on the front part of the sweatsuit top, dress, or jumpsuit. Then, decorate your outfit to your heart’s content. You can opt for stripes, polka dots, zig-zags, or whatever fun design you can come up with. Finally, wrap that bedsheet around your neck like a cape, and you’re all set.

Grammar Police

Let the Cat Out of the Bag

A couple of years ago, dressing like an idiom was all the rage, but that trend doesn’t have to live in the past. We love a clever costume, you know pun intended, and you’ll be happy to know that this one isn’t as well-used as ‘raining cats and dogs’ or ‘one night stand.’ This costume also gives you the chance to bust out that pair of animal ears from a few years ago (or find a set in the Halloween accessory bin at the store).

First, you’ll want to cut two pieces of cardboard large enough to look like a brown paper bag on your body. Then, cover these two pieces of cardboard with brown paper and hot glue into place. Next, you’ll want to create the sides of your paper bag. To make them more structured, use cardboard, or to make them more flexible, you can use brown paper. Cut the pieces to size and then attach these to the cardboard so you have a rectangle that will fit around your body. Then, using brown paper doubled over, make two shoulder straps. Attach these to the sides of the cardboard so that it can hang from your shoulders. After donning your cat ears, your costume is finished!

Anne of Green Gables

If you’re like us, you grew up loving Gilbert Blythe, and when the newest adaptation of Anne of Green Gables came out, you binge-watched to your heart’s content. With this quick tutorial, you can become literature’s favorite redhead for Halloween.

First, cut the ribbon so that you can tie it around the hat and onto the ends of your own hair after you braid it in two long, hanging braids. Then, stack the books, widest to narrowest, and wrap the leather belt around them, tightening it as you go and putting the end through the buckle. Finally, don all the parts of the costume: dress, apron, and hat. If you don’t have the hair to fit the part, consider some red spray or a red wig.

A Very Wednesday Halloween

Bonus: DIY Wig Treatment

Even the least expensive wigs can look nice with just a little work. Here’s how to make the most of your dollar-store Halloween wigs.

Wet the wig and then soak it in a solution of water and fabric softener for up to an hour. Don’t rinse out the wig, but using a towel, soak up most of the water. Brush out the wig with the brush, starting at the bottom. If you have a wig stand, place the wig on the stand and pin it in place. Section off the top part of the wig and use the fabric steamer on the bottom portion of the wig to straighten it. Then, pull down the top layer in sections and steam the wig straight.

Retro Cassette Costume

Once the label is created and the cassette front is dried, you can glue the paper label to the front of the spray-painted cassette. Using a black permanent marker, decorate the front and back of the cardboard in the same fashion as the cassette you’re using as inspiration. Then, cut the nylon webbing in equal lengths so that the cardboard can hang from your shoulders and attach the webbing to the top of the cardboard. Finally, wear all black underneath and throw your cassette over your shoulders. Be ready to DJ all night long.

Cute Trick-or-Treating Outfit Ideas

If you can’t wear a costume to work, or if you’re hosting a no-costumes-necessary get-together, or just a mom who wants to look cute while trick-or-treating without dressing up- you’ll love our new Spooky Collection, which was made for this purpose!

Think from funny fall shirts to tote bags and even a very spooky coffee mug to carry your Halloween night drank (what we know you have wine in there mamma)… we’ve got something for everyone.

Basic Witch

For t-shirts, this NamaSlay exclusive Basic Witch design is begging for a long orange or green pleated skirt (At Amazon). We recommend you temporarily crop this cutie with a knot to add some flair. If you need to up your game for a party-appropriate costume, all you need to do is a black witch’s hat.

Mushroom Lady

This skull and mushrooms relaxed-fit tee has a spooky, skeletal design that would look great styled any way. We recommend a French tuck into a pair of flare-leg pants. Cap off the look with your favorite fall boots.

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Skull and Butterfly Look

If you’re taking someone out trick-or-treating, our tote bags are perfect for candy storage! We have a few in our spooky collection. I love this skull and butterfly design so much, I created a shirt and bag with it. The best part? You can also totally rock this design after Halloween!

Rock this t-shirt and bag while out trick-or-treating and pair it with a cute jean jacket (at Amazon) and spooky accessories!

Boo Ya’ll

Another favorite. This “Boo Ya’ll” design is available as a mug and t-shirt. The mug is a great gift for someone who loves pumpkin spice and fall vibes as much as we do!

This would also be a fun and easy look for trick-or-treating or a night out with the family at the pumpkin patch. Just add some cute army green cargo pants to our relaxed fit, perfect for a fun mom look.

Check Out the Full Spooky Collection

For more fall and Halloween looks and gift ideas, check out our full spooky season collection of products. Besides cute Halloween themed t-shirts, we also have some fun bags, mugs and other designs.

Unleash Your Creativity With Our DIY Halloween Costume Guide

With Halloween just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about your costume!

But fear not, you don’t need to spend a fortune on a pre-made outfit. With our DIY Halloween costume guide, you can unleash your creativity and create a unique look that will turn heads. Whether you’re aiming for spooky, cute, funny, or something in between, we’ve got you covered with a variety of easy-to-follow tutorials. From simple costumes made from items already in your closet to more elaborate looks that require a few art supplies, our guide takes the guesswork out of your Halloween costume. So grab your scissors, glue, and paint, and get ready to impress with your one-of-a-kind creation!