22 Easy, Last-Minute Halloween Costumes to Wear This Year

There are two kinds of people who celebrate Halloween: those who have their costumes mapped out a year in advance, and those who only throw something together if they have plans. Usually, I'm the former. If you clicked on this article, I'm going to take an educated guess and say you're among the latter.

Now, don't panic. There's no shame in the procrastination game, and there are plenty of easy Halloween costume ideas out there if you're just now deciding you're going to partake in festivities. Whether that looks like a night in watching scary movies, hitting your favorite drinking spot’s happy hour, or attending a good old-fashioned house party, read on for some late-minute ideas if you have no time to go shopping.

An Angel

Now’s the time to show off your wings — and your DIY skills. If you own a ton of white in your closet, this last-minute Halloween costume will be easy to throw together on a time crunch (and if you don’t, I highly recommend this pearl-studded mesh body suit from Windsor to really drive home the whole celestial vibe). Complete the look (or illusion) with cardboard wings and a homemade halo crown contrived from a headband, pipe cleaner, and glitzy garland.  

Off-Duty Kendall Jenner

If you're a fan of Kendall Jenner, you know by now that the model's best outfits consist of wardrobe staples — especially vests and basic trousers. Keep your look simple with a knit layer (or white tank top), khaki pants, and timeless sneakers, such as Adidas Sambas. Alternatively, you can recreate Jenner's sexy look from Doja Cat's star-studded masquerade ball, where she wore a two-piece lingerie set, a large black lace mantilla, these sheer tights from Calzedonia, and black heels. The costume will be easy to mimic, especially if you have an overflowing lingerie drawer.

Violet Beauregarde From Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Violet Beauregarde from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, if we're talking about the 2005 Tim Burton movie) is a mood, literally — despite owning so many comfy tracksuits, the character is pretty bratty. Now is the time to break out your best matching set (preferably in blue). Complete the facade by putting on your best resting b*tch face, and obnoxiously chomping on bubble gum all night long.

Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian loves an athleisure moment, so if you happen to have your workout wardrobe well-stocked, consider dressing as the multi-hyphenate for your last-minute Halloween costume. You’ll want to stick to neutral pieces to really bring home the look — think earth tones like brown, beige, cream, and white — and opt for a matching set that accentuates your body. For extra warmth, add an oversized hoodie, like this one from Stax, on top, but leave it unzipped to show off the fit.

Marilyn Monroe

With all the hype surrounding Blonde on Netflix, there’s bound to be an influx of Marilyn Monroe Halloween costumes in 2022. A white dress that features a halter top, a shiny form-fitting gown, or even a classic black turtleneck will create a look inspired by the star. Complete the look by adding a blonde wig and diamonds (real or faux), since, you know, they're a girl’s best friend.

Barbie

Barbiecore blew up this year (and I’m proud to say this writer reported it first), so posing as the iconic fashion doll for Halloween shouldn’t be too difficult. Barbie pink is everywhere, in a myriad of shades from bright bubble gum to rich magenta, so if you don’t already have pieces to put together in your wardrobe, you’re bound to find something on a whim.

A Corpse Bride

Til death do you part, right? Grab your favorite LBD, dull down your makeup, and don a black lace veil for your excitingly eerie nuptials.

Tom Cruise in Risky Business

A white oversized button-down is a wardrobe essential, so if you don't already own one, now is as good a time as any to invest. Pair it with a white pair of boy shorts if you're comfortable (biker shorts work, too) and knee-high socks. Complete the look with dark sunnies (worn indoors at all times), and anytime you can sing into a rusty candelabra for the effect, please do.

A Ghost

Got a bedsheet handy? Take a page from Beetle Juice's Barbara and Adam Maitland and embrace the old-school ghost routine. If you can cut out eye holes, great! If not, just make sure you come up for air once in a while.

Rachel Green from Friends

With 10 seasons under her belt, the many outfits of Rachel Green give last-minute Halloween costume seekers a lot to work with. Looks include a white turtleneck and plaid pleated skirt, a white tank top under denim overalls, and a poufy wedding dress and veil (bonus points if you can make it damp). You could also DIY a Central Perk smock and hold a coffee pot all night, just remember Rachel was rarely hard at work, so if someone asks for a fresh cup, tell them to get it themself.

A Skeleton

This one's all in the makeup (see tutorial here), but you could wear all-black for emphasis. (When I was a skeleton, I wore this onesie from Tipsy Elves and it was the easiest — not to mention the coziest — costume ever), but if you’d like to dress up the look, this bodycon mini dress from Nasty Gal and a pair of knee-high boots would be my go-to.

Meghan Markle

How hard can it be to pose as British royalty, right? Meghan Markle's style has evolved throughout the years, and there are many iconic looks to choose from. Some personal favorites include her many statement coats (she's a big fan of the trench style), her casual street style (a classic white button down paired with jeans), and gorgeous, bright monochromatic formalwear (think gowns and matching capes).

A Magic 8 Ball

This easy Halloween costume requires a little DIY and a little black dress. Grab some white construction paper and draw a sizeable circle. Write the number 8 in the middle and make it bold with a black sharpie. Tape it (or hot glue it) to your dress and voila! You've made yourself a magic 8 ball. All that's left to do is spew perplexingly vague fortunes all night long.

Ariana Grande circa 2018

One of my favorite eras of Ariana Grande was the lampshade era. It doesn't get much cuter (easier, or comfier) than an oversized hoodie, over-the-knee boots, and a super high ponytail. If you partake in the candy snacking portion of the night, make sure you're reaching for a Blow Pop to stay on brand.

A Baby

I can almost guarantee you currently own everything you need for this easy Halloween costume. Just put on your most comfortable pjs (bonus points for footie pajamas) and throw your hair in pig tails.

Billie Eilish

Comfort and color are key components in Billie's closet. If you're trying to emulate Eilish's aesthetic a la the "When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?" era, pair an oversized graphic tee with comfy trackpants and sneakers.

A Black Cat

Your all-black-everything outfit can consist of virtually anything: a dress, a top and pants, skirt, or leggings. The most you'll need to purchase is a pair of cat ears, which you can find for super cheap on Amazon here (double buns work wonders, too). Draw on whiskers with eyeliner or shadow and you're good to go.

Blessing In Disguise

This one makes me giggle. Customize or DIY a t-shirt to say "Blessing," or buy a pre-made one here. Shrug on your longest coat, pop the collar, and hide behind your favorite shaded sunglasses.

Posh Spice

A black mini dress and strappy heels was the quintessential uniform of Posh Spice. Keep your facial expressions moody and sing only when you have to. Master her signature point and you're set.

A Witch

Normally, I'd rattle off entire outfit ideas, but for this easy Halloween costume, you really only need a pointed black hat and your guests will get the message.

Julien Calloway

Why pose as a stereotypical school girl when you can emulate Costance Billard's new queen bee? Calloway's met steps ensemble made a very good impression on viewers, and luckily for you, it's easy to mimic with an oversized button down, loosened skinny tie, biker shorts, and cowboy boots.

A Mummy

Now that toilet paper's back in stock (see: 2020), grab a roll and get tangled up in the sheets.