DIY Costume Contests: Easy Halloween Costumes from Your Closet

Halloween costumes can get pricey fast, especially if you’re buying for more than one person or scrambling for something at the last minute. The National Retail Federation reports that the average consumer is spending $115 per person this year. For a family of four, that can quickly add up to a big bill.

But before you spend money on a costume you’ll probably wear once, start where some of the best ideas may already be hiding — your closet.

WorkMoney has a guide to turn the clothes and accessories you already own into fun, one-of-a-kind costumes, pull together a last-minute look in a pinch, and even turn the process into a friendly competition with family or friends.

Plus, you’ll see a simple way to track how much money you saved along the way.

Easy Halloween Costumes You Can Make From Your Closet

Before you hit the stores, take a few minutes to “shop” your own closet. HGTV’s roundup of easy DIY Halloween costumes shows how many looks can start with everyday clothes, household items, and basic craft supplies.

Here are a few simple ideas to get you started:

• Ghost: Use an old sheet, then add a hat, sunglasses, or colorful socks to give it some personality.

• Witch: Start with black clothing and add a pointy hat, striped tights, or a simple broom for an easy no-sew look.

• Toga or Greek-inspired look: Grab a bedsheet or pillowcase and add sandals or jewelry.

• Scarecrow: Pair jeans with a flannel shirt and fall-inspired accessories.

• Artist: Start with simple clothing, then add a beret, scarf, or art supplies as props.

You don’t need an exact replica — just a few recognizable details can bring the costume to life. Some other simple ideas include:

• Cat: Wear an all-black outfit, add eyeliner whiskers, and make simple paper ears.

• Cowboy or cowgirl: Pair jeans with a button-down or plaid shirt, boots, and a bandana.

• Tourist: Try shorts or casual pants, a bright shirt, sunglasses, and a camera or tote bag.

• ’80s workout look: Pair leggings with an oversized T-shirt or sweatshirt, sneakers, and a high ponytail.

• Zombie: Use older clothes, messy hair, and makeup to create the look.

• Secret agent: Keep it simple with black pants, a black or white top, and sunglasses.

Makeup, jewelry, hats, paper, cardboard, bags, books, or other household items can really help pull the look together. 

Need a Last-Minute Halloween Costume? Try This 10-Minute Closet Challenge

Short on time? Keep it simple:

1. Pick one standout item. Start with something like a black dress, denim jacket, white shirt, boots, or bright top.

2. Ask what it reminds you of. A character? A decade? A job? A classic Halloween costume?

3. Add two supporting details. Think makeup, hair, an accessory, or a household prop.

4. Stop before you shop. If the costume is recognizable and fun, call it done.

Sometimes one good accessory or hairstyle is enough to turn regular clothes into a fun costume. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s creating something festive without turning a one-night event into an unnecessary expense.

Turn DIY Costumes Into a Family or Friend Challenge

DIY costumes don’t have to be only the backup plan. They can become part of the fun by turning them into a friendly competition with family or friends.

Challenge everyone to create a costume with one rule: Use only clothes, accessories, craft supplies, or household items you already have.

Then you can vote on categories like:

• Most creative

• Funniest

• Best transformation

• Best group theme

• Best costume made from one basic clothing item

You could also start a Closet Costume Night tradition: Before anyone shops, everyone creates one costume option from what’s already at home. Then decide if you really need to buy anything else.

It’s a simple way to make “use what you have first” part of the fun — and a habit you can use beyond Halloween.

See How Much Your DIY Costume Actually Saved You

Saving can feel more meaningful when you can see the difference.

Try using this simple DIY Costume Savings Tracker:

Then decide where you want those savings to go.

Maybe they stay in your checking account as a buffer. Maybe they go toward emergency savings, an upcoming bill, or another Halloween activity your family cares about more.

Of course, one DIY costume won’t change your whole financial picture. But noticing what you saved compared with what you almost spent can help you spot other chances to keep more money in your budget.

The Bigger Money Win: Learning to Use What You Have

Halloween is one example of a bigger money-saving habit: asking, “Can I use what I already have?” before buying something new.

That simple question can help you decide which purchases are worth your money — and which ones you’d rather skip.

You can try the same approach with decorations, parties, gifts, meals, and other occasional expenses.

Saving money doesn’t always have to mean cutting out the fun. Sometimes creativity becomes part of the fun — and that’s the bigger win.

Final Thoughts

A memorable Halloween costume doesn’t have to come from a store. Start with your closet and add a little creativity, and you might pull together something fun without spending anything extra.

Any money you save can go toward something else that matters more to you.

At WorkMoney, we believe smart money choices shouldn’t mean missing out on the fun. Using what you already have is one simple way to spend less and still enjoy Halloween.