15 Cheap Halloween Costumes You Can Make in 30 Minutes

You’re probably staring at your calendar right now, realizing Halloween’s just around the corner and you haven’t sorted out a costume yet! Don’t panic – you’ve got this covered. With just thirty minutes and some clever thinking, you can transform ordinary household items into show-stopping costumes that’ll have everyone asking where you bought them. The best part? You won’t spend more than a few dollars, and chances are you already own most of what you need.

Ghost Using a White Sheet

When you’re scrambling for a last-minute Halloween costume and your budget’s tighter than a vampire’s coffin, the classic ghost costume using a white sheet is your absolute lifesaver!

Master the Draped Sheet Design

Grab any white sheet from your linen closet—old bedsheets work perfectly! Hold it over your head, mark where your eyes sit, then cut two circles for visibility. The key to killer ghostly silhouette effects? Let that fabric flow naturally around your body. Don’t pull it tight!

The secret to spine-chilling ghostly drama? Let that white fabric cascade freely—tight sheets kill the supernatural mystique instantly!

Perfect Your Spooky Stance

Raise your arms slightly, letting the sheet drape dramatically. Practice gliding instead of walking—smooth movements create that otherworldly vibe that’ll make everyone’s skin crawl. Add some mysterious moaning, and you’ll dominate every doorstep! This timeless costume commands respect while costing practically nothing. If you’re looking to earn some extra cash for next year’s costume budget, consider starting a freelance writing side hustle that can generate income from home.

Vampire With Items From Your Closet

Speaking of supernatural beings that won’t break the bank, vampires are equally legendary and even easier to pull off with stuff you’ve already got hanging in your closet! You’ll dominate Halloween night with this timeless, commanding look that screams dark power.

Here’s what you need:

1. Black dress shirt or blouse – formal works best
2. Dark pants or long skirt – creates that mysterious silhouette
3. Red lipstick – becomes instant blood dripping from your mouth
4. Pale foundation – makes you look absolutely haunting

Transform your regular clothes into bloodstained clothing by dabbing red paint near the collar! Add creepy makeup with dark circles under your eyes, slick your hair back with gel, and you’re ready to strike fear into everyone’s hearts tonight! Complete the spooky atmosphere by lighting some celestial glow candles around your home to create an otherworldly ambiance that perfectly complements your vampire transformation.

Zombie With Torn Clothes and Makeup

Since you’re already rummaging through your closet, let’s tackle the ultimate undead transformation that’ll have everyone running scared – the zombie! You’ll dominate Halloween with this bone-chilling look that screams authority.

First, grab your oldest clothes and go wild! Rip holes in sleeves, tear the hem, create jagged edges – these tattered clothing styles are your ticket to zombie royalty. Don’t hold back, you’re creating masterpiece destruction!

Now for the gory face makeup that’ll make people scatter! Mix dark eyeshadow with petroleum jelly for realistic wounds. Smear fake blood around your mouth, add hollow cheekbones with gray makeup, and create sunken eyes. Practice your zombie walk – stiff, menacing, powerful! You’re not just wearing a costume, you’re commanding fear and respect tonight!

Cat Using Black Clothing and Eyeliner

Save

After conquering the zombie look, you’re ready to embrace your inner feline with this purr-fectly simple cat costume that’ll have you looking sleek and mysterious!

Channel your sleek feline spirit with this effortlessly chic cat costume that transforms you into a mysterious midnight prowler!

This minimalist cat costume proves you don’t need expensive furry costume ideas to dominate Halloween! You’ll command attention with just basic black pieces and strategic eyeliner application.

Here’s your power-packed supplies list:

1. Black fitted top and pants – raid your closet first!
2. Black eyeliner pencil – waterproof works best
3. Black headband – for DIY cat ears
4. Black fabric or felt scraps – ear material

Transform that headband into fierce ears by cutting triangular shapes, then folding and securing them upright. Draw whiskers, a nose, and dramatic eye makeup with your eyeliner. You’ll look absolutely stunning while spending practically nothing!

Once you’ve perfected your cat look, consider updating your computer’s background with a feminine organizer desktop wallpaper to keep your workspace looking as put-together as your costume skills.

Pirate With a Bandana and Eye Patch

Save

While treasure hunting might require years of experience, creating an authentic pirate costume takes just minutes with items you most likely have lying around your house! You’ll dominate any Halloween party with this commanding look that screams adventure and rebellion.

Start with a simple bandana – any color works, but red or black delivers maximum impact! Tie it around your head, letting the ends hang loose for that weathered sailor vibe.

Next, craft your eye patch using black fabric or construction paper, then attach it with elastic or string.

These eye catching accessories transform you instantly! Can’t find a bandana? Use a torn t-shirt or pillowcase as resourceful alternatives. Add a white shirt, dark pants, and you’re ready to rule the seven seas with swashbuckling confidence!

For those who want to add a touch of cute and flirty charm to their workspace after Halloween, consider downloading some coquette aesthetic wallpapers featuring pastels, bows, and hearts to give your computer screen a lovely makeover.

Witch Using Dark Clothes and a Broom

Though witches have cast spells for centuries, you’ll conjure up the perfect costume in minutes using items already hiding in your closet!

Transform yourself into a commanding sorceress with these essential pieces:

1. Black dress, skirt, or pants – raid your wardrobe for dark basics
2. Broom from your cleaning supplies – your magical staff awaits!
3. Dark boots or shoes – complete your powerful stance
4. Black accessories – scarves, belts, or jewelry add mystique

Now you’re ready to dominate Halloween! Pull your hair into simple hairstyles like messy buns or wild tangles. Add spooky makeup with dark eyeshadow, bold lipstick, and dramatic eyeliner. Practice your wicked cackle and commanding presence – you’ve got serious witchy power now! This costume screams authority while costing practically nothing. Complete your witchy workspace transformation with a set of inspirational pens featuring uplifting messages that will keep your spell-casting motivation high all season long.

Mummy With White Fabric Strips

Since ancient Egypt fascinated the world with mysterious burial rituals, you’ll create spine-tingling authenticity using nothing but old bedsheets and fabric scraps! This minimalist mummy costume commands respect while demanding zero artistic skills.

Start by gathering easy to find materials: torn white sheets, old pillowcases, or even paper towels if you’re desperate! Wrap yourself strategically, leaving gaps for that authentic “freshly unearthed” look. Begin at your feet, winding upward in overlapping layers—don’t worry about perfection, mummies weren’t exactly fashion-conscious!

Here’s your power move: deliberately leave strips hanging loose for dramatic effect. Dust yourself with baby powder or flour for that ancient, dusty appearance. You’ll dominate any Halloween gathering while spending practically nothing. Command attention, strike fear, own the night! Once Halloween ends, consider switching to festive season themes like pink Christmas wallpapers to keep your seasonal decorating momentum going strong.

Superhero With a Towel Cape

Save

From ancient burial wrappings to modern day heroics, you’ll reveal your inner superhero with nothing more than a towel and unlimited imagination! You’ve got the power to transform ordinary bathroom essentials into legendary DIY capes that’ll make everyone jealous!

Here’s your superhero transformation arsenal:

1. Grab any towel – beach towels work best for dramatic flair
2. Safety pin it around your shoulders, creating instant cape magic
3. Add a belt to cinch your waist and define that heroic silhouette
4. Strike power poses – confidence sells the whole look!

The beauty of unique towel designs lies in their instant availability! You don’t need expensive materials or complicated sewing skills. That ratty old towel becomes your symbol of strength, your declaration of power! Choose colors that match your superhero persona, then own that cape like you were born to save the world! Just like those weird business ideas that turned simple everyday objects into million-dollar successes, your towel cape proves that the most unconventional concepts can create the most memorable experiences.

Tourist With Hawaiian Shirt and Camera

While everyone else struggles with complicated costume ideas, you’ll become the ultimate vacation stereotype with just two simple items that’ll have people laughing from across the room!

Grab Your Essential Props****

Hunt down a bright Hawaiian shirt from any thrift store – the louder, the better! Throw on khaki shorts, white socks with sandals, and hang that old camera around your neck. You’re instantly transformed!

Add Beach Themed Accessories****

Slap on a wide-brimmed hat, oversized sunglasses, and carry a beach bag stuffed with fake maps. These tropical inspired props scream “tourist” without breaking your budget! Complete the look with a floral printed scarf draped casually around your neck for that extra vacation vibe.

Perfect Your Tourist Persona****

Walk around asking for directions to nonexistent places, snap photos of everything, and complain about the weather. You’ll dominate every party with this hilariously recognizable character that costs practically nothing!

Farmer With Flannel and Overalls

Two simple clothing items can transform you into the most authentic farm hand at any Halloween gathering, and you probably already own half the costume!

Transform into an authentic farm hand this Halloween with just two simple clothing items you likely already own!

This powerhouse combination screams agricultural authority while keeping your wallet happy. You’ll command respect as someone who understands both traditional farming techniques and modern sustainable agriculture practices!

Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Flannel shirt – any color works, but red or blue plaid delivers maximum impact
2. Overalls or denim jeans – preferably with visible wear or dirt stains
3. Work boots – heavy-duty footwear shows you mean business
4. Straw hat – adds that finishing touch of farm authenticity

Pro tip: roll up those sleeves and add some strategic dirt smudges to your hands! You’ll look like you’ve been implementing cutting-edge sustainable agriculture methods all day long.

If you’re feeling particularly creative, you could even turn this costume concept into artisan crafts by hand-distressing your denim or adding custom patches to create a unique farmer character.

Nerd With Glasses and Suspenders

Since you’re looking for maximum impact with minimal effort, this classic nerd costume delivers serious nostalgic punch while costing practically nothing! You’ll dominate any Halloween party with this foolproof geek chic transformation.

Start with clothes you already own – high-waisted pants, a button-down shirt, and suspenders. Can’t find suspenders? Use your belt loops and some rope! Next, grab those old glasses or buy cheap readers from the dollar store. Tape them right in the middle for that signature broken-glasses look.

Complete your DIY nerd costume by slicking your hair with gel, adding a pocket protector made from cardboard, and stuffing your shirt pocket with pens. Tuck that shirt in high, pull those pants up, and you’re ready to command respect through sheer nostalgic brilliance!

Angel Using White Clothes and Paper Wings

Save

Few costumes capture pure innocence and heavenly beauty like a DIY angel that’ll make everyone at the party stop and stare!

Transform into a divine vision of ethereal beauty that commands every room and leaves party guests absolutely mesmerized by your celestial presence!

You’ll command attention with this powerful, ethereal look that screams divine authority. Here’s what you need:

1. All-white outfit – flowing dress, white pants and shirt, whatever you’ve got
2. Paper wings – grab posterboard, cut wing shapes, attach with safety pins
3. Golden halo – bend a wire coat hanger into a circle, wrap with gold tinsel
4. Heavenly touches – white makeup, glitter, maybe some feathered wings if you’re feeling fancy

The secret’s in the confidence! Walk like you own heaven itself. This isn’t just dress-up, it’s transformation into celestial royalty. You’re not copying angels – you’re becoming one, radiating power that’ll make mortals bow down!

Robber With Striped Shirt and Mask

When you want to channel that classic cartoon villain vibe, nothing beats the timeless robber costume that’s been stealing hearts (and candy) for decades!

You’ll dominate Halloween with this stripped clothing combination that screams “iconic bad guy.” Start with any black and white striped shirt – raid your closet or grab one from a thrift store for under five bucks! Can’t find stripes? No problem! Use white electrical tape on a black shirt, spacing strips about two inches apart.

Next, craft your masked bandit look with a simple black eye mask. Cut one from cardboard, color it black, and punch holes for string. Add a black beanie, dark pants, and carry a canvas bag labeled “LOOT” in bold letters. You’ve just created the most recognizable villain costume ever!

Cowboy With Boots and a Hat

Although you might think you need expensive gear to pull off an authentic cowboy look, you can saddle up for Halloween success with just a few thrift store finds and creative alternatives!

Skip the pricey Western wear—transform thrift store treasures into your perfect cowboy costume with just a little creativity and swagger!

You’ll dominate the costume game with these power moves:

1. Grab any wide-brimmed hat – baseball caps work too! Add customizable hat accessories like rope, feathers, or bandanas tied around the crown
2. Score brown boots from anywhere – even rain boots! Create unique boot embellishments using duct tape, fabric markers, or stick-on stars
3. Find plaid shirts, vests, or denim jackets – layer ’em up for that rugged ranch look
4. Add a bandana around your neck – instant cowboy credibility!

The secret? Confidence sells the costume more than expensive gear ever could! You’ve got this, partner!

Mime With White Face Paint and Gloves

Most people think mimes are complicated characters to portray, but you’re about to discover one of the simplest, most brilliant Halloween costumes ever created!

Gather Your Arsenal

You’ll need white face paint, black eyeliner, red lipstick, white gloves, and black clothing. That’s it! No expensive accessories, no complicated sewing – just pure creative power.

Master the Look

Paint your face completely white, then use black eyeliner to create dramatic eyebrows and teardrop shapes under your eyes. Add red lipstick for that classic mime mouth.

Command Through Performance

Here’s where you’ll dominate: mime facial expressions and mime body language are your secret weapons! Practice exaggerated surprise faces, pretend you’re trapped in a box, and mime climbing invisible stairs. Your silent performance will captivate everyone while you laugh internally at this genius costume hack!

Conclusion

You’ve got everything you need to create an amazing Halloween costume without breaking the bank! Don’t overthink it – grab what’s already in your closet, raid your bathroom for makeup, and let your creativity run wild. These quick thirty-minute transformations will have you looking fantastic while keeping your wallet happy. Now stop scrolling and start creating – Halloween night’s waiting for your incredible DIY masterpiece!