It’s officially less than 10 days until Halloween: the only night of the year when you can dress up in absolutely anything you want, no matter how crazy, and transform into a totally different person (or object, if that’s more your vibe) for an entire evening.
But if you’re like me, then finding the right costume has been a struggle. Pinterest is usually my go-to for inspiration, yet even after scrolling the app for hours on end this year, I haven’t found any ideas that really piqued my interest.
Plus, in this economy, who actually wants to spend a ton of money on a niche getup that you’re probably only going to wear for around six hours?
That’s why, for 2025, DIY is definitely the answer. Creating a look yourself lets you get ultra-creative and personalized without breaking the bank.
So, here are the best costumes you can whip up at home just in time for Halloween 2025.
Tanya McQuoid (AKA “The White Lotus” Royalty)
Anyone who says they weren’t obsessed with Jennifer Coolidge’s portrayal of Tanya McQuoid in “The White Lotus” is lying. Sorry, I don’t make the rules.
And if you were just as enamored as the rest of the world, then you’re in luck, because creating an easily recognizable Tanya costume on a budget couldn’t be easier.
All you need is a long floral dress, a matching scarf to drape around the back of your head in true Italian fashion, some heels, a big pair of statement sunglasses, and a rolling suitcase to pull behind you. The real cherry on top is if you can walk around with a flute of champagne (and manage to keep it topped off) all night!
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Lip Smackers
Are you and your girlfriends searching for a last-minute group costume that’s totally nostalgic? A Lip Smackers trio is the way to go.
Head over to your local Target to pick up some t-shirt dresses in multiple colors, like purple, blue, and pink. Next, visit a craft store to get iron-on transfer paper.
You literally just have to add the “Lip Smackers” logo running down the front of the dresses (vertically, of course). And to finish off this look, wear matching-colored sand pails upside down on your head to resemble the “cap” on the lip balm!
Princess Ariel
For those of us who aren’t that crafty, becoming Princess Ariel for one evening truly isn’t very difficult. You really only need a few staple pieces from your closet (and a seashell necklace) to seal the deal.
Start by throwing on a green bodycon skirt, preferably maxi-length (though a mini can work too). Next, pair it with a purple shirt of any kind and white strappy sandals.
To add a little more detail, you can tie a teal-colored scarf around your waist and wear matching eyeshadow. Last but certainly not least, buy or make your very own seashell necklace! You can even incorporate some seashells into your hair, if that’s your style.
Tinned Fish
Tinned fish, like tuna and sardines, weren’t always viewed as luxurious. But in recent years, they’ve totally been reinvented as a chic accoutrement. And aside from just sandwiches and charcuterie boards, preserved seafood has even made its way into modern art and cool clothing garments.
To transform into this delicacy for Halloween, all you’ll need is some cardboard sheets, construction paper, paint or markers, straps or string, and some googly eyes.
First, cut two cardboard sheets into equal-sized rectangles with rounded edges to resemble a tin shape. You can even add a “hole” in the top half of one rectangle for your face to peek through.
Below that hole, you can glue or tape a rolled-up piece of construction paper to resemble the lid peeling off. Then, get crazy with your markers or paint to add notches around the perimeter, as well as your very own sardine logo to the top of the tin.
Last but certainly not least, add string or straps that let you drape the tin over your shoulders. Bonus points if you add some sardines with googly eyes to sit beside your head in the opening!
Cactus
If you can appreciate a monochromatic outfit (and have a lot of green in your closet), then you can’t go wrong with transforming into a cactus for Halloween.
This costume literally could not be easier. All you have to do is pick out some green pants, a top, and perhaps a beanie, beret, or even a baseball hat. Next, pick up plenty of wipe pipe cleaners and hot glue.
You’ll want to cut the pipe cleaners into about 1.5-inch-long strips and bend them into V-shapes. The goal is for the pipe cleaners to resemble cactus barbs! Afterward, you can go ham, hot glue the centers of the V-shapes all over your pants, top, and hat, and boom: you’re suddenly a walking succulent.
Burrito
Remember when metallic skirts were all the rage? If you still have this Y2K gem somewhere in your closet, then you’re sitting on a gold mine, because a burrito costume could be in your future.
To resemble tin foil, the obvious choice would be a silver skirt. But honestly, any metal-themed skirt would work, along with some matching or plain black shoes. As for the top, you can wear a beige or tan tank, t-shirt, or bodysuit.
Finally, to make it clear that you’re a burrito, pick up some green, red, yellow, and brown felt from your local craft store. Cut the green felt into long, rounded shapes to resemble lettuce. Then, hot glue brown felt circles (to look like beef) and yellow and red rectangles to serve as peppers.
Once your lettuce is all adorned with delicious ingredients, sew or glue them into the shape of a collar, tuck them into the neckline of your shirt, and you’ll look like a perfectly prepped burrito!
Cup of Coffee or Hot Chocolate
Another adorable yet simple idea? Dressing up as a cup of Joe or hot cocoa. The only tools you really need are extra-long pieces of poster board or cardboard, brown fabric, a white pool noodle, and straps or string.
First, if you want to paint your mug a specific color, you should start there. Next, you can bend the poster board or cardboard into a cylinder, making sure it can easily fit around your torso. Once you’re satisfied with the size, glue or staple the cylinder in place and add a mug handle to the side!
Now for the fun part: drape your brown fabric around the top of the mug to look like overflowing coffee or cocoa. As for the white pool noodle, you can slice it into rectangles to resemble marshmallows and decorate the top of the brown fabric.
Lastly, add some straps or a string to the front and back of the mug, step inside, and hang the drink you created over your shoulders.
Mona Lisa
Our final DIY costume will be a total hit at your Halloween party. But the best part is how little effort it requires.
For your outfit, you only need to wear a black dress. It can be long or short, tight or loose: literally whatever makes you feel comfortable!
Then, you’ll carry around one major accessory all night: a frame holding the Mona Lisa painting. You can get a cheap frame from your local dollar store, print out a photo of the iconic artwork, and then cut out the Mona Lisa’s face. That way, when you hold up the frame to your chest, your own face can peek through in its place!
Historical, innovative, and basically effortless. What more could we ask for in a last-minute costume?
By Katharina Buczek
Katharina Buczek graduated from Stony Brook University with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Digital Arts. Specializing in... More about Katharina Buczek
