Last-Minute Halloween Outfit Ideas That Are Scary-Good (and Budget-Friendly!)

Halloween always seems to sneak up faster than a vampire at midnight. One day you’re sipping pumpkin spice and scrolling through spooky TikToks and the next, you realize the costume party is tonight, and you have nothing planned.

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Most of us don’t have weeks to hand-stitch a masterpiece or spend big bucks at a costume shop. But the good news? You don’t need to. With a little creativity, some closet staples, and maybe a dash of Amazon Prime magic, you can still pull off a Halloween look that gets laughs, compliments, and maybe even extra candy.

Think of this guide as your Halloween lifeline: quick, clever, and budget-friendly outfit ideas that anyone can pull together at the last minute. Whether you’re raiding your own wardrobe, relying on a trusty two-day delivery, or just want a punny conversation starter, I’ve got you covered.

Last-Minute Closet Raid Costumes

1. Error 404 Costume Not Found

Grab a plain white T-shirt and write “Error 404: Costume Not Found” with a marker. Instant funny tech-themed costume.

2. Ghost (Classic but Cute)

White bedsheet, cut out eye holes. To make it funnier, add sunglasses on top.

3. Tourist

Hawaiian shirt, shorts, sunglasses, sandals with socks, camera or phone strapped around your neck. Bonus: carry a map.

4. Cat Burglar

Black clothes, black beanie, draw on a little mask with eyeliner, and carry around a stuffed toy cat.

5. Smarty Pants

Tape or pin paper “smarties” candies all over your pants. Punny, simple, and fun.

6. Wednesday Addams

Black dress (or black shirt + skirt), white collar (even a white shirt under), braid your hair, and add pale makeup.

7. Cereal Killer

Empty mini cereal boxes taped to your shirt with plastic knives sticking out. Add some fake blood for effect.

8. Athlete-in-Training

Workout clothes, sweatband, sneakers. Pin a paper with “#1 in Training” or carry a water bottle like it’s part of your look.

9. Scarecrow

Plaid shirt, jeans, straw hat (or messy hair), stuff some newspaper or straw into sleeves/pants. Use eyeliner for stitched mouth makeup.

10. Vampire

Black outfit, slick back your hair, red lipstick “blood” on your mouth. Optional: paper towel collar as a quick cape.

Amazon Prime to the Rescue 🎃

If you’ve got at least a day or two before your event, Amazon can save the night. An inflatable dinosaur suit brings chaos and laughter wherever you go, and it only takes seconds to put on. If spooky elegance is more your vibe, a Wednesday Addams dress paired with braided pigtails nails the gothic look while keeping things effortless.

And of course, a witch kit complete with hat, broom, and black lipstick is a timeless classic that turns any all-black outfit into a complete Halloween ensemble. These options are quick, easy, and surprisingly affordable—perfect for procrastinators.

Halloween Dinosaur Costume

Wednesday Addams Costume

Halloween Witch Costume 

If you’re looking for something instantly recognizable, a Harry Potter costume is one of the easiest to throw together. All you need is a white button-down shirt, a striped tie in Gryffindor colors (red and gold work perfectly), and a dark sweater or robe-like coat if you have one. Add a lightning bolt scar with eyeliner and grab any stick as a makeshift wand, and you’re ready to shout “Expelliarmus!” at the party. For an even simpler choice, go classic with a ghost costume. Just toss on an oversized white sheet or T-shirt, cut out a couple of eye holes, and you’re good to go. If you want to give it personality, add sunglasses for a “too cool to haunt” vibe or carry a bucket of candy to make your ghost extra sweet.

Wizard Costume Set 

Ghost Face Costume

Halloween doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. With a dash of creativity (and maybe a little Prime shipping), you can pull off something fun, funny, or spooky even if you only thought about it five minutes before the party. So raid your closet, grab some eyeliner, or click “Buy Now” and let the haunting begin!