Halloween Costume Ideas
If you know me well, you know I absolutely love Halloween. Since I was a kid, Halloween has been my favorite holiday — watching spooky movies with friends, eating way too much candy, and getting creative with costumes. While store-bought costumes can be convenient, the best ensembles often come from mixing and matching pieces to craft a look that’s uniquely yours. With a little imagination, you can create an unforgettable costume that’s as fun to make as it is to wear. Here are some DIY ideas to get your spooky inspiration flowing.
Morticia Addams
One of my go-to costumes as an adult has been Morticia Addams, the sultry and glamorous matriarch of The Addams Family. So much so in fact that I don’t have many photos of me in this costume, as I typically just throw it together and go. Nothing is more effortless and fun than throwing on a long black dress, dramatic makeup, and hitting the town. Anytime I wear a black dress during the month of October, quite honestly, people assume I’m dressed up as her so I just lean into it now.
Start with a long black dress — the more dramatic and flowing, the better. Add a cinched waist with a simple belt and accentuate your look with sleek, straight black hair. If you don’t have naturally dark hair, a wig will do the trick. Complete the ensemble with pale makeup, dark lipstick, and dramatic eyeliner. Don’t forget to practice Morticia’s signature cool and collected demeanor!
Of course, there’s also another Addams who is just as much fun to dress up as…
Wednesday Addams
A fun and easy costume, and perfect for those of us with RBF (if you know you know).
Like her mother, Wednesday wears all black, but her most notable fashion ___ is the white collar that dons most of her outfits. Pair any black long-sleeved dress with a white collar and you’ve pretty much mastered the look.
Jigsaw
Creep out your friends by dressing as the chilling Jigsaw puppet from the Saw franchise. To DIY this costume, pair a black suit with a white dress shirt and a red bow tie. Draw spiral cheeks with red face paint or makeup, and add white gloves for a theatrical touch. For extra authenticity, create a tricycle prop or carry a small sign with one of Jigsaw’s infamous quotes.
Dorothy Gale
Capture the magic of Kansas with Dorothy Gale’s timeless look.
All you need is a blue gingham dress or a blue skirt with a white blouse. Add ruby red shoes — glittery ones are even better! Style your hair in braids with blue ribbons and carry a wicker basket with a stuffed animal to stand in as Toto. This sweet costume is sure to transport everyone to the land of Oz.
Vampire
Another one of my go-to costumes that I don’t have many photos of is a vampire. It’s a classic yet sophisticated costume, and can range from scary to sexy depending on your styling.
Start with a high-collared shirt or blouse and pair it with a vest or corset. Add a long skirt or tailored pants, and accessorize with lace gloves, a cape, and dramatic jewelry like a choker or cameo necklace. One of my favorite parts of the look is the makeup. It’s pretty simple but requires two things: tired, sunken eyes and a bloody red mouth. I first mix grey and brown eyeshadows all around my eyes to give them a more sunken, undead effect, and then draw spidery veins using some brownish red lipstick on a thin tipped brush. Use pale makeup, dark eyeliner, and fake blood for a convincingly undead look. A pair of fangs will be the cherry on top of this eerie ensemble.
Ghost or Phantom
The ghost costume has come a long way from simply cutting holes in a bedsheet, and surprisingly there is a lot you can do with it. If you like to have fun with makeup and keep your outfit simple for Halloween, this costume might be perfect for you.
For a haunting yet elegant look, drape yourself in layers of tattered white or gray fabric. Use face paint to create a ghostly pallor, and consider adding dark circles under your eyes for an ethereal effect. If you’re feeling theatrical, carry a lantern or a piece of chain as a prop to complete the spectral vibe.
Tips for Crafting the Perfect DIY Costume
Shop your closet: Start by looking for items you already own that can be repurposed for your costume.
Thrift stores are your best friend: These are treasure troves for unique pieces that can be reimagined into Halloween magic.
Mix and match: Don’t be afraid to combine elements from different sources to create your look.
Add personal touches: Incorporate accessories or props that make your costume one-of-a-kind.
Practice your character: Whether it’s a signature pose, walk, or line, embodying your costume’s persona can take it to the next level.
Making your own Halloween costume is not only cost-effective but also a fun and rewarding way to show off your personality. With a little effort and imagination, you’ll be the star of any spooky celebration. Happy haunting!
Some other costumes over the years…
What’s your favorite Halloween costume? And what should I be next year?
