45 Adult DIY Halloween Costume Ideas That Will Win *ALL* the Contests
Kate Thorn
Kate Thorn
Kate Thorn is an illustrator, foodie, photographer, and blogger at Create & Kate. She loves creating art, traveling, and all things chocolate. A native to the Great Northwest, she is currently living in London and pretending to be a mature grad student.
If you're hoping to step up your Halloween game this year, we've got the best adult costumes to start DIYing now. Click through for 45 unique adult costume ideas that are guaranteed to make you the life of the party come fright night.
DIY Lisa Frank Costumes: Are you and your crew totally thrilled about the Lisa Frank style revival? Then pull your gals together to represent all things rainbow-colored and animal-themed. (via Studio DIY)
DIY Cruella de Vil Costume: Get your evil cackle ready, ladies! The two-tone hair and animal print combo is actually pretty on trend. (via Brit + Co)
DIY Uma Thurman’s Poison Ivy Costume: Don’t worry — there’s no itchiness happening here. Rock a Poison Ivy costume with nothing more than a babelicious green jumpsuit, a red wig, and some seriously cool ivy leaf eyebrows. (via Brit + Co)
DIY Mermaid Costume: This cutie is a little more involved, so you'll want to get an early start on it. Layer ruffled coffee filters to make the scales and you'll have a mermaid outfit to win *all* the costume contests. (via The House That Lars Built)
DIY Bubble Bottle Costume: Your night will be poppin’ with this fun look. Craft the bottle out of cardboard and use different-size balloons to be uber bubbalicious. (via Aww Sam)
DIY Hawaiian Punch Costume: A funny couple's costume is always a good choice. Grab your boo and become the cutest Hula Girl/Rocky Balboa duo ever. (via Brit + Co)
DIY Technicolor Cleopatra Katy Perry Costume: Hit up thrift stores to find the inexpensive pieces for this fancy getup. Then finish off the Cleopatra style with an elaborate headband and a short black wig. (via Brit + Co)
DIY Catwoman Costume: You really can’t go wrong with the classic Catwoman outfit. Kick things up a notch with glam touches of sequins, cat-eye glasses, and some hair twists. (via Brit + Co)
DIY Jellyfish Costumes: Turn your love of all things holographic into this year’s Halloween costume. A jellyfish look is a perfect excuse to don iridescent skirts, ruffled headbands, and cool purple eye makeup. (via Brit + Co)
DIY Cotton Candy Costume: Get your sugar high on with this pretty pink pouf. (via Aww Sam)
DIY Sushi Costume: If you’ve put off your costume until the last minute, here's an easy DIY for you and your squad. Just be prepared for late-night sushi cravings later. (via Brit + Co)
DIY Ariel Costume: Give Ariel the legs she always wanted in this unique take on the Disney costume. It’s really all about that red wig, so follow the tutorial to get the perfect princess hair. (via Brit + Co)
DIY Baywatch Costumes: Grab your friends, stock up on red swimsuits, and decorate with whistles and some signature patches. That’s all it takes to make this red-hot group costume. (via Brit + Co)
DIY Cactus Costume: Believe it or not, this costume calls for only three materials. (via Studio DIY)
DIY Minion: When in doubt, turn to animated movies for a little inspo. Check out this step-by-step guide to make your own adorable homemade Minion costume. (via Brit + Co)
DIY Fruit Salad: Embrace some fruity goodness with your girl gang. You can mix it all together or go as a patch of strawberries — either way, you'll look sweet. (via Brit + Co)
DIY Lady Gaga Costume: Have yellow wig, will transform into Lady Gaga. (via Brit + Co)
DIY Brunch Group Costume: Leave it to Amazon to stock killer costumes like a strip of bacon and a stack of pancakes. Now who’s ready for brunch? (via Brit + Co)
DIY Stranger Things Group Costume: Because your squad would totally go to the Upside Down for each other. (via Brit + Co)
DIY Wonder Woman Costume: Channel your inner Wonder Woman this Halloween. Just grab your super #girlboss powers and a red cape, and prepare to take the night by storm. (via Brit + Co)
DIY Beauty and the Beast Costume: Thanks to the epic remake, there are definitely going to be a few Belle costumes making their appearance. Give it your own creative twist with a faux animal hood on your Beast. (via Brit + Co)
DIY Mad Hatter Costume: You can probably pull this costume together with things you already have in your closet! Seal the deal with faux eyelashes as eyebrows. (via Brit + Co)
DIY “I’m a Mouse, Duh” Costume: You’ve got Karen from Mean Girls to thank for this brilliant, last-minute costume. Grab some mouse ears and iron-on letters to whip this up in about five minutes. (via Studio DIY)
DIY Frosted Animal Cookie Costume: It doesn’t get any sweeter than this classic childhood fave. (via Studio DIY)
DIY Rainbow and Pot of Gold Couples Costume: Fulfill your dreams of striking it rich with this too-cute couple's costume. (via Brit + Co)
DIY Rapunzel Costume: We might be a little partial to Rapunzel because of her maker skills. Dress up like the artsy Disney princess with a quirky pink corset and lots and lots of flowers in your hair. (via Brit + Co)
DIY Unicorn Costume: Add some magic to your All Hallows' Eve with a whimsical rainbow wig and some shimmery tights. (via Brit + Co)
DIY Garden Gnome Costume: Turn your bump into part of your costume as a cheeky garden gnome with a jolly belly. (via Brit + Co)
DIY Taco Costume: Pass the guac and pay homage to your fave meal with this gem. It’s actually simple to put together, and the taco "cape" will totally have you feeling like a foodie super hero. (via Aww Sam)
DIY Ursula Costume: That purple hair, those blue eyebrows, and that shimmery blue-green dress — we’d recognize you anywhere, Ursula! Those poor unfortunate souls won’t even know what hit them. (via Brit + Co)
The Simple Life: The early 2000s were a simpler time, so you'll win for best costume on nostalgia alone.
(via Brit + Co)
Mary Poppins: Everyone will do the look with the hat and the bag, but no one ever thinks to recreate the afternoon in the park with those dancing penguins. (via Brit + Co)
Wonder Woman: While you'd normally need a great excuse to carry a sword or a whip around, as Diana you get a pass.
(via Brit + Co)
Hocus Pocus: Corsets, silly makeup, and a vacuum — what more could you ask for in a group look?
(via Brit + Co)
Princess Jasmine: The Disney princesses are always a good bet, and in this case you can show off your toned midriff and wear lots of opulent jewelry.
(via Brit + Co)
Harley Quinn: Every guy loves a bit of crazy, and this just makes sure it's all upfront. Are you playing the character, or just being yourself? Only time will tell.
(via Brit + Co)
Operation: Interactive concepts are always popular, and it's easy to see why. Just make sure you're ready to shake when the doctor misses your rib bone.
(via Brit + Co)
Circus Snacks: The school's Halloween party doesn't know what's coming. Wow them all with this treat box.
(via Brit + Co)
Statue of Liberty: Keep it classy; you're a lady after all. With a little planning, your torch can double as a clutch.
(via Brit + Co)
The Grand Budapest: Wes Anderson references always impress, and these colorful looks will set you apart from all the sexy mouses.
(via Brit + Co)
Queen of Hearts: Got a red dress and a deck of cards? Perfect. Now get yourself to Sephora to grab some white eye shadow.
(via Brit + Co)
Chill Pill: Don't be surprised if everyone asks for a photo with you.
(via Studio DIY)
Wall-E & Eve: When you refuse to run through the rain for a cab, you can tell Wall-E that it's because you're worried about breaking.
(via Brit + Co)
Cheshire Cat: Pregnant or not, the cat has the best one-liners and is sure to draw a crowd of Alice look-alikes.
(via Brit + Co)
Carl & Ellie: If you want to break hearts and get everyone's life story while waiting in line for the bathroom, this iconic couple is how you win at Halloween.
(via Brit + Co)
Want more Halloween costume inspo? Follow us on Pinterest!
Want more Halloween costume inspo? Follow us on Pinterest!
Additional reporting by Ariel Garneau.
Kate Thorn
Kate Thorn is an illustrator, foodie, photographer, and blogger at Create & Kate. She loves creating art, traveling, and all things chocolate. A native to the Great Northwest, she is currently living in London and pretending to be a mature grad student.