30 Zero-Effort Halloween Costumes For People Who Hate Dressing Up
Chloe Williams serves as B+C’s Entertainment Editor and resident Taylor Swift expert. Whether she’s writing a movie review or interviewing the stars of the latest hit show, Chloe loves exploring why stories inspire us. You can see her work published in BuzzFeed, Coastal Review, and North Beach Sun. When she’s not writing, Chloe’s probably watching a Marvel movie with a cherry coke or texting her sister about the latest celebrity news. Say hi at @thechloewilliams on Insta and @popculturechlo on Twitter!
If spooky season isn't your favorite time of year, Halloween costumes could be a big reason. After all, there's nothing that draws more attention like a recognizable, over-the-top outfit! If you're just waiting for October 31st to be over, don't worry because the costumes on this list all have one thing in common: every single one can be made with items that you (or your friends) already have in your closet, meaning you'll be able to keep your shopping minimal, if you even have to shop at all.
Plus, since these halloween costumes are easy to put together, they're even easier to deconstruct. No more lounging around in uncomfortable costumes this Halloween! Keep scrolling for some of our favorite easy but recognizable 'fits.
The Easiest Halloween Costumes, Like, Ever
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Baywatch
Still daydreaming about summer? Just grab your favorite swimsuit! Heck, feel free to ditch trick or treating in favor of the pool if it's still warm in your neck of the woods.
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The Gang From Saved By The Bell
Go solo or get the whole fam involved in this costume. Kelly's mom jeans, Screech's button downs, and Zach's tees are totally easy to replicate.
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Cassie Howard from Euphoria
Grab just about any two piece you can find to rock this Halloween costume — as long as it's blue. Pull your hair into a high pony and slather on some lip gloss and you're ready to go.
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Taylor Swift's "Bad Blood" Music Video
Any amount of black, leather, or metallic detail will get you ready for battle — er, Halloween night. Go solo as the popstar herself, or turn it into a group costume!
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Sushi
Get ready to be the talk of your Halloween party. Fabric, pillows, and paint are all you need to make this ensemble, and when you're ready to relax, ditch the details and hang out in your t-shirt dress.
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Fanta Girls
This costume is extra fun because you can take the monochromatic look in different directions for different occasions. Colored pencils, lip gloss tubes, Sharpies. Feel free to keep your hair simple and swap the boots for your favorite sneakers.
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Lightning and Thunder
Get your bestie, your baby, or your partner in on this DIY costume. Just grab some fabric paint, glitter, and cotton balls and you're ready to craft.
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Cady And The Plastics From Mean Girls
Not only are these outfits iconic, but they're totally easy to replicate. The more pink the better!
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The Statue of Liberty
In honor of the Big Apple, DIY this costume with easy-to-slip-off accessories that will fit in your purse.
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Offred From The Handmaid's Tale
This is one of the easiest costumes you'll ever make: All you need is a bonnet and a cape. Sweatpants underneath are encouraged.
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DIY Scarecrow
Break out your go-to pair of overalls and your fave flannel and you've got yourself a Halloween costume.
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Carl and Ellie from Up
Not only are the pieces for this costume super easy to find, but look how cute the finished product is! Wear it for Halloween now, and a trip to Disney World later.
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The Dress
Pay homage to this pop culture sensation with a DIY version. In case you're wondering, these dresses really are two different colors.
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Marty McFly from Back To The Future
Do you have a plaid shirt, vest, and jean jacket? Then you have exactly what you need for this easy Halloween costume. Easy as a piece of Lou's Cafe pie.
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Lorelai and Rory from Gilmore Girls
We can't decide whether the best part of this costume is the skirt and boot combo, or the fact that it gives you an excuse to drink coffee all night long.
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Seb and Mia from La La Land
City of stars, are you shining just for me? Don't worry, you don't need to be good at dancing or playing the piano to rock this costume.
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Baby and Deborah From Baby Driver
This costume is easy enough that anyone can replicate it. We'd recommend check out our Spotify for iPod playlist ideas.
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Olivia Rodrigo
If you already have some y2k style in your closet, then you'll be able to pull this star's style off without a hitch. If you don't want to commit to a face full of stickers, try drawing one or two on with makeup instead.
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Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen
These twins are cute, iconic, and a great excuse to break out the shortalls.
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Carmen from Carmen Sandiego
Grab everything from your closet that's red. You're gonna need it.
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Eleven from Stranger Things
A pink dress and a jean jacket are all you need to defeat the Demagorgen this Halloween. Don't worry, you don't need to shave your head, but Eggo boxes are definitely encouraged!
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Waldo and Wenda from Where's Waldo?
Keep these shirts in the back of your closet — you can use them again later this year as candy canes!
Warner Bros. Pictures
Barbie
There are plenty of Barbie costumes you can create in a pinch. Sailor Barbie (striped shirt), Jumpsuit Barbie (a pink jumpsuit), or even one of the humans in the film (your go-to blouse with a surprised yet awestruck expression). All you really need is pink!
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Elvis and Priscilla
You and your partner can be this power couple, or you can fly solo as Priscilla, either way is iconic. Even after the release of Elvis and Priscilla, this costume is buzzy!
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Veronica, Archie, and Betty from Riverdale
These outfits make for a great group costume and you can make use of the dresses you haven't had an excuse to wear in awhile.
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Marilyn Monroe
Pick any of these looks for a costume that will turn heads, or wear them all as a big group costume!
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Halloween Masks
If you're still not feeling an all-out costume, try one of these masks to liven up your look! They're still fun, but require very low commitment.
Which easy Halloween costume is your favorite? Let us know on Twitter and subscribe to our email newsletter for the latest holiday content from B+C! You can also check out our Pop Culture Costumes and The Most Popular Halloween Costumes For 2024 for more inspo.
This post has been updated.
Chloe Williams serves as B+C’s Entertainment Editor and resident Taylor Swift expert. Whether she’s writing a movie review or interviewing the stars of the latest hit show, Chloe loves exploring why stories inspire us. You can see her work published in BuzzFeed, Coastal Review, and North Beach Sun. When she’s not writing, Chloe’s probably watching a Marvel movie with a cherry coke or texting her sister about the latest celebrity news. Say hi at @thechloewilliams on Insta and @popculturechlo on Twitter!