10 Halloween Costumes You Can Create from Your Closet
Written by Sophie Wilmerding
Halloween is just under a year away, and while we all love a good costume, it’s even better when it doesn’t break the bank. With a little creativity and a quick closet raid, Halloween costumes don’t have to cost a fortune. Skip the last-minute store run and take a peek in your closet for these clever, DIY costume ideas!
Here are 10 costumes you can create with what you, or your friends, might already own:
#1: Paddington Bear
Channel the beloved charm of Paddington Bear this Halloween with a cozy and playful costume that’s both easy to assemble and instantly recognizable. Inspired by Paddington's classic British style, this look combines elements of adventure and warmth, making it perfect for anyone who loves a whimsical touch.
What You Need: Navy blue coat or jacket, blue or brown bottoms (or an all-blue dress). Another option is a blue open top or jacket with a brown bra and a denim skirt or shorts. Finish it off with bear ears or a red bucket hat, and boots (rain boots if possible).
How to Style It: Start with a classic navy blue coat or jacket to capture Paddington’s iconic look. Pair it with brown shorts or pants, or try the open top/brown bra combo with a denim skirt or shorts for a fun twist. Slip on some boots (rain boots if you have them) for that cozy, adventurous feel. Top it off with a red bucket hat or add a bear ears for a playful touch. Carry a small brown backpack or tote, and for an extra cute detail, add a little “Happy Halloween” tag to represent Paddington’s famous suitcase.
#2: Clown
Add a hint of haunting flair to your Halloween with a clown costume that mixes classic spookiness with a playful, modern edge.
What You Need: White top (preferred with buttons), red bra, striped or plain red shorts/shirt (can easily be found from someone’s gameday fits) knee-high white socks, red shoes, and a touch of face paint.
How To Style It: Layer the red bra over your white top for a playful touch, then throw on those red or striped shorts. Add some long socks and red shoes for the full circus vibe. Draw a big red smile and a shape of your choice! Voilà—you’re a classic clown with a modern twist!
#3: TY Beanie Baby Stuffed Animal
This costume is a simple and easy way to elevate an animal-themed costume!
What You Need: An outfit in one solid color or full animal print, matching animal ears, a DIY TY tag, and supplies like red card stock paper and a white marker or paint for the tag.
How to Style It: Choose an outfit in the color that represents your favorite animal—brown for a bear, gray for a mouse, black for a panther, etc. Add matching animal ears (such as cat, bear, or bunny ears, which you can find at most stores). To complete the Beanie Baby look, make a TY tag by cutting out a heart-shaped tag from red cardstock and writing “TY” on it in white. Attach it to your outfit, and you’re ready to go!
#4: Indiana Jones
This outfit combines classic adventure gear with closet staples, making it easy to throw together for Halloween while still channeling Indiana Jones's daring style.
What You Need: Brown shorts or pants, a white or beige tank top, brown boots, a brown hat, and a belt or whip accessory.
How to Style It: Start with a white or beige top and pair it with brown shorts or cargo pants for that rugged, explorer vibe. Add tall brown boots or any sturdy boots you have. Top it off with a brown hat—Indiana's iconic fedora if you can find one. If you have a belt or a whip accessory, it’ll really complete the look!
#5: Cleopatra
Channel Cleopatra’s legendary allure this Halloween with a look that’s powerful, regal, and unmistakably iconic.
What You Need: A black or gold dress (anything sleek or flowy), gold accessories, blue and black eye makeup.
How to Style It: Choose a black or gold outfit—whether it’s a dress, jumpsuit, or matching set—anything that gives off a royal vibe. Layer on gold accessories, from bangles to necklaces, to give off that ancient Egyptian royalty look. For makeup, go bold with black eyeliner in a dramatic, winged style, adding blue eyeshadow or liner for that iconic Cleopatra pop of color. If you have a headpiece or gold headband, that’s the cherry on top!
#6: Strawberry Shortcake
Sweeten up your Halloween with an adorable Strawberry Shortcake-inspired look that's sure to catch eyes and charm everyone around you!
What You Need: Pink or red dress/set, green and white striped socks, with red shoes of your choosing. Add a red or pink hat and a few strawberry-themed accessories.
How to Style It: Start with a pink or red dress to capture Strawberry Shortcake’s sweet look. Pair it with green and white striped socks or tights if you have them—otherwise, white socks will with a ruffle work too! Add a red or pink hat (a floppy one or a beanie would be cute) and, if you’re feeling crafty, you can pin or draw a small strawberry on it. Finish off with a touch of pink blush and maybe a strawberry-themed accessory, like a small bag or charm, to really bring the character to life.
#7: Dirty Martini
This costume is fun, stylish, and perfect for anyone who wants to bring a little cocktail hour flair to Halloween.
What You Need: White or cream top, green or sparkly skirt, red heels, red lipstick, and a couple of olive-themed accessories.
How to Style It: Start with a simple white or cream top and pair it with a green skirt—something sparkly or shimmery will add a fun twist to the look, mimicking the sparkle of a cocktail glass. Add a pop of red with heels and lipstick to represent a literal “dirty” martini vibe. For the finishing touch, incorporate some olive-themed accessories, like earrings or a hair clip, or add a green ribbon to your outfit. If you want to go all out, carry a mini martini glass as an accessory!
#8: Mummy
This costume is spooky, affordable, and super easy to put together with items you likely already have at home!
What You Need: All-white outfit, gauze or toilet paper, grey eyeshadow.
How to Style It: Start with an all-white base. Wrap yourself in gauze or strips of toilet paper for that classic mummy look (just be sure to secure it so it stays put!). Smudge grey eyeshadow around your eyes to create a haunting, sunken look, and add a bit of messy hair or white powder for extra effect. You can even wrap some gauze loosely around your hands or neck for added detail.
#9: Pirate
Steal the spotlight with a pirate look that's easy to pull together yet undeniably bold.
What You Need: Brown belt, brown boots, gold jewelry, white blouse or flowy top, and a bandana (or pirate hat if you want to go all in).
How to Style It: Start with a loose, flowy top, ideally something white or cream, and pair it with black pants or a skirt. Cinch everything with a brown belt—luckily, brown accessories are everywhere this season, making this pirate look super easy to pull together! Slip into some brown boots and layer on the gold jewelry (the more, the better for a true pirate look). You can finish it off with a bandana or grab a pirate hat to really sell the look.
#10: Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s
This costume is effortlessly chic, timelessly cool, and embodies the sophistication of Old Hollywood glamour.
What You Need: A little black dress, black sunglasses, a pearl necklace.
How to Style It: Start with a classic little black dress—preferably knee-length or just above, with a simple, fitted silhouette that exudes sophistication. Pair it with oversized black sunglasses to mimic her mysterious allure. A pearl necklace (or a layered set of pearls) is essential for that extra touch of glam; the more, the better! Style your hair in a sleek, high bun or a classic French twist, and don’t forget a pair of pearl or diamond stud earrings if you have them. Complete the look by holding a coffee cup as your ultimate accessory—ideally a to-go cup for that “on-the-way-to-Tiffany’s” feel.
Whether you’re channeling a beloved character or putting a twist on a classic look, these DIY ideas are stylish, simple, and ready for any spooky celebration. So, before you splurge on a store-bought costume, give these ideas a try—you might be surprised by what you can create! If you create any of these looks make sure to send them to us @thevaultuwmadison
Edited by Hana Razvi, Katherine Rubinstein, Olivia Daly & Sophia Buckholtz
