Come Up With a Last-Minute Halloween Costume Without Spending Much Money

Start With What You Know

A person’s appearance can offer an easy starting point for a costume. Kimberly Murphy, who is a natural redhead and 5 feet tall, often chooses characters that match her features; her fiancé Brian is 6-foot-2.

Murphy has dressed as red-haired characters including the Wendy’s mascot and Chuckie from Rugrats. She also considered Queen’s Gambit because its protagonist has red hair and the show was attracting attention.

Cosplayer and photographer Hope Elmekies often chooses characters she feels connected to. She says she related to Morticia Addams because she felt like an outsider.

Choose a Clear Costume Goal

Decide what you want the costume to do: make people laugh, draw attention to details, or bring friends into a group outfit. A clear goal can help narrow the options.

For a group or family, start with something everyone shares, such as a hobby or accessory. An adult dodgeball league could inspire a team costume, while three couples might choose a Grease-inspired group look.

Let the Venue Guide You

Consider where you will wear the costume before settling on an idea. Custom costume maker Correen Borst-Straub of Correen’s Creative Designs advises matching the outfit to the setting.

A small apartment party may not suit a large Marie Antoinette dress. Thinking about the location can help avoid choosing a costume that is awkward for the event.

Make the Idea Personal

For one costume, Murphy put her snowboard on Brian’s back so she could appear to ride him. She said the setup added a funny, experiential element.