16 Easy DIY Halloween Costumes

Halloween comes around every year, bringing scary movies, trick or treaters and – of course – costume parties. Love it or hate it, you probably have a few parties marked on your calendar. To some, dressing up for Halloween is a treat. "I love expressing my creativity by wearing fun costumes," say the Halloween lovers. To others, dressing up is more of a trick. To them, Halloween costumes seem like a waste and an inconvenience. "I don't want to spend money on some crazy outfit I'll use once and never touch again," say the Halloween Grinches.

 

Whatever type of person you are, you have a few options if you're going to any parties this October:

1) Shell out $50+ on an ill fitting costume from the party store.

2) Be that person -- the one who shows up to the costume party in their normal clothes. Don't be that person.

3) Put together your own costume.

 

The third option is our favorite. Don't be intimidated. Making a Halloween costume doesn't necessarily mean sewing like a mad man and putting in a lot of time and effort; it means you'll have a unique look that you can make out of items you already have. Or, use it as an excuse to get some genuinely cute new clothes! Been eyeing a fab sweater lately? Treat yo' self! Buy the sweater and use it in your Halloween costume. If anyone is like "um, you don't need another sweater," just say, "I need it for the Jones' Halloween party!" You see where this is going? So making your own Halloween costume equals getting new clothes and/or saving money by using pieces already in your closet? Sounds good. Without further ado, here are 16 quick and easy Halloween costumes made of pieces you'll actually want to wear: 


1. French Girl

DIY Halloween costume French girlDIY Halloween costume French girl

Tres chic! This classic Parisian ensemble is a Halloween costume that's cute every day of the year. 

What you need:

  • Striped shirt
  • Skirt
  • Neck scarf
  • Beret

Recommended Beret:

Bamboo Triumph BeretBamboo Triumph Beret

Cardani Bamboo Triumph Beret

Shop Now

Named for the Arch de Triumph, no "french girl" outfit is complete without this beret. Modeled after a real Parisian beret, this hat was designed to lay perfectly on the head, no styling required.

Recommended Neck Scarf:

Mini Scarf AccessoryMini Scarf Accessory

Mini Scarf Accessory

Shop Now

This cute little scarf was designed to be worn over headwear, but it's just the right size to wear as a neckercheif. It's available in over 130 colors, but Cherry Red Silk is our favorite for this look.

Recommended Hairpiece (Optional):

Cardani Classic Bob Hair HaloCardani Classic Bob Hair Halo

Cardani Classic Bob Halo

Shop Now

French style is all about getting a classic look, and there's nothing more classic than a bob! This timeless cut is flattering and easy to care for.


2. Pirate

Easy Halloween costume pirateEasy Halloween costume pirate

A pirate is a classic costume that always steals the show. A chic and comfortable pirate look can be quickly thrown together from basic items you have in your closet.

What you need:

  • Button-up shirt
  • Vest
  • Black pants
  • Belt
  • Tall boots
  • Head scarf

Recommended Head Scarf:

Pure 100% Silk HeadscarfPure 100% Silk Headscarf

Pure Silk Headscarf

Shop Now

Made from 100% pure silk, this buttery-soft scarf drapes beautifully when tied. It's available in lots of prints, so you can pick up a scarf that suits your day-to-day style (as well as your pirate style).

Recommended Hairpiece (Optional):

Cardani Beach Waves Hair HaloCardani Beach Waves Hair Halo

Cardani Beach Waves Halo

Shop Now

Pirates and beach waves go together like peanut butter and jelly. If you're going for a pirate look this year, try out our trendy and stylish Beach Waves Halo. 


3. Cactus

halloween costumes easy cactushalloween costumes easy cactus

"Cactus" and "comfy" don't usually go together, but we'll make an exception just this once. This easy DIY costume is just the thing if you want a costume that's equal parts cute and cozy. Plus cactuses are so trendy right now! Jazz up this costume by tying or gluing stands of white yarn to the sweater to create thorns.

What you need:

Recommended Beanie:

Cotton Cozy Cap BeanieCotton Cozy Cap Beanie

Cotton Cozy Cap

Shop Now

This basic cotton cap comes in several shades of green, so you'll be able to match your sweater perfectly. Bonus: this hat also doubles as a sleep cap!

Recommended Flower:

Hand Crocheted Camillia Flower PinHand Crocheted Camillia Flower Pin

Crocheted Camellia Pin

Shop Now

This hand-crocheted flower pin is available in several different color combinations (coral is our favorite for this look!). Add multiple pins to your hat to create a sweeter look.


4. Fortune Teller

DIY Fortune Teller Halloween CostumeDIY Fortune Teller Halloween Costume

This fun and whimsical costume can be created by combining clothing with different textures and patterns. Get creative! Add lots of scarves and jewelry to really make this costume pop.

What you need:

  • Off shoulder top
  • Colorful skirt
  • Wide belt
  • Tall boots
  • Various jewelry and scarves
  • Turban

Recommended Turban:

Basic Cotton Blend Classic TurbanBasic Cotton Blend Classic Turban

Basic Cotton Blend Turban

Shop Now

This turban features a classic shape with gathering and a knot at the front. Loop a scarf through the turban knot to get a super fun look! 

Recommended Hairpiece (Optional):

Cardani Tapered Hair HaloCardani Tapered Hair Halo

Cardani Tapered Halo

Shop Now

This long layered style will perfectly compliment your mysical medium vibes this Halloween. It's also a gorgeous style to rock all other days of the year.


5. 90s Girl

90s girl easy DIY halloween costume90s girl easy DIY halloween costume

The 90s are back in a big way! Why not draw inspiration from your favorite sisters this Halloween? This is a comfortable, cute, and fashionable look that you'll want to wear over and over again.

What you need:

Recommended Hat:

Denim Bucket HatDenim Bucket Hat

Denim Bucket Hat

Shop Now

This cute bucket hat is made from soft 100% cotton denim, so it will match your overalls perfectly! We love that this hat is so flattering and versatile.

Recommended Flower:

sunflower pin hat pinssunflower pin hat pins

Crocheted Sunflower Pin

Shop Now

This hand crocheted sunflower pin is just the thing to add a little extra 90s flair to your costume. You'll be walking on sunshine!

Recommended Hairpiece (Optional):

Cardani Curly Hair HaloCardani Curly Hair Halo

Cardani Curly Hair Halo

Shop Now

Add a poof of 90s-approved curls under your bucket hat with the Curly Hair Halo. (P.S., this style is also 2020s approved!)


6. Crayon

DIY Halloween costume - CrayonDIY Halloween costume - Crayon

When it comes to the child-at-heart, there isn't a better costume than this. Reignite your childhood passion for crayons with this cute and colorful costume! You can easily make the crayon shirt with any solid-colored T-shirt and a little bit of fabric paint (or even a permanent marker!). Pick your favorite color and run with it!

What you need:

Recommended Beanie:

DIY Halloween Costume - Snood BeanieDIY Halloween Costume - Snood Beanie

Cotton Slouchy Snood Beanie

Shop Now

This soft and comfy beanie comes in a variety of colors, so you can be any shade of the rainbow. The slouchy back in 100% cotton gives a stylish and flattering look.

Recommended Hairpiece (Optional):

Cardani In Between Hair HaloCardani In Between Hair Halo

Cardani In Between Halo

Shop Now

Any hairpiece would look wonderful with this costume, but we love the cute, playful look that the In Between halo adds to this costume.


7. Baseball Player

DIY Halloween costume baseball playerDIY Halloween costume baseball player

It doesn't get much easier than this. If you're a baseball fan, you DEFINITELY already have what you need to build this costume. 

What you need:

  • Baseball Jersey from your favorite team
  • White pants
  • Baseball cap

Recommended Baseball Cap:

Distressed Denim Baseball CapDistressed Denim Baseball Cap

Two Toned Distressed Baseball Cap

Shop Now

You could wear a baseball cap from your favorite team, but if you want something a little more fashion-forward, try the Two Toned Distressed Baseball Cap.

Recommended Hairpiece (Optional):

Ponytail Headband Baseball Cap HairpiecePonytail Headband Baseball Cap Hairpiece

Cardani Ponytail Headband

Shop Now

Designed specifcally to be worn under baseball caps, no baseball player costume would be complete without the patented Ponytail Headband! This comfortable hairpiece is ideal for casual days.


8. Burglar

Easy Do It Yourself Halloween Costume BurglarEasy Do It Yourself Halloween Costume Burglar

The easiest costume. EVER. Ditch the mask, and you've got a cute outfit to wear all year round!

What you need:

  • Black and white striped shirt
  • Black pants
  • Beanie
  • Mask

Recommended Beanie:

Slouchy Snood Beanie HatSlouchy Snood Beanie Hat

Slouchy Snood Beanie

Shop Now

This cotton beanie in black is just the thing to top off your burglar costume, and any casual outfit you might want to wear beyond Halloween!


9. Scarecrow

DIY Halloween costume scarecrowDIY Halloween costume scarecrow

Fall lovers rejoice! This adorable scarecrow costume just screams "Autumn". Add a little makeup on the mouth, nose, and around the eyes to get the full scarecrow look.

What you need:

Recommended Hat:

Perfect UPF Bucket HatPerfect UPF Bucket Hat

Perfect Bucket Hat

Shop Now

This UPF 50 bucket hat is called "Perfect" for a reason! This essential hat is so comfortable and cute.

Recommended Flower:

Hand crocheted sunflower pinHand crocheted sunflower pin

Crocheted Sunflower Pin

Shop Now

Sunflowers and scarecrows are the best of friends! You simply NEED one of these hand crocheted pins to complete this costume.

Recommended Earrings (Optional):

Sterling silver acorn earringsSterling silver acorn earrings

Sterling Silver Pinecone Earrings

Shop Now

These sweet petite earrings are just too cute to exclude from this costume!


10. Barbie

DIY Halloween costume barbieDIY Halloween costume barbie

Be a Barbie girl in a Barbie world. "Pink" and "sparkly" are the keywords here. 

What you need:

Recommended Headwear:

Embroidered ETT scarfEmbroidered ETT scarf

Hand Embroidered Easy To Tie Scarf

Shop Now

If lighting up the room with Barbie-approved sparkles is your goal, then you can't go wrong with this embellished pre-tied scarf.

Recommended Hairpiece:

Cardani Tapered Hair HaloCardani Tapered Hair Halo

Cardani Tapered Halo

Shop Now

Say hello to long blonde Barbie locks in the Tapered Halo! This hairpiece is affordable and so comfortable for everyday wear.


11. Flapper

DIY Halloween costume Gatsby 1920s FlapperDIY Halloween costume Gatsby 1920s Flapper

The 1920s called—they said you look fabulous. Try out this Gatsby-inspired get-up for a costume that's the bee's knees.

What you need:

  •  Drop waist dress
  • Mary jane shoes
  • Pearl necklace
  • Boa scarf
  • Cloche hat

Recommended Cloche Hat:

Bamboo flapper turbanBamboo flapper turban

Bamboo Flapper Turban

Shop Now

Flapper is right there in the name! This cuddly cloche-cut turban features cute flowers and flattering gathering around the sides.

Recommended Hairpiece:

Cardani Bob Hair HaloCardani Bob Hair Halo

Cardani Bob Halo

Shop Now

The bob was THE hairstyle of decade in the 1920s! Pick up a Bob Halo to perfectly complete this costume.


12. Crazy Cat Lady

DIY Halloween costume crazy cat ladyDIY Halloween costume crazy cat lady

Do you love cats and wearing pajamas in public? This hilarious costume is the best of both worlds. Safety pin some stuffed cats to the robe or put them in the pockets to say, "I love cats and I don't care who knows!" Bonus points if you can bring your actual cat to the party and walk it around on a leash.

What you need:

  • Bathrobe
  • Slipper
  • Glasses
  • Stuffed Cats
  • Turban

Recommended Turban:

Basic terry cloth turbanBasic terry cloth turban

Basic Terry Turban

Shop Now

Make crazy cute this Classic Terry Turban. It'll match your your bathrobe perfectly.


13. Biker Babe

DIY Halloween costume cool biker chickDIY Halloween costume cool biker chick

Totally edgy! Rock everyone's world with a beyond cool DIY biker costume.

What you need:

  • Leather jacket
  • Graphic T-Shirt
  • Distressed pants
  • Sunglasses
  • Boots
  • Bandana

Recommended Bandana:

Cotton oversized bandanaCotton oversized bandana

100% Cotton Bandana

Shop Now

Made from soft cotton, these printed bandanas are larger than average to make tying a breeze. Plus, they're super affordable!


14. Girl with Pearl Earring

DIY Halloween costume Girl with Pearl EarringDIY Halloween costume Girl with Pearl Earring

This Vermeer inspired number is the costume of choice for art lovers. If you're really committed, hold a picture frame or hang it around your neck; you'll look like you hopped straight out of the painting.

What you need:

Recommended Scarf:

So Simple Scarf PreTied HeadwrapSo Simple Scarf PreTied Headwrap

So Simple Scarf

Shop Now

This pre-tied scarf gives elegant, sophisticated look without any effort at all! Get the Denim Blue Silk option for this look.

Recommended Earrings:

Sterling Silver White Pearl Spiral EarringsSterling Silver White Pearl Spiral Earrings

Sterling Silver White Pearl Spiral Earrings

Shop Now

These earrings are the perfect shape, size, and color to capture the essence of the original painting.


15. Hippie

DIY Halloween costume HippieDIY Halloween costume Hippie

Hippie hippie hooray! Get a super groovy look this Halloween in a DIY hippie costume.

What you need:

  • Boho blouse
  • Round sunglasses
  • Flare leg pants
  • Sandals
  • Peace sign necklace
  • Tie dye head scarf

Recommended Scarf:

Oblong Batik Tie Dye Rectangle ScarfOblong Batik Tie Dye Rectangle Scarf

Cotton Batik Tie Dye Scarf

Shop Now

This large tie dye is made from comfy 100% cotton. It gives a relaxed, laid back vibe to any look.

Recommended Hairpiece (Optional):

Cardani Long Hair HaloCardani Long Hair Halo

Cardani Long Hair Halo

Shop Now

Our Long Hair Halo gives this hippie costume a cool, contemporary look.


16. Rosie the Riveter

Rosie the riveter DIY easy Halloween costumeRosie the riveter DIY easy Halloween costume

This Americana icon makes the perfect DIY halloween costume. Unique-yet-recognizable, a Rosie the Riveter costume will wow at any party. 

What you need:

Recommended Headwrap:

Cotton knit durag headwrapCotton knit durag headwrap

Cotton Knit Headwrap

Shop Now

This pre-tied headwrap is made from super soft 100% cotton, making it comfortable and easy to style.  It's a great basic piece to add to your headwear collection.

Recommended Hairpiece (Optional):

Detachable bangs for hats, scarves, headwearDetachable bangs for hats, scarves, headwear

Detachable Bangs

Shop Now

If you want to add a peek of hair to this look, try detachable bangs to get Rosie's look. This easy hairpiece is one of our favorites for every-day wear.


We hope this post helped you decide what to be for Halloween! Which costume is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!