5 Halloween DIY Costumes that are simple, quick, and easy.
by: Kaylee Moreno-Gomez
Halloween is known as the spookiest season of the year, but the struggle to choose the best costume for the season is almost as scary as the season itself. The main problem during this season is that trendy costumes = expensive, and a budget-friendly costume = boring. If you’ve been stuck trying to decide between having a cute Halloween costume that will most likely put a hole in your wallet or being able to have a Halloween costume that you can actually afford and that doesn’t cost you the down payment on a house, look no further!
These five Halloween costume ideas are cute, timeless, and, most importantly, won’t make your wallet cry.
1– Midwest princess
This Halloween season you can become a pop icon & mid-west princess all in one enjoy this 2 in 1 iconic costume that will be sure to be a hit and easy to buy!
- Dark teal sparkly short dress
- White boots with heels
- Tiara
- Sash
- Flower bouquet
- White long gloves
2– Little Red Riding Hood
This costume works perfectly for anyone looking to bring this famous red fairytale character to life this Halloween season. With a signature color this costume is super easy and budget friendly to recreate:
- basket
- Red dress
- Red cape/ hood
- Black shoes
3– Runaway bride
Running from things isn’t easy, thankfully, becoming a runaway bride this Halloween is both easy and cheap! With its very easy finds and affordable items, here’s what you will need to become an altar heartbreak this spooky season:
- White long dress
- Flower bouquet
- Running shoes
- Ring
- Veil (optional)
4–Wicked witch
A wicked witch is exactly what every Halloween party needs, so become one of the most recognizable Halloween costumes this year and steal the show with this wicked costume! won’t, here’s what you will need:
- Long sleeve black top
- Long black skirt (or dress.)
- Black dress shoes
- Witch hat
- Broom (optional)
5– Pop Princess
Looking for a costume that isn’t spooky but sure to turn heads this year? Then be short n’ sweet! This costume is iconic and perfect for people looking for something sweeter to be during this spooky season.
- Pink short dress
- White chunky heels
- Microphone
- Blonde wig
How to Shop Smart This Halloween Season
Halloween shopping doesn’t have to mean paying full price — not when there are so many smart, budget-friendly ways to pull together a great look. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of every dollar this season:
Start with what you already own. Before you spend a single cent, do a full closet walk-through. You might be surprised by how many costume pieces are already hanging right in front of you — a black dress, a flowy white skirt, a sparkly top, or a pair of bold heels can all become the foundation of something amazing.
Shop secondhand first. Thrift stores are a goldmine for Halloween costumes, and your local Goodwill is one of the best places to start. Dresses, accessories, hats, capes, and jewelry turn up on the racks regularly — and the closer it gets to Halloween, the more seasonal finds you’ll spot. You’ll spend a fraction of what you’d pay for a packaged costume, and your look will be completely one-of-a-kind.
Set a budget and stick to it. Decide how much you want to spend before you start shopping, and challenge yourself to build your costume within that number. Even a $15–$20 budget can go a long way when you’re mixing thrifted finds with things you already own.
Shop early — but don’t panic if you don’t. The best secondhand finds tend to go quickly, so it pays to browse early in the season. That said, if Halloween snuck up on you this year, don’t stress. A quick thrift run even a day or two before can still turn up exactly what you need.
Think in pieces, not full costumes. Instead of looking for a ready-made costume, train your eye to spot individual pieces that can work together. A red cape here, a sparkly dress there — when you shop this way, everything feels more flexible and far more affordable.
Swap with friends or family. Before you buy anything new, check in with the people around you. Someone in your circle might have the perfect piece collecting dust in their closet, and borrowing or swapping costs nothing at all.
The Bottom Line: Halloween Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank
Did you know- The average American has a $115.14 budget for Halloween 2026 supplies, such as costumes and candy (Capital One).
Here’s the truth — the best Halloween costumes aren’t always the most expensive ones. They’re the ones that make you feel good, spark a conversation, and let your personality shine through. Whether you’re raiding your own closet, shopping secondhand, or borrowing pieces from a friend, there’s always a creative and affordable way to celebrate this spooky season in style.
We hope these five costume ideas from Kaylee inspire you to have a little fun this Halloween without stressing over the price tag. From the runway bride to the wicked witch, each of these looks proves that you can be creative, cute, and completely on-budget — all at the same time.
