Halloween on a Budget: Costume Ideas for Adults | brokeGIRLrich
Halloween is right around the corner, and whether you’ve been planning for weeks or just realized you need a costume, it doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of ways to create a fun, unique, and cheap Halloween costume that still makes a statement. If you’re on a budget, here are some easy DIY options, thrift-store ideas, and affordable alternatives for adults looking to celebrate in style without spending a fortune.
1. The Classic Ghost
Let’s start with the simplest and most iconic Halloween costume: the ghost. You can’t go wrong with a plain white sheet. Just cut out some eye holes, throw it over your head, and you’re set. If you want to add a modern twist, consider adding chains (use plastic ones from a hardware store) for a “haunted” vibe or glow sticks underneath for a ghostly glow. The best part is, you probably already have the main material at home!
2. The Tourist
This is a quick and hilarious costume that you can likely assemble with items already in your closet. Find a loud, colorful Hawaiian shirt, throw on a sunhat, grab a fanny pack, and toss a camera or map around your neck. Add some sunglasses and socks with sandals for extra comedic effect. You’ll look like you’re ready for a vacation—but really, you’re just nailing a cheap Halloween costume.
3. Zombie Anything
Zombie Cousins
The zombie trend is alive and well, and it’s one of the easiest looks to pull off. The beauty of a zombie costume is that it can be
adapted to almost any wardrobe. You can turn old clothes into a zombie version of your job or hobby, like a zombie nurse, chef, or even a zombie bride. To zombify an outfit, just rip, stain, and tear it up a bit, and add some DIY “blood” (use red food coloring or paint). Finish with pale face makeup, dark circles around your eyes, and you’re ready to terrify.
4. Group Costume: The Scooby-Doo Gang
Group costumes are always fun, and Scooby-Doo is an easy, low-cost option. To dress as Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy, or Scooby, you’ll likely find most of the items at home or in a thrift store. Fred’s costume requires a white polo and an orange scarf, Daphne needs a purple dress and a green scarf, Velma rocks an orange sweater and red skirt, Shaggy’s signature look is a green T-shirt and brown pants, and Scooby can be pulled off with a brown outfit or even some dog ears. This option is great for a group of friends or a family, and all of the outfits are easy and inexpensive to put together.
5. Mummy
Becoming a mummy for Halloween is incredibly easy and cheap. All you need is white gauze or toilet paper to wrap yourself up from head to toe. You can add some variation by using tea bags to stain the cloth and give it an aged, ancient look. You can even accessorize with some gold bangles or necklaces to give yourself that “recently awoken from an ancient tomb” vibe.
6. Raining Men
Here’s a clever costume that’ll cost you very little and get a lot of laughs: “Raining Men.” Dress in rain gear (a raincoat, boots, and an umbrella), and tape or pin pictures of famous men (celebrities, athletes, or fictional characters) to your umbrella. It’s a fun pun that people are sure to appreciate, and you can print the photos for next to nothing.
7. Rosie the Riveter
For an empowering and easy-to-put-together costume, Rosie the Riveter is a timeless choice. All you need is a denim shirt, jeans or blue overalls, and a red bandana tied around your head. Roll up your sleeves and strike the famous “We Can Do It!” pose. Not only is it budget-friendly, but it also sends a strong and positive message.
8. Ninja in Disguise
If you’re in need of a last-minute costume that’s both stealthy and budget-friendly, a ninja is the way to go. It has been my Halloween go-to for many a Halloween party as an adult. All you need is a black outfit—black pants, a black shirt, and a black scarf or bandana to cover your face. To elevate the look, you can make a DIY sword from cardboard wrapped in aluminum foil or craft simple arm guards using black fabric. If there’s a Dollar Tree or Poundland near you, you might be able to find some very cheap, plastic throwing stars of nunchucks. For a finishing touch, wear black gloves and sneakers to stay in full “ninja mode.” This costume is easy to assemble with items you likely already have, making it a quick and affordable option!
9. Bank Robber
Channel your inner criminal mastermind with this simple costume. A black-and-white striped shirt, black pants, and a black beanie are all you need to create this classic look. For added fun, carry around a sack with a dollar sign drawn on it or even a toy bag of money. You can find these pieces at a thrift store, making it an affordable yet iconic costume choice.
10. The Four Seasons Group Costume
Turn nature into a fun and creative group costume by dressing up as the four seasons! Each person can represent one season using simple, inexpensive items from Goodwill or a thrift store. Here’s how to do it:
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The Four Seasons
Spring: Look for pastel clothing, floral prints, and flower accessories. You can glue or pin artificial flowers onto a hat, dress, or jacket to give a fresh, blooming look.
- Summer: Think bright colors—yellow, orange, and red. Grab sunglasses, a beach hat, and maybe a floral lei. You can also add a small inflatable beach ball or flip-flops to emphasize the summer vibe.
- Fall: Find earthy tones like browns, oranges, and reds. Add fake leaves, scarves, and boots to complete the autumnal look. Thrift stores often have plenty of fall-themed items, making this an easy and affordable costume.
- Winter: Stick with whites, blues, and silvers. A cozy sweater, mittens, and a scarf can give off a wintery feel. You can also add some fake snow (cotton or felt) or glitter to create an icy, frosty effect.
This group costume is easy to assemble, affordable, and lets each person embody their favorite time of year. Plus, it’s perfect for staying comfy while celebrating Halloween together!
Final Thoughts: Creativity Over Cost
Halloween costumes don’t have to be expensive to be effective. In fact, some of the most memorable costumes are the ones made from everyday items or thrift store finds. Whether you opt for a classic ghost, a DIY zombie, or a punny “raining men” outfit, you can create a fun and engaging costume without spending a lot of money. With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can make this Halloween both fun and affordable.
