With Halloween right around the corner, the annual costume panic has set in, along with a scramble to find something creative that isn’t too basic or costs more than a trip to the grocery store.
While elaborate costumes might look impressive on social media, the reality is not everyone has the time or money to plan weeks in advance. That doesn’t mean you can’t still turn heads with items you already own. Sometimes, the best costumes come straight from your closet.
“I like to keep it simple and cheap,” said Benjamin Rodgers ’27, who is dressing up this year as Dipper Pines from the TV show, “Gravity Falls.” “Occasionally, I’ll splurge, like every five years, but I like to keep it simple.”
Owen Abbott ’26 suggested quick options like dressing as a referee or a player with your favorite jersey. Abbott himself saves money by dressing up as an egg every year.
Why an egg?
“I have it,” Abbott said with a shrug.
So, don’t panic — grab what you have, and make it work.
Here are five last-minute Halloween costumes you can pull together with things around your home.
Cereal Killer
What you need: An empty cereal box, dark clothes and a plastic fork or knife (optional)
For a punny twist on the classic serial killer, dress in all black and grab an empty cereal box, stabbing it a few times for effect. If you have a plastic utensil, leave it lodged in the box for extra flair.
It’s the perfect low-effort costume that’s more funny than frightening and doesn’t require any fake blood cleanup.
It’s Raining Men
What you need: An umbrella, rain jacket and printouts of male celebrities or friends
Think of some of your favorite male icons, whether they’re celebrities, athletes or even friends and family. Print out their photos and tape them to an umbrella. Pair it with a rain jacket, and you’ve got yourself a costume that’s guaranteed to get a few laughs.
Bonus points if you play the The Weather Girls’ classic song as your entrance music.
Post Malone
What you need: A white T-shirt or tank, jeans and a washable marker or eyeliner
Not only is Post Malone a highly successful rapper, but he has a laid-back style that’s easy to copy. All you need is a plain white shirt and some jeans — the baggier, the better. Then, grab something washable you can use to draw on your face to create some makeshift tattoos.
It’s instantly recognizable and surprisingly simple.
Remote Employee
What you need: A business shirt, sweatpants and slippers or sneakers
Go for the “business on top, casual on the bottom” vibe. Throw on a nice button-down, dress shirt or blazer over your comfiest sweatpants or pajama bottoms. Put on some slippers or sneakers, and add headphones or a coffee mug as a prop.
Now, you look ready to “hop on a Zoom call” while staying comfortable all night.
Hot Mess
What you need: Baggy clothes, messy hair and printouts of flames
Take the phrase “hot mess” literally. Dress in worn-down clothes you’d never wear in public, scruff up your hair until it looks chaotic and tape paper flames to your shirt.
It’s simple, funny and an accurate reflection of how most students feel by this point in the semester.
