Okay, let’s get real. Halloween always sneaks up, hiding behind the mountain of group texts, Instacart receipts, and the back-to-school chaos.
Suddenly it’s October 30 and you’re tearing through your closet, muttering, “Do I have cat ears? Do I even remember how to use eyeliner?’
It’s not a crisis. Not even close. You just need a quick, zero-stress fix. Enter: last minute halloween costumes for women. Big drama, zero overhead, and not a hot-glue gun in sight.
This list won’t pressure you into permanent marker “tattoos” or cutting up your only pair of black tights. It’s for the costume procrastinators, the closet magicians, the “I’ll figure it out tomorrow” crowd.
We’re skipping the complicated and swinging straight into quick wins—using stuff you probably already own or can grab on your next panic Target run.
You can scroll, you can hop around, you can even laugh (or cringe) at my seasonal lack of shame. The goal? Just have fun, be yourself, and look like you planned it. Even when you, uh, definitely didn’t.
DIY Superhero Costume
This is for anyone who owns a superhero t-shirt (ideally superman). Simple button-up shirt (unbuttoned), cute skirt, and glasses for that Clark Kent vibe. Super cute, and very easy to put together last minute!
Wednesday
Black dress, white collar, two braids, and a deadpan face for the rest of the night. Black tights if you have them, or dramatic boots. You’re required to never crack a smile – always look stern. Channel your inner goth and recite dark poetry for bonus authenticity.
80s Costume
Ransack that closet for neon shirts, leggings, and literally any item with “Jazzercise” on the tag. Side part or a ponytail with a scrunchie, loud jewellery, and a retro beaded layered necklace. Like really, just put stuff on until you look like a time traveler from a Madonna concert in the 80s.
Mia Wallace
White button-down, black pants or mini, and a bob wig if you can get it (or maybe you already have a similar haircut?). Or just tuck your real hair and commit hard to character. Red lipstick, fake blood if you have it (if you’re feeling dramatic), and a constant “let’s dance” energy. Win every single “best costume” contest, with almost zero sweat.
Men in Black Woman
Black suit or blazer, white shirt, black shades – nope, not the expensive kind, dollar store is fine. Hold a pen and call it your “neuralyzer” if people question you. Impossibly easy but so satisfying, especially when you start quoting Will Smith.
Kim Possible
Olive pants or cargo joggers? Black crop top top with long sleevs? If you do have both, you can easily recreate this last minute costume! Add a big belt, combat boots (Converse also work, nobody cares), and a ton of confidence. If you’ve got red hair, well, you’re already there. If not, orange eyeshadow gives the hint. End every conversation with “What’s the sitch?” for extra commitment.
Last Minute Nurse Costume
White dress or mini skirt, red crop top, nurse hats (you can DIY them). Carry a clipboard, if you feel like going the extra mile. Don’t forget the tired-but-dedicated facial expression every nurse wears on Halloween (and honestly, every other day too).
Easy Pirate Costume
This is a masterclass in “throw it on and go.” Flowy white dress, eye patch, and hoop earrings. Tie a scarf around your head, layer on more chunky jewelry (gold is better but honestly, plastic beads are fine). If you have a toy sword leftover from childhood, congrats. If not, menacing eyeliner will do.
DIY Cookie Monster Costume
Big blue tee or hoodie. White paper “googly eyes” and mouth taped to the front. Then attach cookie cutouts to a blue mini skirt – super cute and everyone will know who it is! Bonus points if you wear fuzzy slippers and enthusiastically quote, “Me want cookie!” But don’t let anyone eat your prop before it’s Instagrammed.
Power Puff Girls
Invite friends or just roll solo. Wear a pastel dresses or tees in green, blue, or pink. White knee-high socks and black flats or sneakers. Add oversized bow to the top of your head and done! You’ll be saving the world before bedtime.
Simple Devil Costume
You know the drill – red for everything. Red dress, or red top + red skirt. If you’re short on red, lipstick covers a multitude of sins (literally). DIY some devil horns from pipe cleaners and attach them to a headband. Goth up your makeup: heavy brows, dark red lips, extra smolder. Channel your inner sass and find a plastic trident (or a makeshift pitchfork from kitchen utensils, don’t judge).
Super Simple Mermaid Costume
This is for the dreamers and the spreadsheet-avoidant. Simple t-shirt with seashells, and mermaid style leggings with shiny scales. Go wild with your hair – make it voluminous and flowy. If you own a shell necklace, now is its moment. Probably the simplest way to throw together a last-minute Halloween costume.
Skeleton
Black t-shirt with skeleton – yes it really can be that simple. Then grab some face paint pencil and black eyeliner and draw bones right onto your face. White gloves are a flex but not necessary. Hollow eyes, dramatic cheekbones, and you walking around making bony finger gestures. 10/10 for spook, 2/10 effort.
Rock Chick
Pretend you’re going to a classic rock concert. Band t-shirt, black leather shorts, ripped up tights, spiked jewelry if you have any, and as much eyeliner as you can physically apply. If you still own a studded belt, you basically win. Fake tattoos drawn with Sharpie or eyeshadow make for much applause.
School Girl
Cute glasses, button-down shirt, plaid skirt, a tie you borrowed from a guy friend, and loafers. Snarky attitude required. Simplicity does win sometimes. Carry a backpack if you want a more authentic vibe.
Sailor
White pants or skirt, triped tee, and any kind of white hat – you can DIY and attach a little circle with an anchor. Draw an anchor on your arm with eyeliner for effect. You can also make a quick sailor hat from white paper or roll up some cardboard for a captain’s badge. March into the party and loudly greet everyone like you’re fresh off the boat.
Dalmatian
Black leggings, white top, and a handful of black paper dots safety-pinned everywhere, or simply draw them on with a permanent marker. Draw a nose and some spots with eyeliner. Make dog ears from felt or paper and stick them on a headband (optional).
Minnie Mouse
Red skirt with polka dots, black top, and mouse ears attached to a headband. Make or buy a polka-dot bow for a headband. Draw a little black nose and three whiskers per side. Red lipstick, bubbly attitude, a constant chorus of “Yoo-hoo!” and you’re good to go.
Cat Costume
Black outfit – yes, you can basically wear whatever you want. Buy or DIY some cat ears using a headband and felt. Whiskers drawn with eyeliner and a pink nose optional. A classic Halloween look, that’s super easy to achieve.
Scarecrow
Plaid shirt, overalls (or jeans), some straw peeking out from your cuffs or sleeves. Draw a little patchwork on your cheeks with face paint or eyeliner. Shove a floppy hat on your head and walk like you’re fresh off a cornfield. Seasonal and socially acceptable.
Angel
White dress, or basically any white outfit you like. Add angel wings – you can DIY them or just get them of Amazon if there’s time for that. Make a halo from a headband and some wire, or skip it and just call yourself “fashion angel.” Nobody will argue. The ethereal look basically sells itself. White shoes = bonus points. Heavenly.