Well, have no fear, because Newsweek asked Hannah Nash, co-founder of accessories brand Lucy Nash Jewelry, for her tips on putting together a quick and painless costume that will still impress.
Whether a thrift-store find or an outfit you can make using items in your closet, these 11 Halloween costumes ideas are both easy and effective.
Lumberjack
Jokes about wood aside, there is no easier look to pull-off than a lumberjack.
“Not only is a lumberjack easy to do, but it can be put together at a thrift store,” Nash told Newsweek.
All you need is a plaid shirt, some blue jeans, and a pair of sturdy-looking boots. A beanie hat adds to the look (while also covering a bad hair day/night), as does an ax made out of cardboard and kitchen foil.
Hippy
The definition of cheap and cheerful, a hippy costume will definitely get you into the party mood.
“It’s always fun and anyone can pull this one off,” said Nash.
Long skirts, flared jeans, fringed waistcoats, band tees and flower crowns—whatever your style, there are an easy option for you. Groovy baby.
Greek (or Roman) God/Goddess
After ghost costumes, this is literally the easiest outfit you can get together in an emergency. There are a few ways to make a toga, but the most common version is to grab a white bed sheet and place the corner over one shoulder.
Wrap the remaining material around your waist to create the shape, then bring the remaining corner to meet the other one around your back (it’s less complicated than it sounds, and there’s plenty of tutorials on YouTube).Tie the two corners together, trim any excess fabric and voila, you’re sorted.
Johnny or Baby from ‘Dirty Dancing’
As well as being super easy to make, this costume is perfect for couples.
“It can also be done in an affordable and fashionable way,” said Nash.
For Dirty Dancing heart-throb Johnny, all you need is a black shirt or vest, a pair of black skinny jeans, and some black dress shoes.
For day-time Baby, grab a pair of denim hot pants, a pink vest, or a white shirt. If you’re recreating her look in the big finale, a pale pink dress and some curling tongs are all you need. Extra points if you carry a watermelon everywhere.
‘Men in Black’
An oldie but a goodie. To celebrate 25 years of the classic sci-fi blockbuster, don a black suit, white shirt, tie and sunglasses.
However, Nash warns that the success of this costume will rely entirely on your accessories.
“Make sure you have the props, or it will be confusing,” she said.
Head to a party store for a toy gun or an inflatable alien. Got a pug to play Frank? Even better.
Bob Ross and a Happy Little Tree
All fans of The Joy of Painting Host need to recreate Ross’s iconic look are an afro wig (unless you’re naturally blessed with the artist’s signature red curls), a beard (real or fake), a blue shirt and jeans. On the slim chance someone doesn’t get the reference, a wooden palette and paintbrush will clear up any doubts.
“You definitely won’t be matching with anyone else,” Nash said.
Got a friend also in need of a last-minute costume? Make some leaves out of paper and pin them to their shirt, and you’ve got a happy little tree that’s ready to party.
Zombie
A classic for a reason, zombies are perhaps the easiest last-minute Halloween costume in existence. All you need is white face paint and fake blood for your basic zombie, but if you’re a make-up extraordinaire, the possibilities are endless!
“It may require lots of makeup, but it’s always a crowd-pleaser,” said Nash.
Danny and Sandy From ‘Grease’
Also included in our list of the best pop culture-inspired costumes, Danny and Sandy are always a “safe pick” according to Nash.
For Sandy, just wear leather-look leggings (comfy and in-style right now), a black off-the-shoulder top or bodysuit, heels and curls. For Danny, wear black skinny jeans, a tight black tee and slick your hair back.
A Cat (or Other Animal)
Perfect for anyone on a budget, all you need to make this work is a pair of animal ears and a steady hand (or a friend with a steady hand) to draw on a nose, whiskers, scales, spots, etc. If you’re talented with a make-up brush, animal costumes are also a great way to stand out in a crowd.
“Animals can be either sexy or funny for men or women,” said Nash. “It’s a very versatile costume.”
A Ghost
If you’re broke, lazy, or just really desperate, then you know what you have to do. Grab a white bed sheet, cut out some eye holes, trim the bottle so you don’t trip and practice your “woooooooo” sounds.
Although a sheet is the easy option, Nash says ghosts are another opportunity to “get creative” and make your own.
Mimes
Like ghosts and animal outfits, mimes are a great go-to when you’re in a pinch. Just twin a Breton tee with some black leggings (or skinny jeans) and a beret. For the make-up, just put on some white face paint and draw some shapes on your cheeks with eyeliner.
Nash said that although mimes are a “very fun costume,” for it to really work, you have to be willing to “stay in character.”
So, prepare to spend your evening stuck in an “invisible box.”
Update 01/11/22 05.01a.m. E.T.: This article was updated to amend the expert’s name. The title originally attributed the advice to John Nash, rather than Hannah Nash.
