40 Cheap Halloween Costumes for 2026 That You Can Make in a Pinch

Full disclosure: if you want to splurge on the actual "I Told Ya" shirt worn by Zendaya's character in Challengers, that's going to cost you $330. However, you can easily make your own with a blank t-shirt and some sticker or iron-on letters!

SHOP IRON-ON LETTERS

Sure, Squid Game had its Halloween peak in 2021, but that just means you'll have a better chance of standing out in the crowd this October 31st! Green tracksuits aren't always the cheapest, but you can find some that are pretty reasonably priced and wear again as loungewear or pajamas. Think of it less as a costume and more as an investment.

SHOP TRACKSUIT

All you need to channel Wednesday Addams: a black dress (preferably with a sharp collar that you can also DIY), dark hair (or a black wig) worn in two braids, dark nail polish, and a big ole scowl.

SHOP DRESS

Disney's Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen is one of the most iconic movies of the early aughts. DIY a Coca-Cola necklace with some bottle caps and pull out your old fishnets.

SHOP FISHNET TOP

You probably saw everyone on Halloween last year channeling Hailey Bieber à la The Princess Diaries, but that's because it's literally the easiest, quickest costume ever. Grab some '90s sunnies, headphones, a tiara, and a lil white dress—most of which you probably already have in your closet.

SHOP TIARA

This costume might only consist of a pair of boxer briefs and a cape, but anyone who was a fan of Captain Underpants would get it right away. Don't have a red cape? Use a red blanket or towel instead.

SHOP CAPE

Idk what's more iconic, Michelle Pfeiffer in Scarface or Olivia Rodrigo channeling Michelle Pfeiffer in Scarface. Any blue dress will work, but you'll def need a short blonde wig with bangs to pull it all together.

SHOP WIG

2016 Beyoncé was ahead of the game. What makes a Barbie costume so great is that there are literally so many options to choose from. Running late? Head-to-toe pink (that's most likely already in your closet) will do the trick.

SHOP BARBIE DRESS

Winnie Harlow as RuPaul is *chef's kiss*. You'll absolutely need a platinum blonde wig, but the real secret to getting this costume right is to perfect RuPaul's fabulous drag makeup.

SHOP WIG

Looking for a costume for you and your BFF? Natalie Portman's Black Swan gives you a two-for-one-deal. Really, the only thing you need to buy is a black or white tutu, then use a simple black or white bodysuit to tie together the rest of the costume.

SHOP TUTU

Dressing up as Alexis Rose is easy—statement gold jewelry, floppy hats, and a boho-esque dress'll do it. Oh, and don't forget to always be texting and hollering for "David!!"

SHOP DRESS

IMO, Napoleon Dynamite and Pedro Sánchez are the most iconic duo there is, and this BFF costume is super easy to recreate. For Pedro, draw on some mustache whiskers and wear a button-up shirt with a bolo tie. For Napoleon, the classic glasses, curly wig, and "Vote for Pedro" shirt will do the trick.

SHOP "VOTE FOR PEDRO" T-SHIRT

You could always don a tulle skirt to channel Carrie's OG Sex and The City look, but the most lol-worthy moment from the sequel series can come together in a snap: blue cardigan, long gingham dress, rubber gloves, and handkerchief around the face. You probably already have the big sunglasses, tbh.

SHOP GLOVES

Anything tweed will work for an Anna Wintour costume. But the most important part: big sunglasses, a blunt bob wig, and a thoroughly unimpressed facial expression.

SHOP SUNGLASSES

You can always go in the all-black, red lipstick look that Holmes was known for. But if you wanna pull off a more subtle reference, pick one of the early college outfits Amanda's rocking in The Dropout (hello, '90s rust-colored sweater and striped Oxford!) and then practice randomly lowering your voice while you pitch your big "idea."

SHOP SWEATER

An all-black 'fit with red shoes and lipstick makes this such an easy costume (and a lovely tribute to the late Olivia Newton-John). But curl your hair and don't forget about the leather jacket, of course.

SHOP FAUX LEATHER JACKET

Wear all black everything (even lipstick) to pull off this costume. Statement jewelry, fishnet tights, and heavy eyeliner are key.

SHOP BLACK EYELINER

Cottagecore has been a trend for a few years now, so all you'll need for this is that nap or prairie dress you already have in your closet. Add a straw hat and lace-up shoes, and you'll look like you could pen a novel. This also works as a fun group costume too!

SHOP STRAW HAT

Conversely, wear all red pleather and don a cape to seem like you came straight out of this classic tale. A picnic basket for grandma helps seal the deal.

SHOP RED CLOAK