5 Halloween Costume Ideas Using Clothes Already in Your Closet
By: Lanie Brice ‘24
Halloween comes right in the middle of hectic midterms season which means coming up with the perfect costume might have totally slipped your mind. If you have Halloween plans but nothing to wear, here’s 5 costume ideas that you can throw together from items that are already in your closet. This way, Halloween can hopefully stay low stress, fun, and cost effective. Even if none of these costumes are the perfect fit, hopefully they can inspire you to look around your closet with fresh eyes to find ways to reimagine your regular wardrobe into a magical outfit for the night.
Harry Styles Love on Tour Edition
Harry Styles has been on one of the biggest US tours of the fall, and luckily, his signature Fine Line album and tour outfits are easy enough to recreate. Channel his ‘70s vibes by grabbing a pair of wide leg trousers, a colorful button up, and black boots. Throw on some suspenders to finish off the look, and be sure to strike the signature Fine Line pose for your Instagram photos. If you want to copy the album cover, go for white pants and a pink shirt, but he’s worn so many variations of the outfit throughout the tour that you can easily work with whatever colors are already in your closet.
Maddie Fitzpatrick from Suite Life of Zach and Cody
(or any early 2000s Disney Channel throwback)
From Wizards of Waverly Place to Hannah Montana to That’s So Raven and The Suit Life of Zach and Cody, Disney shows defined many of our childhoods. While you can take inspiration from any show, I’ve found Maddie’s to be the easiest to recognizably recreate. All you need is a dark colored plaid skirt and a blue button up. Roll up the sleeves and accessorize with a loosely looped tie, tons of bracelets, and some knee high boots to finish the look. If you want to get crafty, you can even make your own Tipton Hotel pin to embellish your shirt.
Bachelor/Bachelorette Contestant
This is truly one of the easiest last minute options if you have some formalwear sitting in the back of your closet. Simply throw on your most dazzling dress or tux and swing by the grocery store to pick up a single red rose to use as a prop. This is the perfect option for fans of the show or for a low effort but still original costume.
Kat from 10 Things I Hate About You
Iconic ‘80s or ‘90s movies are a great place to look for costume inspiration. With fashion trends from both eras coming back around, recreating your favorite character’s outfit should be easier than ever. 10 Things I Hate About You is personally my favorite movie, and channeling Kat’s energy for a night sounds like tons of fun. Her movie poster look is also super easy to emulate. Simply pair a red cropped sweater with some low waisted jeans, and platform sandals. To complete the look, twist up your hair into a clip. This costume is great for getting in on the Halloween fun while staying comfortable all night long.
Olivia Rodrigo SOUR Album Cover
If you’re looking for a distinctly 2021 themed costume, recreate one of Olivia Rodrigo’s many definitive looks of the year. To copy the album cover, it only takes is a trip to the store to pick up a sticker pack, and you’re most of the way to having an immediately identifiable costume. Take inspiration from Olivia’s street style and your own closet to finish off the look, or try to match her pink tank top and cargo pants from the cover.
For those who happen to have a cheerleading uniform lying around, recreate the “Good 4 U” music video’s most iconic look by adding some long, black gloves and barrettes for another Olivia Rodrigo inspired option.
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