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8 Easy Halloween Costumes You Can Make With Things You Already Own

Dressing up for Halloween is undoubtedly fun, but doing so can take a lot of effort. If you’re feeling lazy this year, don’t let it stop you from going out and having a great night! There are plenty of costumes that require nothing more than things you can find around your dorm or apartment.

Get ready to dig through your closets because we’ve got some of the best (and easiest!) costumes right here.

1. Billie Eilish 

We’ve all seen the “Bad Guy” music video, where Billie switches between a variety of different costumes in the span of three minutes, but it’s also super easy to wear one of her everyday outfits as a costume.

She’s always wearing pieces that are oversized but are also full of colored. Simply open up your closet, look for your brightest top, and pair it with a matching beanie and pair of sweats. Bonus points if it is in a bright, highlighter shade! Add a pair of chunky, white sneakers and some chained necklaces, and you’re done!

2. Tourist

With Hawaiian-themed parties always happening, you or one of your friends is bound to have a button up flower shirt. If not, these are easily found at Goodwill or other thrift shops!

You’ll also need any combination of the following: a fanny pack, sunglasses, a visor, a map tucked into your waist and an old camera around your neck. By no means do you need all of these accessories, but if you can round up most of them by digging around your house, go for it!

3. Runaway bride

This costume is almost too easy to put together, and you’ll be comfortable all night.

Find your favorite little white dress for the focus piece. You probably won’t have a veil, but if you really want one, they’re cheap and easy to make. Throw on your sneakers, and for those ladies looking to go the extra distance, you can make a marathon bib with paper and markers. That’s pretty much it for this costume!

4. Mary Poppins

If you thought the runaway bride costume sounded easy, you’re going to love this one. Everything you need to be Mary Poppins can definitely be found somewhere among your belongings.

For starters, you’ll need to pull your hair up—whether or not you want to add a black hat is up to you. Wear a crisp, white button-up, a black skirt and black tights. To make your costume a little more unique, you could add the red bow tie. You’re going to need Ms. Poppins’ black umbrella and carry-all tote regardless, though!

5. Risky Business

Who would’ve thought that Tom Cruise dancing in his underwear would become such a long-lasting collegiette costume tradition?

Throw on a white button-up shirt that’s long enough to wear without pants. Be sure to have spandex or athletic shorts on underneath, though. Forget shoes—all you need are some mid-calf socks. Add in a pair of black sunglasses and get ready to slide into whatever party you’re going to.

6. “A” from Pretty Little Liars

While you might be mistaken for a burglar, there’s no better way to pay tribute to one of the greatest shows ever.

Black pants, a black hoodie, black gloves—that’s pretty much it. Curl your hair and add some red lipstick, too. To make this costume even more distinctive, you could use red masking tape and put an “A” on your back!

7. Flower child

We know you have a flower headband somewhere, so break it out and get ready to embrace your inner hippie!

Though you can wear pretty much anything from places like Urban Outfitters, try to find something in your closet that’s full of fringe or decked out in flowers. A dress is ideal, but you could also wear printed flared pants or jeans. Your look won’t be complete without you throwing out a peace sign, so be sure to do so!

8. Pumpkin

Have some face paint laying around? You’re good to go! 

Black leggings, an orange top and some simple face paint is all you’ll need to complete this simple and classic look! 

Just when you thought you were going to stay in and watch scary movies while your friends had fun without you, you’ve been saved. These costumes require hardly any effort but are still super cute. Happy hunting!

Follow Allison on Twitter @AllisonMCrist.
Amanda Snead

George Mason University '21

Amanda is a senior at George Mason where she is majoring in Communication with a concentration in journalism and minoring in women and gender studies. She currently serves as Her Campus George Mason's president and Campus Correspondent. She has previously served as the Editor in Cheif and Senior Editor. Additionally, she worked as a Branded Content Intern for Her Campus nationally as well as a Chapter Advisor. She spends her free time writing articles, perfecting her Animal Crossing island and hanging out with her pets.