With midterms, deadlines and fall fun in full swing in Central New York, who has the time to craft the most perfect, well-thought-out Halloween costume? Don’t freak out though—I’ve got your back with six easy, last-minute costume ideas using items you’ve (probably) already got chilling in your wardrobe.
Lumberjack
There’s nothing that screams fall more than a flannel, which also happens to be the quintessential lumberjack clothing item. Pair an oversized red, brown, green or orange shirt with some baggy jeans, chunky boots and a beanie, and you’re pretty much good to go! Feel free to carry around a (prop) ax or a log of wood (if you happen to have one laying around for some reason). If you want to take it one step further, you can always scribble on a fake beard and mustache using some face paint or makeup!
Mr. and Mrs. Smith
This is a classic costume, and all you need for it is a sleek black dress and pointy stilettos (Mrs. Smith), or a white shirt and black slacks (Mr. Smith). Along with a prop revolver—which you can easily craft using scrap paper or cardboard—this costume is sure to be a hit at any party.
Mummy
A simple white T-shirt or blouse, a pair of white pants and a roll of toilet paper you can steal from your dorm or apartment bathroom are all you need to pull off this mummy costume! Layer, roll and weave the toilet paper around your body, and secure it in place with safety pins or tape. You can also apply some messy mauve eyeshadow under your eyes to make them appear bruised, sunken and hollow, adding to that “I’ve been dead since 3150 B.C.” look.
Tate Langdon (“American Horror Story”)
For those of you who are particularly artsy, grab some black and white paint and get to work drawing Evan Peters’ iconic skull makeup on your face! Throw on a comfortable, all-black outfit, and add copious amounts of gel to your hair to really imitate his signature look.
DJ
Grab a pair of over-ear headphones and throw on some sleek black sunglasses, and you’re instantly channeling that effortlessly cool DJ look! The best part? You have total freedom to wear whatever you like on the bottom—whether that’s joggers, jeans or something a little more laid-back. This makes it an ideal costume choice if you’re really stuck for time! With some confidence and head-bopping to imaginary beats, you are officially ready to spin the night away—no turntables necessary!
Ladybug
By far the cutest costume idea on the list, a ladybug costume is still very simple to achieve! All you need is a plain red T-shirt, some black construction paper (or paint, if you’re feeling crafty) to create the signature spots and a pair of black pants. Fashion some antennas using a headband and strips of paper, and you’re ready to flutter into Halloween with style.
Written By Ariya Kukreja ’28, School of Architecture