Halloween is here, and you still don’t have a costume. SKELETON has you covered.
Before you panic-buy something you’ll wear once, take another look at your closet. Some of the most recognizable Halloween costumes can be pulled together with clothes you probably already own.
Think Jessica Biel’s white tank and jeans in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Drew Barrymore’s cream sweater in Scream, or Megan Fox’s pink hoodie in Jennifer’s Body. With the right accessories, a little makeup and maybe some fake blood, you can turn everyday basics into a surprisingly good Halloween costume without spending a dime.
Whether you’re heading to a last-minute Halloween party or just need something easy for the night, these 18 Halloween costume ideas are inspired by iconic movie characters and require little more than what’s already hanging in your closet.
1. Erin Hardesty — The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)
What you need: White tank top, blue jeans, cowboy hat and boots.
Add messy hair, smudged makeup and a little fake blood to recreate Jessica Biel’s final-girl look.
2. Baby Firefly — House of 1000 Corpses (2003)
What you need: White tank top, low-rise blue jeans, faux-fur or fur-trimmed jacket, a cowboy hat and boots.
Tousled hair, smoky eye makeup and a playful attitude complete Sheri Moon Zombie’s look.
3. Laurie Strode — Halloween (1978)
What you need: Light blue button-down shirt, high-waisted jeans and brown boots.
Keep the hair loose and natural. A little fake blood adds the finishing touch.
4. Casey Becker — Scream (1996)
What you need: Cream cable-knit sweater, light-wash jeans and a cordless phone.
Style your hair straight or wear a blonde wig if you have one to channel Drew Barrymore’s iconic opening scene.
5. Jennifer Check — Jennifer’s Body (2009)
What you need: Pink zip-up hoodie, low-rise jeans and sneakers. Want an exact dupe? We found one here.
Glossy lips, straight hair and a little fake blood turn everyday clothes into a Jennifer Check costume.
6. Maxine Minx — X (2022)
What you need: Denim short overalls, a fitted top and cowboy boots.
Add blue eyeshadow, freckles and seventies-inspired hair to recreate Mia Goth’s look.
7. Nancy Downs — The Craft (1996)
What you need: White button-down shirt, plaid or black mini skirt, dark cardigan, tights and chunky boots.
Layer silver necklaces and go heavy on the eyeliner for Nancy’s signature gothic style.
8. Ginger Fitzgerald — Ginger Snaps (2000)
What you need: Dark fitted top, long skirt, black boots and chokers.
Messy hair, dark eye makeup and a little fake blood complete the werewolf transformation.
9. Julie James — I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)
What you need: White cropped top, cardigan, dark jeans and layered necklaces.
Straight hair with a middle part gives the outfit that unmistakable late-nineties feel.
10. Sidney Prescott — Scream (1996)
What you need: Lavender V-neck top, oversized denim jacket and jeans.
Carry a phone or add a little fake blood to complete the final-girl look.
11. Grace Le Domas — Ready or Not (2019)
What you need: White dress, sneakers and a makeshift veil.
Add messy hair and fake blood to recreate Samara Weaving’s unforgettable wedding-night look.
12. Tiffany Valentine — Bride of Chucky (1998)
What you need: White slip dress, black leather jacket, fishnet tights and boots.
Finish with a black choker, smoky eye makeup and dark lipstick.
13. Carrie White — Carrie (1976)
What you need: Pink slip dress or formal dress and a tiara.
Add fake blood for one of horror’s most recognizable prom-night looks.
14. Pearl — Pearl (2022)
What you need: Red dress, hair ribbon and simple heels.
Rosy cheeks, vintage-inspired hair and an unsettling smile complete Mia Goth’s character.
15. Samara Morgan — The Ring (2002)
What you need: Oversized white nightdress or long white shirt.
Let your hair hang over your face and add pale makeup with dark shadows around the eyes.
16. Ash Williams — Evil Dead II (1987)
What you need: Blue button-down shirt, brown pants and boots.
Roll up your sleeves, tear the shirt slightly if you’re willing, and add fake blood for the ultimate horror-hero look.
17. Eric Draven — The Crow (1994)
What you need: Black jeans, black fitted shirt, leather jacket and boots.
Recreate Brandon Lee’s signature black-and-white face makeup to make the costume instantly recognizable.
18. Patrick Bateman — American Psycho (2000)
What you need: Suit, white dress shirt, tie and dress shoes.
Slick back your hair and add a clear raincoat if you have one. A little fake blood finishes the look.
Want more? Check out our fashion section!
