Easy Halloween Costumes Using Pieces You Already Have In Your Closet

For the rest of us who want (or need) to play along but don’t have a Halloween look at hand, here are some ways you can turn things you may already have in your closet into an appropriate getup fairly easily—and without a lot of effort. 

80s Workout Instructor or 80s Glam Rocker (or 80s anything!)

This is for those of us who want to relive those years and show the younger generations how big hair and neon glam are done. Just throw on an oversize sweatshirt that’s a little off the shoulder, pick up a cheap pair of neon leggings from Amazon or similar, and spray or tease your hair to the heavens.

Modern Vampire or Witch

This works best if you already have dark hair and a goth bent, but really anyone can pull this off.  Wear your favorite all black outfit, intense makeup, and a witch’s hat or a little fake blood depending on whether you’re going witchy or vampiric. If you have a little black dress with sheer or lacy details like this one from Aqua at Bloomingdale’s, you’re all set. Sheer black tights or even fishnets wouldn’t be out of place either. 

French Girl

Pull out a striped breton tee like this one from Boden, red lipstick, and maybe carry around a baguette or bottle of wine tucked into a tote. This is a great daytime costume and you could even wear it to work (for those of us who have to do things like that at times).   

Greaser or West Side Story Gangster

Black leather jacket, white tee, denim, done. Bonus points if you use this as an excuse to buy that leather jacket you’ve been coveting. Need some inspiration? This vegan leather option from Banana Republic fits the bill nicely. 

Masked Ball Guest

Wear a party dress or festive outfit you already own, plus a decorative masquerade-style mask. Pick up one from Etsy —you can find literally any color combination or style to fit with an outfit that you already own and want to wear. We’re partial to peacock feathers and think this mask would be exceptional with a little black dress. Really the only limit is your wardrobe and imagination. 

Spy or Detective

If you own a great trench coat (or want a reason to purchase one), this is super easy. If you have a red trench like this one from the Coach outlet, consider Carmen Sandiego as well. Either way, just button your trench all the way and add a fedora or similar hat, oversize sunglasses, or both.

Leopard, Tiger or Cheetah

Animal print is in right now. So if you love the feline prints, just throw a pair of cat ears on with the cat pattern of your choice and call it a day. This H&M top would work perfectly, and it’s under $20. 

Do you go big for Halloween, or do you keep low key? What are your favorite costumes that you’ve worn or costume ideas that you’ve seen? Let us know in the comments or on our Growing Younger Facebook page. 

–Jacqueline Zenn

You may also like to read Belts are Back: 7 Ways to Define Your Waist in 2025 and Top It Off: Layers for Summer Into Fall (That Aren’t Denim Jackets)

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