Looking for the perfect Halloween costume that’s fun, stylish, and maybe a little spooky?
Whether you want to channel your inner glam, get creative with DIY, or embrace something classic, these Halloween costume ideas for women are sure to inspire.
Here are unique looks to rock this Halloween!
Coffee Filter Mermaid Halloween Costume
This mermaid costume ingeniously repurposes coffee filters to create a pretty, textured mermaid costume.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.
Baby from “Dirty Dancing” Halloween Costume
“I carried a watermelon.” This easy-to-execute costume, complete with plastic watermelon, is instantly recognizable for Dirty Dancing fans.
Get the tutorial at The Homesteady.
Raincloud Costume Halloween Costume
This raincloud costume is simple to make from just a clear umbrella, Polyfil, blue card stock, and translucent ribbon. It’s also perfect for pet moms, thanks to the adorable dog rainbow costume.
Get the tutorial at Dream a Little Bigger.
Pop-Tart Halloween Costume
All you’ll need is a large piece of cardboard and some pastel paints to create this Pop-Tart costume (and it only costs $5!).
Get the tutorial at Paper & Stitch.
Superquilter Halloween Costume
Love to knit, quilt, and crochet? Save the day—er, the “crafter-noon,” if you will—with this epic costume. It’s right up your alley.
Get the Superquilter costume tutorial.
DIY Medusa Halloween Costume
This clever take on Medusa, a monster from Greek mythology whose most marked characteristic is hair made of serpents, is created with curled balloons and rubber snakes.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.
DIY Candy Corn Halloween Costume
Talk about a sweet costume. This easy-to-execute candy corn outfit pays homage to one of Halloween’s most iconic candies with a yellow tulle skirt.
Get the tutorial at Color Me Courtney.
DIY Rosie the Riveter Halloween Costume
Rosie the Riveter was the star character of a campaign aimed at recruiting female workers during World War II, and is still instantly recognizable thanks to her signature red bandana.
Get the tutorial at The Homesteady.
Groovy Ghost Halloween Costume
This is one of those ingenious costumes that requires very little crafting but does require the help of a friend. Drape a vintage floral sheet over your head. Once the four corners are in the correct location, have a friend, very gently, mark the eyes location with a Sharpie. Use sharp scissors to cut out the eye holes. Wear with comfy sneakers. Voilà, you’re done!
DIY Cardinal Halloween Costume
This regal bird costume is a *literal* flight of fancy. To save time, purchase a red cape and black mask so you can focus on the feather pieces.
To make the shoulder wings: Print the template to the desired size. Trace twice onto a large piece of red felt, and cut out along the dotted lines. Overlap the pieces so that a curve form fits over your shoulders; hold in place with fabric or hot-glue. Cover the shoulder pieces with long and short red feathers, attaching them with hot-glue.
To make the cuffs: Cut two pieces of 3-inch-wide red felt long enough to fit around your wrists with a 1-inch overlap. Cover the part of the cuffs that will go over your hand with short and mini red feathers, attaching them with hot-glue. Top with a few black-and-red feathers for added flare. Use Velcro dots to hold the cuffs closed.
To make the hat: Cut a small cone shape from red felt; hold closed with hot-glue. Cover with small and mini red feathers, attaching them with hot-glue. Glue a piece of ribbon across the inside of the hat and attach barrettes for holding it on your head.
DIY Apple Halloween Costume
This couple’s or friends’ costume requires a little crafting but only for one of the two costumes.
For the apple picker part, all you need is overalls, a plaid shirt, a straw hat, and a basket filled with apples.
The apple costume is a bit more involved, but it’s also the perfect excuse to shop for a cute red and white dress.
Get the apple costume instructions.
DIY Cheese Board Halloween Costume
Wine and cheese night can be every (Halloween) night with this clever cheese board costume! Wood blocks, craft beads, and wired burlap ribbon stand in for charcuterie, cheese cubes, and all the rest of the fixings.
Get the cheese board costume instructions.
Pumpkin Patch Halloween Costume
If you love pun Halloween costumes, this pumpkin “patch” costume is for you! Store-bought adult and kid pumpkin costumes get a quick upgrade with the addition of a few fabric patches. You can either sew on the patches, attach them with fabric glue, or use Stitch Witchery. Wear a long sleeve t-shirt and tights under the costume, if desired.
Spelling Bee Halloween Costume
Mom and daughter can go out in style with these clever, punny outfits. Simply adding letters to a black dance leotard turns this bee costume from ho-hum to oh-so-clever! Make the words using iron-on letters, or have a local T-shirt printing shop add them. Mom simply dons her finest fashion (or a bridesmaid’s dress she’s just been waiting to wear again), along with a satin sash embossed with the words “Miss Spelled.” Add a tiara and a store-bought bouquet of flowers to complete the look
Home Reno Barbie DIY Halloween Costume
Creative Barbie Halloween costumes are always a win in our book! For Home Reno Barbie, bring along a paint can and a pink drill (but of course).
Farmhouse Barbie Costume
This sweet DIY Barbie costume goes full-on farmhouse with a stuffed toy chicken and a pink bandana.
Souvenir Snow Globe Halloween Costume
This quirky snow globe costume involves a bit of crafting, but it can be personalized to any location. Added bonus: the umbrella component will keep you dry if the weather turns dreary while trick-or-treating.
Get the snow globe costume instructions.
Painter Halloween Costume
Looking for an easy duo costume to wear with a friend? This easy home reno themed painter costume comes together with pieces from your own closet, such as overalls and a striped T-shirt, and pairs adorably with a paint swatch costume.
Paint Chip Halloween Costume
Calling all makeover mavens! This paint chip costume comes together in under 30 minutes with items you likely already have sitting around the house, such as foam board and a favorite jumpsuit.
Wagon Wheel Halloween Costume
This quick and easy country music Halloween costume pays homage to “Wagon Wheel” by Darius Rucker. To make, sift through your local thrift store (or shop online) for a small decorative wheel. String some suede cord through the spokes to make a necklace. (We suggest doubling up the cord to help hold the weight.) Then, don your best country duds and finish with cowboy boots!
Light-Up Mason Jar Halloween Costume
Start with an aqua-colored foam board (roughly 20 by 30 inches). Cut it into a mason jar shape using an X-acto knife. Using a turquoise marker, write “Ball” in cursive on the front. Drill small holes around the jar; insert battery-operated white lights in the holes to mimic the look of captured fireflies. (If the lights have a flash setting, even better!) Secure the strand to the back of the board with painter’s tape to keep lights in place. For the lid, spray-paint a cardboard cake round silver. Wrap a corrugated border, spray-painted silver, around the perimeter of the cake board with hot glue. (Cut width of border as desired.) Secure bottom center of the headpiece to a headband using painter’s tape. If desired, wear mason jar screw bands as bracelets.
DIY Paper Doll Halloween Costume
Grab your friends or go solo for this fun idea. Use old cardboard boxes to trace the outline of a dress or shirt and skirt, and cut out the “outfit” base. Use hot glue or a spray adhesive to apply fabric to the cut pieces of cardboard. Once dry, cut the fabric as close to the cardboard edges as possible. Add buttons, zippers, or other fun accessories to your outfits using hot glue. Glue ribbon in a U-shape around the shoulder to hang around the neck. If working with two separate pieces of an outfit, glue ribbon around the top edges of the bottom half, too. These will tie around the back of the model. Hot glue the doll tabs on a diagonal on the edge of your outfit pieces. Wear a tight-fitting dress in a color close to your skin and tie the pieces on!
Antiquing Barbie Halloween Costume
Supplies Needed: Rectangular cardboard box, X-Acto knife or box cutter, pink spray-paint or solid-colored pink paper, wool cowboy hat, assorted vintage (or vintage-inspired) finds, two pieces of sturdy ribbon, like grosgrain
Directions: Trace an arched window shape on the front of a rectangular cardboard box, then cut out the window with an X-Acto knife or box cutter. Spray-paint the box your desired shade of pink or cut out pink paper to cover the exterior, securing with glue.
Stanley Thermos Halloween Costume
Download a Stanley-esque green pattern, or take a close-up photo of your favorite Thermos and have the image printed on 48-inch-wide by 36-inch-rall poster paper at your local printer or UPS store. Wrap yourself in the paper “sleeve,” which you can secure with tape. Using a hole-punch, cut holes at the top of the poster to thread ribbon. Add a Stanley logo. Spray-paint a pail with silver spray-paint to wear as the lid. Carry around your Stanley Thermos to reinforce the message.
Jolene Halloween Costume
This country music Halloween costume is going to be as popular as it is easy! For those of us without flaming locks of auburn hair, search for an auburn-red wig. Next, download and print out this name tag that says “Hello My Name Is Jolene” and attach it to a plain shirt. Finish the look with a red wig your best pair of jeans and cowgirl boots.
Balloon Darts Halloween Costume
It’s a costume and a game! Start with a white tri-fold presentation board. Create stripes with blue 1 1/2-inch painter’s tape, with strips spaced roughly 1 ½ inches apart. (You could paint your own stripes, but this tactic is much faster!) Mount hanging monkey prizes on the outside flaps, securing to the board with twist ties. Drill five columns of four holes in the middle of the board. Blow up small dart balloons, then stick the balloon ties through the holes. (If desired, you can secure the balloon ties in place using painter’s tape on the board’s back.) Add “Balloon Darts” signage and a decorative chain of fair tickets. Drill two holes at the top of the board to accommodate a length of grosgrain ribbon to wear around the neck. Use a hot glue gun to cover a plain drugstore headband with a strip of paper tickets; add a couple of balloon darts.
Sad Swiftie Halloween Costume
Print a screenshot of the infamous ticketing waiting screen on a 18 by 24-inch foam board at a local printer or UPS store. Add pink grosgrain ribbon and wear it around your neck like a necklace. Pair with your favorite Eras-inspired look and a few tear-shaped rhinestones on your cheek.
Easy Jam Jar Costume
Pay homage to your favorite preserves with this easy and cute idea. To make it, start with two standard size (22 by 28 inch) poster boards. Search Google for a large image of a jam label, crop it, and print it to fit a 12 by 18-inch sheet of paper. (Tip: The image will be pixelated at this size. Once printed, use a black Sharpie to outline the edges of the text to smooth it out.) Use a glue stick or double-sided tape to adhere the label to the center of one of the poster boards. Glue or tape the shorter sides of the poster board together, forming a tube. You may want to trim the tube depending on how long you want it to be on your body. Attach two pieces of ribbon to the front and back of the tube, forming shoulder straps to your desired length. Underneath, wear leggings and a top that match your chosen jam flavor and a gingham hat.
Easy Thermos Halloween Costume
Show off your love for all things vintage and antique with this easy-to-assemble costume. Download a plaid pattern, or take a photo of a plaid thermos pattern. Have the pattern printed on 48-inch-wide by 36-inch-tall poster paper at your local printer or UPS store. Wrap yourself in the paper “sleeve,” which you can secure with tape. Using a hole-punch, cut holes at the top of the poster to thread sturdy ribbon. Hot glue a red thermos lid to a headband. Carry a thermos with your favorite hot beverage.
DIY Scarecrow Halloween Costume
Thomas Rhett’s wife Lauren Akins makes for an adorable scarecrow. This one is easy and you might even have what you need in your closet. Pair overalls with a plaid shirt and straw hat. Top off the look with braids and oversize freckles.
DIY Smarty Pants Halloween Costume
We love a punny costume, especially if it’s easy to pull off. This “Smarty Pants” ensemble is made by simply glueing Smarties candy to a pair of pants. Tip: Use glue dots to avoid damaging your favorite pair.
Get more ideas at Good Housekeeping.
Easy DIY Belle Halloween Costume for Women
There may be more than this provincial life, but there isn’t much more to this easy Disney costume than what you see here.
Get the tutorial at Merrick’s Art.
DIY Ice Cream Halloween Costume
I scream, you scream, we all scream for this sweet costume idea.
Get the tutorial at HGTV.
Head in the Clouds Halloween Costume
This adorable look by Amber Kemp-Gerstel starts with a plain T-shirt and headband! Let your creativity take it from there.
Get the tutorial at Damask Love.
Minnie Mouse Halloween Costume
Show off your love of Disney with this Minnie Mouse outfit. How adorable is that red tutu?
Get the tutorial at I Am Style-ish.
Cuckoo Clock Halloween Costume
You’re sure to be the only one at the Halloween party wearing this quirky costume—complete with pretty pendulum pinecone braids.
Get the tutorial at The Merrythought.
DIY Picnic Blanket Halloween Costume
Embellish a red gingham dress with paper plates, kids’ toy foods, and utensils. (Add plastic ants, if desired!) A fascinator made from a paper-covered cardboard disc and more picnic fixin’s furthers this feast for the eyes.
Get the tutorial at Oh Yay Studio.
DIY Bat Halloween Costume
This bat costume is so easy to pull off. All you need is a black hoodie and a broken umbrella. To make the costume, cut your umbrella in half and use black safety pins or hot glue to attach it to the arms of a black hoodie. Fasten the hinges of the metal umbrella pieces with black electrical tape, so they can properly fold. Create ears with foam core and feathers for added texture.
DIY Mona Lisa Halloween Costume
Practice your mysterious smile before “wearing” this easy, last-minute costume. All you need is a Mona Lisa poster, vintage frame, and a black dress.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.
DIY Burger Halloween Costume
Would you like a side of fries with your costume? Then you’ll definitely want to create this cute burger dress.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
Katherine Johnson Halloween Costume
Have you seen Hidden Figures? Us too—it’s a favorite, and it highlights what strong, powerful women are capable of. That’s why we’re loving this fun costume idea that emulates NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson with a plaid dress and aerospace patches.
DIY Popsicle Halloween Costume
As sweet (and low effort) as the lazy days of summer, this costume calls for large pieces of cardboard; red, white, and blue spray paint; and white acrylic paint. (Sparklers optional!)
Get the tutorial at Oh Yay Studio.
Easy DIY Sailor Halloween Costume
Get ready to sail the ocean blue with this costume that’s as simple to pull together as it seaworthy!
Get the tutorial at Pretty Providence.
DIY Houseplant Halloween Costume
Think this costume’s too difficult to DIY? Think again: It’s made using an old Amazon Prime box and a round laundry basket.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.
DIY Ghost Halloween Costume
You’re probably used to seeing ghosts trick-or-treating, but this rendition feels a little spookier. You can even match with your little ghoul or goblin!
Make the Costume: Start with a base layer of black clothing. Paint face with white face paint and add black eyeshadow around the eyes. Drape and pin neutral cheesecloth, holding it in place with white safety pins and allowing it to trail on the floor a bit. Add a second layer of large, loosely woven, white gauze—we used door and window decorating material. Drape a plastic chain and vintage-inspired lock around the shoulders.
DIY Rey from Star Wars Halloween Costume
Star Wars fans, we hope you’re sitting down for this news: You too can transform into Rey this year. This DIY costume requires nothing more than a bit of white fabric, which you can use to craft makeshift armbands, plus a lightsaber, a brown tunic, and a pair of slouchy riding boots. A brown belt ties it all together.
Firefly Jar Halloween Costume
Set the neighborhood aglow with this bright idea. Use foam core for the base and top, plastic sheeting for the glass, and spray paint for the inside and lid. Battery-powered string lights really turn on the magic.
Get the tutorial at Oh Yay Studio.
DIY Asparagus Costume
Serve up a little of your favorite vegetable in costume form! To make, gather five lime green pool noodles. Cut leaves from purple and green felt (see template); you will need 10 to 12 for each stalk. Adhere to noodles, concentrating them at the top, with spray adhesive. Bundle pool noodles with purple duct tape. Tape a pair of suspenders to the back of the noodles and drape over shoulders.
It’s Raining Men Halloween Costume
Move aside, Weather Girls! This costume lets you take center stage at any Halloween party—and you can customize the heartthrob photos to your liking too.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
Easy Tinker Bell Halloween Costume
A floaty teal dress and a pair of fairy wings are all you need to create this Tinkerbell costume.
Get the tutorial at Color Me Courtney.
Buttered Toast Halloween Costume
You’ll be the toast (heh) of the block with this take on a morning mainstay. Shape two-inch-thick foam into a large square shape, rounding the edges, and spray paint it all over with several shades of brown. A butter pat made from foam and yellow fabric reinforces the visual.
Get the tutorial at Oh Yay Studio.
DIY Bubble Tea Boba Halloween Costume
Quicker than you can say “brain freeze” you’ll have this last-minute costume assembled with a white tank dress and jumbo pom poms.
Get the tutorial at Aww Sam.
Lucy & Ethel DIY Halloween Costume
Grab your bestie and re-create Lucy and Ethel at their finest with what you have in the back of your closets—just be sure to bring grapes, chocolates and your funniest faces.
Get the tutorial at Living After Midnite.
#2 Pencil Halloween Costume
This pencil costume will have you lookin’ sharp! To make, round up some pool noodles. Coat the summer staple with yellow spray paint (try Rust-Oleum American Accents in Marigold); add brown paper-cone tips. Wrap ends with pink and gray craft paper to make erasers. Secure the bundle around yourself with ribbon. Extra credit for a corresponding pointy party hat.
Get the tutorial at Oh Yay Studio.
DIY Llama Halloween Costume
Kathy Cano-Murillo created this darling llama costume out of cardboard boxes, then added lots of colorful details with pom-poms and yarn.
Get the tutorial at The Crafty Chica.
Marie Curie Halloween Costume
Here’s a fun tribute to French physicist and chemist Marie Curie. If you’ve got a black dress and a few neon accessories (so as to highlight each of them in a flashy way!), you’ll be good to go. And if you don’t have any blue food coloring for your “lab chemicals,” you can always opt for a blue-colored sports drink!
DIY Ruth Bader Ginsburg Halloween Costume
Pay homage to the second female justice of four to be confirmed to the highest court in our nation. Oversize spectacles and fun earrings make this one instantly recognizable. Pro tip: If you’re really short on time, a black bathrobe works just as well as a real black robe.
DIY Slice of Cake Halloween Costume
This cake costume by Kathy Cano-Murillo uses leftover boxes and party streamers. Don’t worry: She has a video tutorial that explains all the steps!
Get the tutorial at The Crafty Chica.
DIY Miss Universe Costume
Punny indeed, thanks to the dress painted with planets—but just be ready to tell anyone who asks that what you really want is “world peace.”
Get the tutorial at Living After Midnite.
DIY Hippie Halloween Costume
You probably already have a few items that would work for this quick and easy ’70s Halloween costume.
Get the tutorial at Sunglass Spot.
DIY Aquarium Halloween Costume
Amber Kemp-Gerstel shows you how to make an aquarium costume out of an old Amazon Prime box, something we all have in abundance!
Get the tutorial at Damask Love.
Easy Kate Middleton Halloween Costume
Go classy for Halloween in a blue frock and matching felt hat inspired by the real-life Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.
Get the tutorial at Merrick’s Art.
DIY Picnic Halloween Costume
Amber Kemp-Gerstel added a gingham pocket to a plain white T-shirt and then topped off the look with a paper picnic spread and watermelon earrings.
Get the tutorial at Damask Love.
DIY Galaxy Halloween Costume
Shine this year for Halloween in a celestial black tulle skirt powered by battery-operated Christmas lights.
Get the tutorial at Dream a Little Bigger.
DIY Comic Book Halloween Costume
You’ll look like you stepped out of a comic book thanks to this sensational makeup tutorial. Cap it off with a super-vibrant rainbow wig and clothes in bright colors with oversized elements, like big buttons.
Get the tutorial at Keiko Lynn.
DIY Strawberry Halloween Costume
Amber Kemp-Gerstel put together this sweet strawberry look with paper and iron-on vinyl.
Get the full tutorial at Damask Love.
Easy Cruella Halloween Costume
If you’ve got the fur (faux, of course) coat, you’ve pretty much got the costume. Just make sure you have the villainous ‘tude—and a black and white wig—to go with it.
Get the tutorial at Keiko Lynn.
DIY Snow White Halloween Costume
Snow White is as simple as princess costumes get. Grab that LBD from your closet, throw a bow in your hair, and don’t forget the apple!
DIY White Rabbit Halloween Costume from Alice in Wonderland
If you’re running late for a very important date, and that date happens to be October 31, this is an easy costume to whip up.
Get the tutorial at Color Me Courtney.
DIY Ziegfeld Girl Halloween Costume
Inspired by the classic 1940s film Ziegfeld Girl, this costume is sheer glamour—and easy to make with a simple white maxi dress you can quickly alter.
Get the tutorial at Keiko Lynn.
Easy DIY Beehive Halloween Costume
Here’s a fun female costume idea that will be all the buzz at the Halloween party.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.
DIY Punk Rocker Halloween Costume
With some heavy eye makeup, safety pins, and an oversize jean jacket, this punk costume is an easy slam dunk—or slam dance.
Get the tutorial at Say Yes.
DIY Firecracker Halloween Costume
“Baby, you’re a firework” so why not “Make ’em go ‘Oh, oh, oh!” with this simple costume that’s the bomb.
Get the tutorial at Club Crafted.
DIY Banana Costume
There aren’t many Halloween costumes as effortless to create as this Banana fanna fo Firley one (sorry, we couldn’t resist). The project even includes guidelines on how to make the tooty fruity turban.
Get the tutorial at Say Yes.
DIY Party Animals Halloween Costume
Get the whole gang together for this easy group costume idea.
Get the tutorial at Lauren Conrad.
DIY Corpse Bride Halloween Costume
Find a cheap wedding dress at Goodwill, add some blue tights, ghostly makeup, dead flowers and you’re done!
Get the tutorial at family ever after blog.
Easy DIY Catwoman Costume
Since Catwoman is part hero and part villain, this superhero costume is the best of both worlds.
Get the tutorial at Sydne Style.
Easy BB-8 Droid Halloween Costume
Use the force to quickly turn a white t-shirt and hat into this easy Star Wars costume for women.
Get the tutorial at All for the Boys.
Easy Emoji Halloween Costumes
You and your bestie can go as the dancing friends emoji in this simple best friend Halloween costume.
Get the tutorial at The DIY Playbook.
Easy DIY Cheese Halloween Costume
This easy, cheesy costume is hole-y fun (see what we did there?), but don’t forget the yellow shoes!
Get the tutorial at Club Crafted.
DIY La Croix Halloween Costume
Bring your favorite flavor of the classic drink to life.
Get the tutorial at A Kailo Chic Life.
DIY Wonder Woman Costume
This super-easy DIY costume will definitely save the day.
Get the tutorial at Creative Ramblings.
DIY Carnival Game Costume
This ingenious costume uses a parasol to make the carnival game, but you’ll be the real winner decked out in it.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
DIY Cactus Halloween Costume
The prickly plant is everywhere these days, so you’ll be totally on-trend. Plus, it lights up!
Get the tutorial at Shrimp Salad Circus.
DIY Camp Counselor Costume
We love this costume because despite the bug bites and sunburn we actually adored summer camp…or maybe it just seems like that in retrospect. Add a whistle, clipboard and knee-high athletic socks and you’ll be reliving memories, golden or not, in no time.
Get the tutorial at Say Yes.
Harley Quinn Halloween Costume
If you don’t have the time to nail down Harley Quinn’s outfit that’s okay—her iconic makeup and hair are more than half the battle and this project features a cool how-to for both.
Get the tutorial at Love Maegan.
Easy Pirate Halloween Costume
Trick-or-treat? More like trick-ARR!-treat.
Get the tutorial at Sarah Forshaw’s Blog.
DIY Flapper Halloween Costume
This ducky project includes instructions on how to add fringe to a basic black dress for a flapper look that’s the bee’s knees.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.
Easy Mary Poppins Halloween Costume
Pack your purse in the most delightful way—with candy, a flashlight, and any other Halloween essentials. You’ll be just like the real Mary Poppins!
Get the tutorial at Merrick’s Art.
DIY Monopoly Man Halloween Costume
Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200. You won’t need it for this cheap, easy costume idea!
Get the tutorial at Theme Me.
DIY Alice in Wonderland Costume
It isn’t really so curiouser and curiouser how easy this costume is to DIY—start with a blue dress and add a few elements like a blonde wig and white apron and you’ve almost got it!
Get the tutorial at Keiko Lynn.
French Mime Halloween Costume
Think outside the box (and then act within it) with this clever costume.
Get the tutorial at Dress Cori Lynn.