It seems like every year, I begin October with ambitious costume plans, but usually end up scrapping them due to lack of time. To avoid such disasters this year, I’ve put together a list of super easy costumes that you can put together with items you probably already have in your closet.
Read on for ideas that range from current pop culture costumes to those tried and true…
1. Katniss Everdeen from the Hunger Games
Due to the insane popularity of the Hunger Games novels and movie, a Katniss Everdeen costume is instantly recognisable, and extremely easy to put together.
A green or tan pair of skinny jeans or cargos will work great with a black t-shirt, a tough pair of boots, a parka, and a single braid for the base of Katniss’ look. You’ll only have to get two things to really make this costume work — a bow and arrow set (most costume or party shops will have these) and a Mockingjay pin, which you can either make yourself or purchase at those Hunger Games pop-up promotion stands in stores.
2. Alex DeLarge from A Clockwork Orange
Clothing-wise, Alex’s look is pretty simple — you really just need a white top, white pants, black boots, and suspenders. You can make this costume a little sexier by substituting the pants and long sleeve top for shorts and a tank top instead. A black bowler hat and cane will be easy to find at any Halloween or party supply store.
And now for the fun part of your costume — the eye makeup. While leaving one eye bare (or with very light makeup on), heavily line your other eye with black liquid liner, and add false eyelashes to emphasise the look. This costume is also great for any of you girls who want to dress as someone sinister, but not look too “scary-scary” on Halloween.
3. Justin Bieber
If you’re looking for a funny yet comfy costume, a Justin Bieber ensemble is the way to go!
The kicker to get people to recognize your costume will definitely be Justin’s signature swoopy bangs. A wig would help, but you could probably also rig your natural bangs into Justin’s ‘do with a little help from a flat-peaked baseball cap. Don’t forget to wear your hood over your hat, and accessorize with colorful kicks, and large diamond studs in each ear!
4. Marty McFly from Back to the Future
Another great option for all of you film buffs is to dress as the ultimate ’80s teenage hero — Marty McFly from Back to the Future!
To get Marty’s look, wear a button-down shirt with a jean jacket (pick one up at any thrift shop if you don’t have one) and your staple down vest (bonus points if it’s orange). Add jeans and white tennis shoes, and look for a pair of aviation goggles at a Halloween store to wear pushed up on your forehead.
5. The Black Widow from The Avengers
This year’s hit film The Avengers featured a particularly stylish character – Natasha Romanoff, AKA, The Black Widow.
While her catsuit would be crazy expensive to buy, it would be easy to do Natasha’s casual look for Halloween. The key is the red wig – which you could probably grab for cheap – but you could also use red Halloween hair spray. Then add coated jeans and a motorbike jacket, and rock a big, bold red lip.
6. Catwoman
Always a classic costume idea – but with a 2012 twist, aided by the Dark Night Rises. Like Scarlett in the Avengers, Selina Kyle, the catsuit-clad leading lady (Anne Hathaway), was the movie’s fashion force.
This costume is beyond easy if you’re a brunette. As in the case of the Black Widow, you probably don’t want to buy the actual catsuit. However, Selina’s Catwoman outfit has enough accessories that the suit isn’t required. Again, go for coated jeans/leather pants and add a tight black long sleeved top and high heeled boots. Buy (or make) a black mask and get goggles or sunglasses to wear on your head as “ears”. Rock a red lip and tell everyone you meet, “there’s a storm coming, Mr. Wayne.”
7. Cruella De Vil
While it’s popular to dress as a Disney princess for Halloween, many people forget about their favourite villain! Cruella De Vil would be a glamorous and unexpected outfit to wear to any Halloween party! All you’ll really need is a fitted black dress, a white faux fur coat or shawl, and black and white temporary spray-in colour for your hair.
Accessorise your costume with red heels and lipstick, elbow-length gloves, and a long cigarette holder. Be sure to wear very gaudy jewelry, and exaggerate your eyebrows with dark makeup.
8. Rosie the Riveter
One of the greatest icons of the 20th century, Rosie the Riveter makes for a great costume-inspiration for this Halloween.
All you’ll really need for this costume is a red bandana, some blue overalls (or a chambray shirt), and perhaps some ‘coal-coloured’ makeup tactically smeared onto your cheeks! Add some combat boots for a real factory girl feel.
9. A Contestant from Toddlers and Tiaras
This costume is the perfect excuse to break out your ball dress from years gone by, add a sparkly tiara (the bigger the better!), and some cute Mary-Jane pumps (or ballet-flats if you’re after the full Toddlers experience) with frilly white socks!
Be sure to remember the fake tan, lots of hairspray, and that winning smile – it’s sure to win you that Ultimate Grand Supreme title!!!
10. Lisbeth Salander from The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
Think leather pants/jacket, (faux) facial piercings, and a black t-shirt.. Of course, adding a cropped black wig will really finish off the costume.
Don’t forget your tough girl attitude on the night!
What will you be dressing up as this Halloween? Let us know in the comments section below!
– Lena Aseeva