43 Easy Costumes With Normal Clothes For Halloween
This post is all about easy costumes with normal clothes.
Halloween is that one day of the year when we can put on a costume confidently without fear of judgement. If you have a look you love, chances are, your local mall or favorite shop has everything you need. However, keep in mind that these costumes are mass-produced versions of fairly common characters and are quite costly. Lucky for you, I’ve whipped up a massive list of easy costumes with normal clothes that can you easily put together.
Remember the Halloweens of years past when you spotted a dozen people dressed as Thor, Wonder Woman, Harley Quinn, and the Joker? Maybe you should try a different approach using whatever you already have in your closet. Yes, there are several easy costumes with normal clothes that you can put together without spending a dime.
How Can I Dress Up For Halloween Without a Costume?
Halloween dress-ups are really about putting on a new character. Of course, the more outlandish, the more fun, right? This may be true in many cases but who says you can’t have fun with a little creativity and imagination? For last-minute costume ideas, a more practical approach would be to look into your closet and pick out the pieces that match the look you are going for. In this post, I’m going to share with you over 40 easy costumes with normal clothes for inspiration!
READ: 22 Easy Halloween Couple Costumes To Copy
What Characters Are Easy To Dress Up As?
The easiest characters to use as a reference are those with a recognizable style or look. Mario of the Super Mario Bros. fame, for example, is easily identifiable with his blue jumper, red long-sleeved shirt, red cap, and distinct mustache. A character like Wednesday Addams is another distinct look, thanks to her black pigtails, black dress with a white collar, black stockings, and black shoes.
On the other hand, certain Halloween costumes are more challenging to put together. Superheroes and most Disney characters, while popular, require more elaborate pieces and accessories, some of which either need to be purchased or handcrafted.
What Are Some Classic Halloween Costumes?
There are characters that are closely associated with Halloween. If you are going for the more traditional look, you can try these easy diy costumes: These are perfect if you’re looking for easy costumes with normal clothes inspiration!
- Witch
- Vampire
- Sorcerer
- Magician
- Frankenstein Monster
- Bride of Frankenstein
- Zombie
- Furry/Wild Animals
- Clown
- Cheerleader
- Pirates
- Burglar/Bank Robber
- Popular Cartoon Characters
- Popular Fictional Characters
- Presidents/Politicians
- Entertainers, such as Actors/Actresses, Singers, Musicians
Easy Costumes With Normal Clothes
Looking for last minute easy costumes with normal clothes for Halloween? Then you’ll love our huge list that you’ll want to copy ASAP.
Continue reading below to check out some of our favorite easy costumes with normal clothes we found on the web!
1. ET
This ET and Elliot diy costume is the most memorable scene from one of the greatest, most iconic films made. Dressing up as Elliot is super easy.
Key costume elements: Red hoodie, blue jeans, a black crate, thick red ribbon to tie onto the crate, ET toy doll, and a small white towel.
2. Back To The Future
Take a trip to a different time just like Marty McFly and Doc Brown in these Back To The Future costumes. Back To The Future was one of my favorite movies growing up and I even dressed up as Marty McFly for Halloween several years back. It’s so easy to get the look with clothes already in your closet. One of my favorite easy costumes with normal clothes on this list.
Key costume elements: For Marty: blue plaid button down shirt, red puffy vest, denim jacket, denim jeans, red shirt, sunglasses, watch and skateboard. For Doc Brown: light color plaid shirt, khaki color pants, white lab coat, goggles, watch and a white wig.
3. Audrey Hepburn
This Audrey Hepburn look is from the iconic scene in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s. If you have a Halloween party coming up and no time to buy a costume, this is the perfect costume idea! This is one these last-minute halloween costume ideas that doesn’t take much effort. Bonus points if you find a mini tiara to wear with it.
Key costume elements: Chic long black dress, pearl necklace, sheer black tights, stylish black sunglasses, long black gloves, black heels, mini tiara and long cigarette holder.
4. Salt & Pepper
Looking for cheap and easy costume ideas for adults? This is such a fun and creative costume idea! It really is an awesome last minute couple costume idea that I’m sure will give people lots of laughs! See how Made Everyday DIY’d this costume look here.
Key costume elements: white t shirt and black t shirt, white gloves and black gloves, denim jeans, cut outs of the letters S and P, gray beanie or berets, hot glue, white circle stickers for the holes on hat.
5. Rosie The Riveter
Rosie the Riveter is an American icon, who embodied the strong, can-do attitude of women workers.
Key Costume Elements: Blue collared shirt or denim shirt and a red bandanna with white polka dots. You could wear a pair of dark blue jeans or just use blue overalls with rolled-up sleeves to achieve the look.
6. Bob’s Burgers
If you’re a fan of the Bob’s Burgers cartoon, then you’ll love this couple costume idea for Halloween. Most of the costume elements can be found in your closet; however, you might need to make a quick trip to the store for the wig and large red glasses.
Key costume elements: For Linda: burgundy long sleeve shirt, denim jeans, a black bob wig and large red glasses. For Bob: light gray t-shirt, gray or dark pants, real or fake mustache and a long white apron.
7. The Karen
Where would the 21st century be without a Karen? (lol!) Although real-life Karens come in all shapes, sizes, and styles, there is one iconic look that is readily identifiable as The Karen.
Key costume elements: The Hair. Karen’s hair is called the lob or inverted bob. It is cut shorter at the back and longer in front. It can also come with highlights. If you’re not brave enough to see your stylist, wear a wig instead. For your clothes and accessories, wear a shirt and an open-front sleeveless windbreaker. And the shades. Don’t forget those.
8. Copy & Paste
This costume makes me wish I had a twin. It’s genius and overall hilarious. If you’re a twin, you guys will have a lot of fun with this copy and paste costume. If I would give an award for best costume on this list, I would totally give it to this costume.
Key costume elements: white t-shirt, denim jeans, two white sheets of printing paper with one saying “copy” and the other saying “paste.”
9. Candy Bandits
This is such a fun and clever way to dress up as bandits. I love the whole concept of “candy bandits” since it’s perfectly fitting for Halloween. This is a great costume idea to do with you son or daughter. Let’s just hope there’s no hidden camera around, haha.
Key costume elements: black and white striped shirt, tight black pants, black booties, black beanie, black eye mask and money burlap bag
10. Steven Universe
Steven Universe was one of my favorite cartoons to watch during my Cartoon Network binge watching days, haha. All you really need is the iconic shirt Steven wears to nail this look. You can buy it or diy it yourself.
Key costume elements: A red t-shirt and a yellow star cutout using a cricut machine, denim jeans and red flip flops.
11. Laura Croft
Lara Croft is one of the gaming world’s most popular characters. Strong, smart, and fiercely independent, Lara embodies the ideal female adventurer. Her look is easy to put together, although you will need certain accessories that are closely associated with her character, such as her guns.
Key costume elements: The classic Lara Croft wore an all-black costume – dark tank top, dark shorts, and dark, calf-high or mid-calf boots. Her accessories include a pair of leg gun holsters and those guns. For added authenticity, Lara Croft uses Colt Mark IV 1911 pistols. Alternatively, you can use dark-colored leggings and a light-colored tank top.
12. Where’s Waldo & Where’s Wanda
This Where’s Waldo & Wanda is one of my favorite easy costumes with normal clothes for families or groups. It’s so easy to put together with clothes already in your closet. I just love how Lovely Indeed put this costume look together with the whole family.
Key costume elements: red and white striped long sleeve shirt, denim jeans (for Waldo and the little one), denim skirt (for Wanda), camera with strap (for Wanda), red and white (all white or all red is good too) beanie, below the knee red socks (for Wanda) and glasses.
13. Burger & Fries
Like the caption says, you can’t have a burger without its fries. This is a good last minute Halloween costume to do with a friend or significant other. Honestly, you don’t need much to recreate this. There are plenty of places that sell these types of shirts or you can easily DIY this.
Key costume elements: red and mustard yellow t-shirts, white letters using a cricut machine, or cut out with white paper and adhere with glue or tape.
14. Dorothy
Looking for last minute Halloween costumes for females? Become Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz this Halloween. It’s such a quick 5-minute costume idea that anyone can easily whip together if you have a blue gingham dress you’ve put away with your summer clothes. If you have a little one, dress him or her up as the brave little cub lion for the ultimate duo costume.
Key costume elements: Blue gingham dress, white blouse preferably with puffy sleeves, red flats, sneakers or heels, black stockings (optional), white socks (optional) and black skinny belt.
15. Elle & Bruiser
If you’re a fan of Legally Blonde, then you’ll love this Elle Woods and Bruiser costume! If you have a pink suit laying around inside your closet, then you can easily recreate this look. Even better if you a small dog to complete the costume look!
Key costume elements: For Elle: Pink suit, pink pill box hat, neutral open toe heels, and shoulder length blonde wig. For Bruiser: matching pink outfit.
16. Three Blind Mice
Aren’t these such easy costumes with normal clothes to copy? The three blind mice costume. Remember the old nursery rhyme we learned as a kid? This is such a cute costume to do with friends and so easy to recreate.
Key costume elements: black tops and bottoms, black shoes, black sunglasses, and fake black mice ears (which you can diy).
17. Gryffindor vs Slytherin
For all you Harry Potter fans, this is the perfect costume idea to do with a friend this Halloween and pledge the house that fits you the most. Which house are you? Team Gryffindor or Team Slytherin.
Key costume elements: white button down short sleeve shirt, short plaid skirt, accessories such as headband and mini crossbody bag that represents your house color, black combat boots, and a wand.
18. Britney Spears
Britney Spears has had a number of great looks over the years but her Baby One More Time style is one that’s going to go down in history as a favorite costume. It’s recognizable, iconic, and something anyone can pull off.
Key costume elements: Short white shirt tied above the waist, gray cardigan, a short dark-colored skirt, thigh-high leggings, black shoes, and pigtails.
19. Powerpuff Girls
The Powerpuff Girls is one of the most successful cartoon series on TV. Blossom, Buttercup, and Bubbles make excellent easy costumes with normal clothes for a group of three people because each has a distinct personality, look, and yes, color palette.
Key costume elements:
- Bubbles – yellow hair and blue dress
- Blossom – red/orange hair with a red bow and pink dress
- Buttercup – black hair and green dress
All the girls wear white socks and black Mary Jane shoes.
20. Granny
Dressing up isn’t just for the young. Let your grandma get in on the fun with this Granny costume from Looney Tunes. Another easy Halloween costumes for adults to try.
Key costume elements: white long sleeve blouse and bright blue skirt, glasses, slyvester and tweety stuff toys.
21. Barbie & Ken
Go back to your childhood and become the Barbie and Ken doll you’ve always wanted be. This costume is the iconic Barbie and Ken 80s fitness look and it’s so easy to recreate.
Key costume elements: As Barbie: Neon color tracksuit with hot pink in it, white sneakers, pink hairband; As Ken: Neon yellow sweater, dark blue shorts, hot pink neck tie
22. Cher Horowitz
Cher is one of the most iconic 90s characters from the movie Clueless. Cher has a trademark look and is actually a fashion trademark herself. As long as you have all the elements of her style, she’s easy to put together. Plus, she’s matchy-matchy, which means her style can’t be beat.
Key costume elements: Yellow. Get a yellow plaid suit and same-colored pleated skirt, preferably one that’s above the knees. If you don’t have a yellow plaid suit, try another color and wear a beret on top.
23. Carrie Bradshaw
The Carrie Tutu is an iconic outfit scene in the opening sequence of Season 1 of Sex and The City. It became an instant fashion classic which is why it’s such a popular costume. Definitely one of my favorite easy costumes with normal clothes to wear this Halloween.
Key costume elements: light pink tank top, white tulle shirt, and neutral color open toe heels
24. Grease
I love this Grease couple costume. Grease is one of my long time favorite movies. I’ve probably watched it about 50 times and Sandy and Danny are my favorite characters in the movie. It’s so easy to recreate this look! This is such a classic and one of my favorite last minute homemade costume ideas.
Key costume elements: For Sandy: tight black exposed shoulder top, tight leather pants, red heels, red lipstick. For Danny: black t-shirt, denim jeans (blue or black), leather jacket (optional) and black sneakers.
READ: 46 Hottest College Halloween Costumes (That Are Easy & Fun To Make)
25. The Addams Family
I remember watching The Addams Family movie when I was a little kid and how I excited I was to watch it with my best friend. It’s such an iconic family and their style of clothing make great Halloween costumes. Not only can you recreate this halloween costume with normal clothes, it would also make a great couple costume idea!
Key costume elements: For the guy, pinstripe suit, black tie, slicked back hair, real or fake mustache, lighter shade foundation; For the girl, long black fitted dress, long black hair, red lipstick, lighter shade foundation, red roses
26. The Shining
Looking for cheap halloween costumes for the whole family? You’ll love this look from the Shining. The Shining is one my favorites from Stephen King and they nailed this perfectly. It doesn’t take much effort to recreate any one of these looks.
27. Juno
This Juno costume is another costume favorite for Halloween because you can easily put this together with regular clothes already in your closet. It’s also a cool way to make a pregnancy announcement amongst friends and family. One of my favorite easy costumes with normal clothes on this list!
Key costume elements: For Juno: light gray zipper hoodie, striped shirt, plaid skirt, denim jeans, small pillow (as the baby bump), vans shoes, and a half drunk bottle of Sunny D.
28. Cruella de Ville
When coming up with easy costumes with normal clothes for Halloween ideas, Cruella was one of the first character I thought of. Cruella is a visually distinctive character, which makes her perfect as a Halloween character using just normal clothes.
Key costume elements: A simple black sheath dress, long red gloves, red heels, a white or light-colored coat. She wears red lipstick and green eyeshadow. She has bi-colored hair parted in the middle. The left portion is white and the right is black. To complete the look, throw in a quellazaire, which is a long cigarette holder or filter.
29. Cards Against Humanity
Cards Against Humanity has been a staple game whenever I have friends over and for many others too. You can easily recreate this iconic game for your Halloween costumes. See how, The Daily Amy created her couple costume look!
Key costume elements: black and white t-shirts to write card pairing ideas on.
30. Minions
For those of you who love the Minions movie, why not dress up as minions for Halloween? Check out Amber Oliver tutorial on recreating this costume idea!
Key costume elements: For Guy: jean overalls, yellow t-shirt, white, cream or pale yellow beanie, and DIY goggles. For The Girl: yellow t-shirt, black denim shorts or overalls, white, cream or pale yellow beanie, DIY goggles and a black sharpie (only if you want to draw in overalls like she did here).
31. Jay & Silent Bob
I’m loving this genderbend cosplay of Jay & Silent Bob. I’m pretty sure they had a lot of fun putting this costume duo together and you can too if you want to recreate this for Halloween.
Key costume elements: For Jay: gray hoodie zipper jacket, gray beanie, white graphic shirt, black anorak jacket, long blonde wig (if needed) and blue pants. For Silent Bob: white shirt, dark color sweater or sweater vest, blue jeans, black trench coat, baseball cap and long brunette wig (if needed).
32. Pirate
Jack Sparrow may seem like the definitive look for The Pirate but you might not have all the key costume pieces that make up his famous look. After all, we don’t always have a frock coat and a frilly shirt hanging somewhere in our closets, do we? Historically, sea pirates looked just like the ordinary sailors of their time. However, they do have a distinct look that both adults and children love.
Key costume elements: White or light-colored long-sleeved shirt, a dark vest, pants (preferably striped) or breeches if you have them, and shoes (historical pirates did not wear boots). For your top, wrap either a bandanna or a knitted cap. Throw in a sword or a machete for authenticity.
33. 80’s Fitness Girl
The 80s gave birth to the fitness girl – the strong, low body fat percentage, leotard-wearing exercise aficionado. She was a ubiquitous sight in the 80s, thanks to the popularity of fitness videos promoted by the likes of Jane Fonda, Kathy Smith, and Heather Locklear.
Key costume elements: Brightly-colored leotards (neons are preferred), shiny leggings (preferably of a complementary color to that of the leotard), and those thick, colorful leg warmers. And throw in a head sweat band of a different color from your outfit. Don’t forget the big hair.
34. Red Riding Hood
Red Riding Hood is a popular fairytale character and a fairly easy costume to put together using just normal clothes. Throw in an adorable wolf stuffed toy and you are ready to walk through the woods.
Key costume elements: White top, red skirt, black shoes, and a red, hooded cloak (you could also diy the cloak). Don’t forget the picnic basket!
35. Gilligan’s Island’s Maryann
I’m loving this Maryann costume from the TV show Gilligan’s Island. If you have a significant other, have them dress up as The Professor for the ultimate couple costume.
Key costume elements: red gingham dress, black glasses, two red hair bows, and beige flats.
36. Maltipoo
I just love this creative costume idea. If you have a furry dog friend in your home, why not dress up as your dog so you can be twinsies. One of my favorite easy costumes with normal clothes that’s super cute and creative.
Key costume elements: sherpa jacket, black makeup (to imitate a dog nose), and dog fur ears (you can DIY this if you have the skills).
37. Basic Witch
Go with an effortless costume with this Basic Witch idea! It’s a great last minute costume idea when you are short on time.
Key costume elements: black plaid/gingham dress, witch hat, and a witch broom stick (you can learn to DIY here).
38. Frankenstein and His Bride
Another easy last minute DIY Halloween costume idea! Dress up as Frankenstein and his bride for your upcoming Halloween party. You can recreate these easy costumes with normal clothes in 2 hours just like they did.
Key costume elements: Frankenstein: black t-shirt, black jean pants, halloween makeup, and white chalk (to dirty up his clothes). For His Bride: black lace dress or black top and lace skirt, white lace see through cardigan, black booties, white face paint, black lipstick, washable spray paint for the hair.
39. Disney Princesses
Dress up as your favorite Disney princess this Halloween. I know there are plenty of costumes out there but not DIY it with clothes already in your home like these two ladies did. Very stylish and cute!
Key costume elements: For Anna: green top, green headband, beige sandals and light gray maxi skirt. For Snow White: blue tank top, yellow maxi skirt, yellow open toe heels, red headband and red lipstick.
40. Sia
If you’re a fan of Sia, this is such an easy costume to recreate for Halloween.
Key costume elements: black dress, white blazer, black and white wig with long bangs, large black bow (or DIY it using a trash bag or some other texture you can find) and red lipstick.
41. Wayne’s World Family
This family costume idea is “Excellent!” Yea, I just had to say it, haha. Anyways, this is such a fun and easy costume idea for the whole family to enjoy. I just love this idea from A Beautiful Mess.
Key costume elements: For Wayne: plain black t-shirt, ripped denim jeans, black lace up shoes, black cap, short hair wig and a guitar. For Cassandra: halter red dress, large hoop earrings, long brunette wig with bangs, red lace gloves, and beige open toe heels. For the little one: white ac/dc kid shirt (or any rock band shirt), ripped denim jeans, blue plaid shirt, and baby dark-rimmed glasses.
42. Down The Rabbit Hole
This is such a creative and colorful costume design from Color Me Courtney. Seriously, I fell in love with it at first sight because Alice in Wonderland is one of my all-time favorite Disney movies. Dress up as the white rabbit in this super cute outfit idea for Halloween!
Key costume elements: white tank dress, blue and white striped button up, blue bow, red blazer, bunny ears, blue heels, white socks, safety pin, white cotton ball, red lipstick and a clock cross body bag.
43. Jurassic Park
Last but not least is this family Jurassic Park costume idea from Cupcakes and Cashmere. Jurassic Park is another one of my favorite all-time movies so I just had to add it to this list. I love how the baby was turned into baby dinosaur and the parents as Drs. Alan Grant and Ellie Sattler. You can easily whip these looks together.
Key costume elements: For Alan: pleated front khaki pants, brown belt, blue denim button down shirt, red bandana, black sunglasses and brown fedora hat. For Ellie: blue shirt, pink button down shirt, khaki shorts, brown belt, high top sneakers.
Which of these easy costumes with normal clothes would you want to dress up as this Halloween? Share your thoughts by commenting below!
