Easy Halloween Costumes Using Clothes You Already Own
Has Halloween crept up on you with absolutely nothing planned? First of all, don’t panic and rush out to buy a witch costume that you’ll wear once, then find three years later at the back of your wardrobe.
Grab yourself a cuppa, open the wardrobe and have a good look at what you already own. Easy Halloween costumes with normal clothes usually begin with one piece you already feel comfortable in, followed by one clear accessory that makes the idea obvious.
A black dress, colourful print, white shirt, pair of jeans or cosy cardigan could already be halfway to Halloween. The aim isn’t to create the most elaborate outfit in the room. It’s to wear something fun, comfortable and recognisable that still feels completely like you.
Still deciding how dressed up you actually want to feel? Start with our guide to what to wear for Halloween, then come back here when you’re ready to raid the wardrobe.
The easy wardrobe first formula
- Choose one base: start with a dress, shirt, pair of jeans, cardigan or coat you already feel good in.
- Add one clear clue: use a hat, pair of wings, ears, scarf, book or simple makeup to make the idea recognisable.
- Check the practical bits: make sure you can walk, sit, bend, stay warm and get through a doorway.
How do you make easy Halloween costumes with normal clothes?
Choose one ordinary piece of clothing as your base, decide what character or idea it could become, then add one recognisable clue. A witch’s hat, fairy wings, striped tights, a book or a little makeup can often do more than a complete bag of random accessories.
1. Start with something you feel good in
Begin with the biggest part of the outfit. That might be a dress, shirt, pair of jeans, cardigan or coat.
Choose something you already know you can sit, walk and move around in. Once you’ve chosen the base, look at its colour, print and shape. What does it already suggest?
2. Add one clear clue
Accessories are what help other people understand the idea. Without a witch’s hat, you might simply be wearing black. Pop the hat on and suddenly you’re a witch with magical powers.
Add wings to a colourful dress and you’re a fairy. Add cat ears to a black dress and the costume is sorted. You don’t need six different clues when one strong one does the job.
3. Check that it suits your plans
Think about where you’re going before you commit to a giant broom, trailing cape or pair of wings wider than the classroom door.
A teaching outfit needs to let you move. An outdoor costume needs warm layers. A party outfit needs to survive sitting, dancing and getting home again.
Comfort doesn’t make the costume less fun. It makes it far more likely that you’ll enjoy wearing it.
Start here: what is already in your wardrobe?
Use this quick selector to find a costume direction based on the clothes you already have.
| You already own | Try turning it into | Add one clear clue |
|---|---|---|
| A black dress | A witch, cat, vampire or gothic doll | A witch’s hat, cat ears, red detail or removable white collar |
| A colourful or Halloween print dress | A Halloween fairy, enchanted forest fairy or pumpkin festival queen | Wings, a wand, cosmetic glitter, boots or a cosy scarf |
| A white shirt | A ghostly character, detective or artist | Pale makeup, a notebook or a clean paintbrush |
| Jeans or denim | A scarecrow, artist or mummy inspired outfit | A checked shirt, hat, clean brush or short bandages worn over the clothes |
| A floral outfit | A woodland fairy or garden witch | Wings, leaves, a wand or witch’s hat |
| A cardigan or coat | A storybook granny, librarian, cosy witch or detective | Glasses, a book, scarf or notebook |
| Black and white spots | A Cruella inspired monochrome villain | Red lipstick and a dramatic hairstyle |
Remember: you’re not signing a legally binding costume agreement. Choose the row that feels easiest, work with what you have and change the idea as soon as you find a better hat.
What Halloween costume can you make with a black dress?
A black dress can become a witch, cat, vampire, gothic doll or monochrome villain. Keep the dress exactly as it is and add one recognisable detail, such as a hat, ears, red accessory or removable white collar.
The trusty black dress is an absolutely brilliant starting point because it lets the accessories do the explaining.
A friendly witch
Pop on a witch’s hat, add a broom and choose a dark lipstick or eye colour from the neglected corner of your makeup palette.
For work or teaching, choose a smaller hat, leave the enormous broom at home and add striped tights or comfortable boots. You’ll still look ready to cast a spell, but you’ll also be able to get through a doorway.
A black cat
Add cat ears and draw on simple eyeliner whiskers. No makeup? No problem. The ears are usually enough, particularly when you add black tights, a headband or jewellery you already own.
This also leaves both hands free for the important business of carrying snacks.
A vampire, gothic doll or villain
A vampire look only needs one red detail, such as lipstick, a scarf, jewellery or a removable ribbon.
For a gothic doll, add a removable white collar, ribbon or two simple plaits. Black and white spots can become a Cruella inspired monochrome villain with red lipstick and a dramatic hairstyle.
A cardigan or scarf can become part of the look when October decides to be October.
A black dress you already love is the ideal starting point. Should you need a base that will earn its place in your wardrobe after Halloween, take a look at our black dresses.
What can you make with a colourful or printed dress?
A colourful dress can become a Halloween fairy, woodland character, storybook character or pumpkin festival queen. Add wings, a wand, autumn accessories or playful makeup rather than covering the print.
I love colour, and Halloween is no different. Let’s give orange, purple, emerald green, rainbows and every autumn print some love.
Halloween should make you smile, not look like you’re attending a very gloomy board meeting.
My own starting point would be a colourful Halloween print. People expect Halloween outfits to be all black, but I’d much rather turn up in colour. A dress you enjoy wearing also feels like a much better investment than a complete fancy dress outfit that disappears into the wardrobe afterwards.
One colourful dress, three Halloween looks
Look one
A colourful witch
Add a witch’s hat, broom and dark lipstick.
The print keeps the outfit joyful, while the hat makes the costume immediately recognisable. Add tights, boots or a cardigan depending on how chilly the evening feels.
Look two
An enchanted forest fairy
Add wings, a wand and a little cosmetic glitter intended for use on the face.
Then spend the evening being the fairy godmother of compliments and telling everybody how brilliant their outfits look.
Look three
A pumpkin festival queen
Add winter boots and a cosy scarf.
This works especially well for pumpkin picking, a family event or an outdoor Halloween plan. It’s also perfect if, like me, you feel the cold.
What other normal clothes can become Halloween costumes?
What can you make with a white shirt?
A white shirt can become a ghostly character, detective or artist costume. Keep it clean and wearable by using removable accessories rather than paint, scissors or anything permanent.
For a ghostly look, add pale makeup, a white or cream scarf and a slightly mysterious hairstyle. For a detective, add a coat and notebook.
For an artist, wear an old apron over the shirt and carry a clean paintbrush with a cardboard palette. The important word there is clean. Your favourite white shirt does not need an accidental abstract artwork across the front.
What can you make with jeans or denim?
Jeans or denim are ideal for a scarecrow because they’re already comfortable and practical. Add a checked shirt, boots, a hat and simple makeup.
Everyday clothes can also form the base of a mummy inspired costume. Place short pieces of bandage loosely over the clothes, keeping them away from your neck, face, hands and feet.
Make sure nothing trails, restricts movement or comes loose while you walk. The bandages should be removable and secure enough not to unravel around the buffet table.
What can you make with floral clothing?
A floral dress can become a woodland fairy or garden witch with just one or two accessories.
Floral dress, witch’s hat, boots. Done.
For a woodland fairy, add wings, a wand, a few leaves or a nature inspired hair accessory. Our floral dresses can also be layered with tights or a cardigan when the weather turns chilly.
What can you make with a cardigan or coat?
A cardigan can become part of a storybook granny, librarian, cosy witch or eccentric character costume. Add a scarf, glasses, favourite book or brooch and let the accessories shape the idea.
A coat works brilliantly for a detective. Carry a notebook and wear comfortable boots, and you have a costume already prepared for an outdoor evening.
A colourful cardigan is also much nicer than spending the day pretending you aren’t cold.
Which accessories make everyday clothes look like a costume?
Accessories make the idea recognisable, so choose one that does a clear job rather than adding everything you can find.
- A witch’s hat or cat ears
- Striped or colourful tights
- A broom, wand, book or notebook
- Scarves, belts and jewellery
- Dark lipstick, eyeliner or cosmetic glitter
- Wings or a nature inspired hair accessory
- Comfortable boots, trainers or pumps
Halloween is also the perfect time to investigate the colours in your makeup palette that never normally get a look in. Use products intended for the face and skin, follow their instructions and choose something you already feel comfortable applying.
Before buying anything, ask friends or family whether they have the accessory you need. Have a look in old dressing up boxes too. A borrowed witch’s hat works exactly the same magic as a new one.
Sometimes all your wardrobe is missing is a hat and the confidence to wear it.
Which costumes work for teaching, work and family plans?
The best costume depends on what you need to do while wearing it. The outfit has to work in real life, not just for the first photograph.
For teachers and school Halloween days
Teachers absolutely win Halloween. They somehow manage to look amazing, remain practical and survive thirty children shouting, “Miss! Miss! Miss!”
Good classroom choices include:
- Friendly witches
- Scarecrows
- Book characters
- Nature fairies
- Pumpkins
- Storybook characters
Choose something cheerful that doesn’t terrify Reception. Keep props small and choose accessories that won’t fall off whenever you reach for a whiteboard pen.
For family events and trick or treating
If you’re chasing children around a housing estate or heading to an outdoor family event, wear comfortable shoes.
Add warm, removable layers and choose a costume that works with your coat rather than disappearing underneath it.
Keep your hands as free as possible. A giant prop may look excellent at home, but less excellent when you’re carrying coats, sweets and somebody else’s abandoned accessory.
For a party
A party gives you more room to use makeup, cosmetic glitter, dramatic accessories or a bolder hairstyle.
A black dress can become a cat or vampire. A colourful dress can become an enchanted fairy. Black and white spots can become a monochrome villain.
Just make sure the outfit still lets you sit, dance and eat cake. These are essential costume requirements.
Pockets are also very helpful for carrying the little things that mysteriously follow teachers, parents and generally busy people around all day.
How do you keep a Halloween costume comfortable and protect your clothes?
Before you leave the house, ask yourself:
- Can I walk?
- Can I bend down?
- Can I dance?
- Can I eat cake?
- Can I fit snacks in my pockets?
These are the most important questions for almost any outfit I wear.
Try the complete costume on rather than checking each part separately. Sit down, put on any coat or cardigan you’ll need and walk around in the shoes for a few minutes.
Check that hats stay in place, wings fit through doors and nothing blocks your view. The outfit should still feel comfortable after the mirror photograph has been taken.
Nothing has to be permanent
The beauty of a wardrobe first costume is that you don’t need to ruin your clothes.
Use hats, tights, jewellery, scarves, removable collars, makeup and a little imagination. Your dress gets to live happily ever after once Halloween is over.
Keep makeup and paint away from clothing where possible, and use a protective layer such as an old apron when you’re carrying an artist prop.
A quick Halloween safety check
Keep clothing and costume accessories away from candles, tea lights, fireworks and sparklers. Battery operated lights or glow sticks are safer alternatives, while reflective details can help with visibility after dark. Read the London Fire Brigade’s fancy dress safety advice before heading out.
Eight last minute Halloween costume combinations
| Start with | Turn it into | Add |
|---|---|---|
| A black dress | A witch | A witch’s hat, broom and dark lipstick |
| A black dress | A cat | Cat ears and eyeliner whiskers |
| A colourful print dress | An enchanted forest fairy | Wings, a wand and cosmetic glitter |
| A Halloween print dress | A pumpkin festival queen | Winter boots and a cosy scarf |
| Jeans and a checked shirt | A scarecrow | A hat and simple makeup |
| A white shirt | A ghostly character | A pale scarf and light makeup |
| Black and white spots | A Cruella inspired monochrome villain | Red lipstick and dramatic hair |
| Everyday clothes | A mummy inspired costume | Short, securely placed bandages over the clothes |
Your Halloween costume questions answered
What is the easiest Halloween costume to make with everyday clothes?
A witch or black cat is usually one of the quickest options when you own a black dress. A scarecrow is another easy choice when you have jeans, a checked shirt and a hat. Choose whichever base outfit you already feel most comfortable wearing.
Can I make a Halloween costume without wearing makeup?
Absolutely. A witch’s hat, fairy wings, cat ears, striped tights, a wand, book or notebook can make the idea clear without makeup. You can also use a hairstyle, scarf or recognisable colour combination.
Can I make a costume without damaging my clothes?
Yes. Keep every addition removable. Use hats, scarves, tights, jewellery, cardigans, belts and props. Avoid cutting, painting, gluing or permanently attaching anything to clothing you want to wear again.
What can a teacher wear for Halloween?
A friendly witch, scarecrow, book character, nature fairy, pumpkin or storybook character can all work well. Choose comfortable shoes, practical layers and accessories that won’t interfere with teaching.
Do I need to buy anything?
Not necessarily. Start with what you own and borrow the missing clue where possible. Most wardrobes are already halfway to Halloween. A dress, shirt, pair of jeans or cardigan can provide the main outfit, leaving you to find one recognisable accessory.
Your Halloween outfit only has to feel right for you
There’s no need to put pressure on yourself at Halloween. There are no rules, and you can wear whatever makes you feel happy.
The best outfit is one that makes you smile, lets you eat too many sweets and still allows you to feel like yourself.
New Halloween styles will be joining the collection in early September. Keep an eye on the collection as they arrive, so you don’t miss your favourites.
Explore the Halloween collection
Then have a play, keep what feels comfortable and share your finished look with Frocks & Friends. I can’t wait to see what you create.
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