Whoops, you waited once again until the last minute to come up with a Halloween costume. Or maybe your partner is dragging you to their old college roommate’s spooky bash. Regardless of circumstance, you’re in need of a Halloween costume without the hefty Spirit Halloween price tags. We have solutions! Since there haven’t been a lot of new movie releases this year, it might be time to bring out some old favorites or to revisit the classics. Nothing wrong with a simple princess or witch costume. Here are some ideas, and who knows, you might just end up being the best dressed at the party.
Last-Minute DIY Costume Ideas (Plus Where to Thrift Them in Pittsburgh)
Regina George from Mean Girls
Mean Girls has yet to lose relevancy, and Regina George’s iconic bra-revealing moment can be recreated with a simple white t-shirt and scissors.
Beetlejuice from Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
This one can be accomplished with just a little facepaint and a rumpled up jacket and tie. One of the great things about a Beetlejuice costume is that if you look disheveled, that’s just part of the look!
Harley Quinn from Joker: Folie á Deux
There are so many iterations of Harley Quinn that the costume is basically timeless. But grab a red blazer and a little facepaint, and voila. If you’re looking to do a couple’s costume, Harley and the Joker is going to be a popular one this year.
Carmy Berzatto from The Bear
If you already possess a denim apron, you’re in luck. If not, it shouldn’t be hard to find. Layer over a plain white tee with black pants; boom, you’ll be ready to yell “Behind” at everyone you pass. We can’t in good conscience recommend standing outside of a kitchen smoking and drinking water out of a quart cup for soup, but that would be on brand for Carmy.
Lumberjack
This is Pittsburgh, after all, so surely you or someone you know is in possession of a flannel. Maybe pop on a Carhartt beanie, and you’re good to go with this DIY costume idea.
Mia Wallace from Pulp Fiction
I’ve used this as a last-minute costume myself. A white button-up and black pants are all you need to complete this classic movie look. If you really want to go all out, snag a short black wig and add a little fake blood under your nose.
Joel Goodsen from Risky Business
Depending on your level of modesty, here’s another white button-up costume idea. Need I say more?
The Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda from Wicked
Do this one with your best girlfriend! Just grab a black dress and a witch’s hat and be on trend for the Wicked film while celebrating your friendship. Or, if you just want to be a witch, skip the green face-paint and still have an instantly recognizable classic costume.
Vampire
There are so many popular culture vampires to pick from, whether you’re a Lestat or an Edward Cullen. You can interpret this costume however you want and dress it up or dress it down, so grab those fangs and go crazy to turn into your own version of a creature of the night.
Where to Thrift for Last-Minute Costumes
Now that you have your DIY costume idea, where should you shop besides Goodwill?
Clothes Minded
Vintage is the name of the game at Clothes Minded. They offer a wide-ranging selection, great prices, and a cozy environment.
What’s Good Vintage
Nestled in the Craig Street shopping district, this woman-owned vintage store is a popular student hang with a wide range of unique clothing.
Highway Robbery Vintage
The vintage items at Highway Robbery are high-quality choices that class up any costume. Grab a ’40s or ’50s dress at prices that are definitely not a highway robbery.
Thriftique
This nonprofit thrift store in Lawrenceville is operated by the National Council of Jewish Women Pittsburgh and is much larger than most other thrift stores you’ll come across in the area.
Story by Jordan Snowden
Subscribe to TABLE Magazine‘s print edition.