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How much time do you two actually have before this party?
Fifteen minutes? An hour? A whole weekend?
Most costume lists pretend everyone has the same amount of time. We don’t.
So each of these 12 couple costumes comes in two versions. A 15-minute version using what’s already in your closets. And a one-hour upgrade for when you want to go a little further.
Start with the quick version. If you have extra time, level it up.
Look out for number 2. The quick version is almost too easy. And number 8 has the most dramatic one-hour upgrade on this list.
Your 15-minute costume kit
Before you start, gather these from around the house:
- Eyeliner and any face makeup you have
- Safety pins
- Tape (any kind)
- Paper, markers and scissors
- A few old clothes you don’t mind ruining
You’ll be surprised how many costumes this covers.
1. Mad scientist and creation
15-minute version: one of you wears a white shirt as a lab coat, plus sunglasses as goggles. The other wears something silver or shiny and draws “stitches” on their face with eyeliner.
One-hour upgrade: make cardboard neck bolts wrapped in foil, tease the creation’s hair with colored spray and add small battery lights for sparks.
Best for: couples who like to play characters all night.
2. Day and night
Here’s the easy one.
15-minute version: one of you wears all white or pastel. The other wears all black or navy. Draw a sun on one cheek and a moon on the other. Done.
One-hour upgrade: add paper suns and cotton ball clouds to Day’s outfit and glitter stars and a foil moon to Night’s.
Best for: anyone who wants pretty and easy.
3. Pirate captain and mermaid
15-minute version: the captain wears boots, a loose white shirt and a bandana. The mermaid wears anything sparkly or blue-green with her hair loose and wavy.
One-hour upgrade: make a cardboard tricorn hat, a seashell crown and a trident painted gold.
Best for: beach lovers and adventure fans.
4. Star-crossed astronauts
15-minute version: matching white or gray sweatsuits with paper mission patches taped on.
One-hour upgrade: make oxygen tanks from two soda bottles painted silver, strap them on and add silver duct tape to your shoes.
Best for: space fans and cozy dressers.
5. Vampire and victim
15-minute version: the vampire wears all black. The victim wears something light. Two dots of red lipstick on the victim’s neck.
One-hour upgrade: add a red-lined cape, plastic fangs, fake blood and a shawl for the victim.
Best for: classic Halloween lovers.
6. Ghostly bride and groom
15-minute version: a white dress and a light suit or shirt, with pale powder and dark eyeshadow under the eyes.
One-hour upgrade: fray the hems, mist the clothes with gray paint and add a veil and a bouquet of dried flowers.
Best for: romantic but spooky couples.
Halfway there. Number 8 has the best upgrade on this list, so don’t stop now.
7. Sock hop sweethearts
15-minute version: jeans, a white tee and slicked-back hair for one. A full skirt, a scarf and a high ponytail for the other.
One-hour upgrade: add a felt poodle to the skirt, a leather jacket and cat-eye sunglasses.
Best for: couples who love to dance.
8. Zombie prom dates
15-minute version: any dressy outfit you don’t care about, pale makeup and dark eyes.
One-hour upgrade: here’s the big one. Rip and fray the clothes, soak them in tea for stains, add dirt smudges, ripped lace and fake blood. Carry wilted flowers and a broken tiara. It goes from “tired party guests” to “just crawled out of the grave.”
Best for: horror fans.
9. Forest fairy and guardian
15-minute version: earthy greens and browns for both, with a flower crown for the fairy and a few leaves pinned to the guardian’s jacket.
One-hour upgrade: make wire and sheer fabric wings, stick antlers and add faux moss.
Best for: outdoor parties and nature lovers.
10. Ringmaster and circus star
15-minute version: a red jacket or blazer for the ringmaster, a sparkly top and a skirt for the star.
One-hour upgrade: add gold ribbon trim, top hats, a cardboard cane and stage makeup.
Best for: couples who love making an entrance.
11. Mummy pair
15-minute version: wrap each other in toilet paper over white clothes. It’s silly, and that’s the point.
One-hour upgrade: tear old sheets into strips, age them with tea and pin them on over warm base layers.
Best for: couples on a tiny budget.
12. Painter and masterpiece
15-minute version: an apron and a beret for the painter. The masterpiece wears the most colorful outfit they own.
One-hour upgrade: paint splatters on an old white shirt, a cardboard palette and face paint to turn the masterpiece into a living canvas.
Best for: creative couples.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the fastest couple costume?
Day and night or vampire and victim. Both take about 15 minutes with clothes you already own.
What’s the best cheap couple costume?
The mummy pair. Toilet paper or old sheets cost almost nothing.
How do we look coordinated without matching?
Share one detail, like the same color palette or matching props. It makes two different outfits look like one idea.
Which costume is best for a cold night?
Star-crossed astronauts in sweatsuits, or the mummy pair wrapped over warm layers.
Quick or creative, it’s your call
The best couple costume is the one that fits your time, your budget and your sense of humor.
Start with the 15-minute version. Upgrade if you can.
Either way, you’re walking in together, and that’s what counts.
Need more ideas? These quick couple costumes you can make tonight and these easy couple costumes for procrastinators are made for busy couples.
If you’ve got a bit more time, try these creative DIY couple costume ideas.
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