Please note that we do not create all the designs featured in this article. Our primary focus is to curate and collect a diverse range of design collections and products to inspire and share with our audience. While we do not claim ownership or take full credit for the original designs and images, we occasionally make minor adjustments, particularly in home decor and fashion items, to present them more effectively. Additionally, we may produce and edit images to enhance their quality and composition before sharing them on our Pinterest page or website. For the design work we do on these creative designs, we also include our logo on the images shared on Pinterest and our website. This helps our audience recognize that these designs have been published on insiderlyfe.com!
The costume that looks like it cost $200 is usually a thrift store dress, a $10 accessory and really good makeup.
Seriously. That’s the secret.
Most show-stopping Halloween costumes aren’t bought in a bag. They’re pieced together from one or two smart purchases and a few things you make or already own.
So for every costume on this list, we’ve split it into what’s worth buying, what’s easy to DIY and a realistic budget.
On a tight budget? Number 9 costs almost nothing. Want to splurge a little? Number 17 is worth every dollar.
Where to shop for Halloween pieces
Thrift stores: dresses, gowns, blazers and vintage jewelry.
Craft stores: fake flowers, felt, tulle, glue and cobwebs.
Costume shops: horns, masks, fangs, wigs and props.
Your own closet: black dresses, boots, tights and gloves. Always check here first.
1. Demon
Buy: a pair of good horns and red or black face gems.
DIY: wear a black or red bodysuit or dress you already own, and add chains or a pitchfork from the dollar store.
Budget: $15 to $30.
Fierce and fun, with minimal effort.
2. Modern witch
Buy: a quality witch hat (a cheap one looks cheap).
DIY: style a black or jewel-toned dress with lace gloves and crystal jewelry.
Budget: $20 to $40.
3. Vampire queen
Buy: fangs and a jeweled choker.
DIY: a thrifted velvet dress or satin slip dress in red or purple, plus a corset belt.
Budget: $25 to $50.
4. Possessed doll
Buy: a big hair bow and knee socks.
DIY: a babydoll or vintage dress from a thrift store, plus cracked doll makeup with eyeliner.
Budget: $20 to $35.
5. Ghost bride
Buy: a cheap veil from a craft or costume store.
DIY: a thrifted white dress, distressed at the hem, with a bouquet of dried or fake flowers painted gray.
Budget: $20 to $40.
6. Glam zombie
Buy: a good fake blood and gray face paint.
DIY: tear up an old dress or going-out top you don’t wear anymore.
Budget: $10 to $20.
7. Twisted fairy tale character
Buy: one character piece, like a red cape or a tiara.
DIY: distress it with scissors, tea stains and fake blood.
Budget: $20 to $35.
8. Haunted Victorian lady
Buy: lace gloves and a vintage-style brooch.
DIY: a high-necked blouse and long skirt from your closet or a thrift store, dusted with gray powder.
Budget: $20 to $40.
9. Glam skeleton
Here’s the budget winner.
Buy: nothing, if you own a black outfit and white makeup.
DIY: do the skull makeup yourself with white and black face paint, and add a few rhinestones.
Budget: under $15.
It’s one of the most striking looks on this list, and most of it is makeup.
10. Creepy scarecrow
Buy: a bag of raffia and a straw hat.
DIY: flannel, jeans or overalls and stitched mouth makeup.
Budget: $10 to $20.
Halfway there. Number 17 is the splurge that’s worth it, so keep going.
11. Cursed puppeteer
Buy: a top hat.
DIY: tie black string to your wrists and knees, and wear a vintage blouse or long dress.
Budget: $20 to $35.
12. Cult leader
Buy: candles or a prop scroll.
DIY: a long, loose robe or maxi dress in a muted color, with symbols painted on in fabric paint.
Budget: $15 to $30.
13. Sea witch
Buy: shell and pearl jewelry.
DIY: layer shimmery fabric or a sequined dress, and add fake seaweed or tentacles from a craft store.
Budget: $25 to $45.
14. Cursed ringmaster
Buy: a top hat and a tailcoat or a red blazer.
DIY: add stripes with fabric tape and distress the gloves.
Budget: $30 to $50.
15. Gothic nun
Buy: a nun’s habit costume.
DIY: distress it with fake blood and grime, and do the makeup yourself.
Budget: $25 to $40.
16. Medusa
Buy: a pack of plastic snakes.
DIY: hot glue the snakes to a headband and wear a green or gold dress.
Budget: $15 to $30.
17. Plague doctor
Here’s the splurge that’s worth it.
Buy: a quality plague doctor mask. A good leather or detailed resin mask makes the entire costume, and cheap plastic ones really show.
DIY: a black cloak, gloves and a corset or fitted top you already own.
Budget: $40 to $80.
You’ll likely wear the mask again, too. Plague doctor costumes come back every single year.
18. Clown queen
Buy: a ruffle collar and a tutu.
DIY: clown makeup and a black and red outfit from your closet.
Budget: $20 to $35.
19. Banshee
Buy: a battery lantern.
DIY: a white or gray sheer dress, messy hair and ghostly makeup.
Budget: $15 to $30.
20. Shadow huntress
Buy: a toy bow or a staff.
DIY: layer greens and browns, and add real leaves and feathers.
Budget: $20 to $40.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the cheapest women’s Halloween costume?
The glam skeleton, the glam zombie or the scarecrow. All three cost under $20.
What costume pieces are worth spending on?
Masks, wigs and horns. Cheap versions look cheap, while good ones make the whole costume.
Where should I buy Halloween costume pieces?
Thrift stores for clothes, craft stores for materials and costume shops for masks and props.
How can I make a costume look more expensive?
Great makeup, a good wig and one quality accessory go further than an expensive costume in a bag.
Slay on any budget
You don’t need a big budget to look amazing on Halloween.
Buy one or two quality pieces, make the rest and let the makeup do the heavy lifting.
Want more ideas? These spooktacular costumes that’ll steal the show and these frightfully fabulous women’s costumes are packed with inspo.
Want to match your nails? Try these Halloween nails made easy.
Related Post
