Let’s be real: Halloween always sneaks up on us. One minute it’s syllabus week, the next you’re three midterms deep, and suddenly it’s October 30th and your group chat is blowing up with “What are you wearing tomorrow??” Meanwhile, your wallet is emptier than your fridge after a night out. But fear not, fellow broke college student. You don’t need a Spirit Halloween haul or a sewing machine to pull off a costume that’s clever, cute, and Insta-worthy. Here are some last-minute, low-effort, no-budget costume ideas that’ll save your spooky season.
1. Error 404: Costume Not Found
Grab a plain white tee and write “Error 404: Costume Not Found” in black marker. Boom. You’re ironic, tech-savvy, and didn’t spend a dime. Bonus points if you act glitchy all night.
2. Juice Box
Tape a straw (real or paper) to a baseball cap, wear a solid-colored outfit, and write “100% That Juice” on your chest. You’re now a juice box. Hydrating and hilarious.
3. Sleep-Deprived College Student
Honestly, just wear your pajamas, carry a coffee mug, and put some mascara under your eyes for that authentic “I haven’t slept since syllabus week” look. It’s not a costume—it’s a lifestyle.
4. Static TV Screen
Wrap yourself in aluminium foil or wear black and white stripes. Add a cardboard frame around your face and boom—you’re late-night static. Bonus: you’ll reflect strobe lights like a disco ball.
5. Soap and Loofah Duo (for you and a friend)
One of you wears all white with “SOAP” written across your chest. The other? Wrap yourself in tulle or mesh bath poufs (Dollar Store, anyone?) and go as a loofah. Clean, clever, and crowd-pleasing.
6. Amazon Package
If you find a suitable cardboard box, you can cut armholes in a cardboard box, draw the Amazon smile on it, and tape on a fake shipping label. Low cost but effective and funny, at the same time.
7. Freudian Slip
Wear a slip dress or oversized tee and tape on labels like “id,” “ego,” “superego,” and “repression.” Carry a fake cigar if you’re feeling extra. Psychology majors, this one’s for you.
8. Deviled Egg
White shirt, yellow circle in the middle = egg. Add devil horns and a tail = deviled egg. It’s punny, it’s easy, and it’s egg-cellent.
9. Cactus
Wear green, stick on some white pipe cleaners or tape to mimic spikes, and raise your arms like a sassy succulent. Optional: flower crown for that desert bloom vibe.
10. “God’s Favorite”
Wear anything and tape a piece of paper to your chest that says “God’s Favorite.” It’s chaotic, confident, and confusing—just like college.
Final Thoughts
Halloween doesn’t have to be expensive or stressful. With a little creativity and a lot of tape, perhaps a cardboard box, you can turn just about anything into a costume. So raid your closet, hit up the dollar store, and remember: confidence is the best accessory.
Now go forth and haunt responsibly!
