Halloween is right around the corner and you haven't figured out what to wear? That's OK. Pulling together a last-minute Halloween costume is a right of passage you were bound to endure at some point (because not everyone starts a spooky Pinterest board in mid-July). The good news is that just because it's down to the wire, doesn't mean you can't dig up an impressive head-to-toe look. In fact, sometimes the best work comes when you're under pressure; all you need is the inspiration to get you started.
So, before you throw your hands up in exasperation and opt for a costume-in-a-bag, pause and remind yourself: You're not obligated to spend $100 on a nylon nurse outfit you'll never wear again. Below are seven stylish costume options that just need one key piece to pull together.
From classic Halloween tropes to of-the-moment trends reinterpreted for October 31, you'll find the inspiration (and shopping) you need to make these your Halloween look of choice. Because while you may have outgrown trick-or-treating, you'll never be too old to abandon dressing up. Armed with these remarkably stylish last-minute costume options, you can pull something together no matter how late in October you're turning to Google (and TZR) to come to the rescue.
Little House On The Prairie
Prairie dresses have become a fashion-industry trend to try over the last few months, and what better time to invest in this It-girl staple then when you can use it to pull double-duty. For everyday, you can style this maxi dress with sneakers or a polished pair of mules. For Halloween, add flat lace-up boots, and (sure, why not) an apron or bonnet if you can secure them.
Trader Joe's Employee
If you consider yourself a fan of grocery chain Trader Joe's, you're well aware that employees sport one of two things: a branded tee or a Hawaiian shirt, both with the company name-tag sitting square above the heart. Recreate this iconic look by breaking out your own Hawaiian top and DIY-ing a faux-TJ's name-tag of your choosing. Pack a paper bag of snacks and you'll be the most popular guest of whatever party you attend.
Dead Head
An ideal costume is one you'll want to actually repurpose and wear the other 364 days of the year. This Grateful Dead sweatshirt squarely fits into that classification. Add colored-lens glasses and all the tie-dye you can and you'll be plenty groovy. But, when you wake up November 1, you'll want to put it back on.
Trinity From The Matrix
The '90s are back in a big way, and while you could go for Cher from Clueless, instead, why not mix things up and go for something unexpected, like a futuristic Matrix-inspired look? Go for head-to-toe black, a vinyl trench coat, and finish your look with a pair of tiny sunglasses. You'll be ready to rescue your Neo.
The Non-Costume Costume
Sometimes the easiest thing to do is not pull together a full costume at all, but instead utilize spooky accessories to your advantage. This simple veiled headband is clearly a Halloween accessory that you can simply throw on with a head-to-toe black ensemble and be done with it. For the unenthused Halloween participant, this is your look.
Wild Animal
Animal prints have proliferated this season, so break out the best you have a embrace the fact that the easiest costume is to deck yourself in head-to-toe leopard and adding a pair of cat ears or whiskers to polish off the look. You'll avoid having to explain your niche outfit all night, there's no misinterpreting this one.
Disco Ball
If you're hoping to get the most impact costume-wise with the least amount of effort, the solution is to go full-on disco ball. Embrace all the sparkle and sequin that you can, and if you so desire, turn your makeup up to an 11, too. You may spend the next day cleaning up glitter from your clothes, floor, and hair... but that's a price worth paying.
