Last Minute Halloween Costumes: Shop Your Closet!

Every year, my plan is to finally – finally – get it together and whip up some amazing, inventive (and likely labor-intensive) costume…and every year, October 31st rolls around and I end up rummaging through my closet in search of some random items that I can transform into fun (and hopefully unique) last minute Halloween costumes. 

My favorite last-minute Halloween costume (so far) was one I put together two years ago, when my husband and I dressed as Atreyu and the Childlike Empress from The Neverending Story. The costumes were a big hit with everyone at the party we attended (or at least everyone who grew up in the '80s), and all they took was a brown shirt, black pants, and black boots for him, and a white nightgown and crystal necklace draped across the forehead for me.

With a little imagination, you'd be surprised at the great costumes that are already sitting right there in your closet, waiting to be assembled!

Here's a quick list of 10 easy last-minute Halloween costumes you probably have on hand and ready to rock.

Gypsy: Start with the base of a long skirt, a peasant blouse, and a fringed shawl, and add tons of jewelry and floaty layers in as many colors as your closet holds. Scarves, hoop earrings, and wrap belts are all great additions.

Morticia Addams: (works better if you have dark hair or have access to a long, dark wig): Pour yourself into a floor-length black dress, add a black shawl, and do up your face with white paint, smoky eyes, and blood-red lips. 

Audrey Hepburn: Have a chic black cocktail dress? Add a string of pearls, an updo, and some cat-eye sunglasses, and you're done. If you have a crystal brooch or tiara, try affixing it to the base of the updo for extra sparkle.

Hippie: You know how to do this one: bellbottoms, fringe, psychedelic colors, platforms, and some drawn-on lower lashes a la Twiggy.

Jane Fonda: If you're brave enough to hit up a party in spandex, this look is super-simple: just pair the brightest leotard and tights you own (preferably in contrasting colors) with leg warmers, sneakers, and a sweatband.

'90s Grunge Rocker: Throw on an oversized plaid shirt and ripped jeans, add a guitar and disaffected look, and you might as well be Kurt Cobain.

Tourist: Pair a Hawaiian shirt with some shorts, a fanny pack (come on, you know you've got one laying around somewhere), sunglasses, a camera, a guidebook, and a confused expression.

Cowboy/Cowgirl: Do you have jeans and a plaid shirt? Then you're halfway there. All you need to add are Western-style boots, a cowboy hat, and a bandanna, and you're ready to rodeo.

Glam Rocker: Pair your tightest pants with your highest heels, add a ripped-up tee and a studded belt, and paint your face with every glittery makeup product you own. 

Britney Spears: Britney’s had so many classic looks, from "…Baby One More Time" schoolgirl to "I'm A Slave For You" sexpot to her ripped-shorts-and-Uggs stage, you're sure to find something in your closet that speaks to your inner Spears.