College Life
100 Cheap and Easy College Halloween Costumes – The Complete 2024 Guide
Looking for a Halloween costume? You are in the right place. We have the best college Halloween costumes for you.
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This post is all about College Halloween Costumes.
Boo! Halloween will be here sooner than you think, so let the costume planning commence. In college, costumes tend to make it or break it and if you are like me, you do not want to be unprepared for the spooky festivities!
So, it’s time to swap out your good old comfy t-shirt and jeans for something spooktacular.
BLENDtw rounded up the BEST 100 College Halloween Costumes—with a mix of DIY and Amazon sets—that are meant to fit your budget and will make anyone shake, rattle, and roll in your Halloween festivities.
Halloween, aka the best holiday ever, is the time to channel a new character! Candy, scary movies, Fall weather, hot cocoa… Halloween is just packed full of fun activities.
My favorite part is definitely the costumes and the creativity behind them. In this list of Halloween costumes, there will be a wide range of costumes to choose from or be inspired by.
Remember, Halloween is also about aesthetics, so don’t worry too much about getting the exact outfit. Have fun with your costume!
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Hottest Halloween Costumes
1. Alien
No costume screams out-of-this-world more than this Alien ensemble. Show your quirky side with an alien headband and a metallic two-piece at your next Halloween party. No one’s going to be phoning home when you are around.
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2. Baby Yoda
This Baby Yoda ensemble will surely catch the eyes of your fellow Mandalorian lovers. You can wear it with the attached headband, or find a baby Yoda headpiece. Either way, this Halloween costume is guaranteed to earn you the title “best dressed!”
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3. Famous Paintings
If your dream is to live like a painting for a day, then this Halloween costume is for you! Whether it’s da Vinci’s Mona Lisa or Munch’s The Scream, this ensemble is sure to catch everyone’s eye.
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4. Dalmatian
Feeling a little cute? Then your next Halloween costume should be this easy Dalmation ensemble. Pair the dalmatian ears with a white shirt, and if you want to take it a step further, I suggest getting black fabric paint so you can draw little circles on the shirt. Have fun, but watch out for Cruella de Vil!
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5. Twister
Turn heads with this DIY Twister costume! Grab any plain white tee you have and some fabric paint, and then start drawing and painting circles around the shirt just like in Twister! With this Halloween costume, you’ll be twisting and turning heads at your college parties.
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6. Loofah and Soap
There’s no better couple’s college Halloween costume than a loofah and soap! It really shows that you have each other’s back, am I right?
This costume has everything you need and all you have to do is wear them and have a good time.
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7. The Sun
Shine bright and be the beacon — be the Sun for your Halloween costume. Gold will be hard to miss at any event, and although you’re supposed to be blinding because you are the sun, everyone would still be looking at you.
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8. Ghostbusters
Who ya gonna call? This Halloween costume has everything you need to be the next Ghostbuster! For fans of cult classic films, this is the perfect way to show your love and find like-minded fans!
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9. Maui
What can I say except you’re welcome? And you are welcome for this Maui ensemble that is sure to bring out the Moana vibes for your next Halloween party!
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10. Money Heist
Bella Ciao! Are you ready to go on a heist? If so, then this Halloween costume is the perfect fit.
You can never go wrong with this Money Heist-inspired costume because it is so easy to replicate, and all you have to get correct is the mask and the red they all wear.
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11. Thing 1 and Thing 2
“Then, out of the box came Thing Two and Thing One!” You and your best friend or partner can pay homage to The Cat in the Hat’s Thing 1 and Thing 2 by wearing this to your next college Halloween party.
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Halloween Costumes for College Girls
12. Bratz Doll
If you have a passion for fashion like the Bratz dolls do, this Halloween costume is for you! Simultaneously chic and stylish, summon Chloe, Jade, Yasmin, or Sasha in these rocking platform boots matched with a faux-leather jacket and bucket hat.
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13. Gladiator
For Sparta! This gladiator Halloween costume screams fierceness. With a complete ensemble: cape, armor, headband, corset, and sword, you will be ready to fight for freedom… or you know, the best-dressed list. Don’t miss out!
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14. Pride and Prejudice Zombie
If you take Jane Austen and add a little spooky to it, you get a Pride and Prejudice Zombie. Grab any nightgown, add fake blood all over it and you’ll have your very own Pride and Prejudice Zombie. I wonder what Mr. Darcy would say.
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15. Bridgerton – Regency Era
Period dramas are very popular right now, and if you are a fan of Netflix’s Bridgerton, this Halloween costume is for you. The beautiful Regency-era dress paired with long gloves is sure to bring out the Daphne Bridgerton inside of you.
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16. Velma
Jinkies! Grab your favorite orange top and a black skirt, and you can channel your inner Velma for your next college Halloween party! But don’t forget your glasses, or you will not be able to find clues and solve mysteries.
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17. Pink Power Ranger
It’s Morphin Time! Channel your inner pink power ranger with this ensemble. It is sure to turn heads at your next Halloween party because of its uniqueness.
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18. Margot Tenenbaum
Another cult classic of course! Channel your inner Margo Tenenbaum with this teddy bear coat and white gloves. The attitude can only come from within, so I suggest watching the 2001 classic, The Royal Tenenbaums so you can perfectly capture Margot’s unmissable personality.
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19. Sandy from Grease
Is this the one that you want? There’s no better college Halloween costume than Sandy Olsson’s T-Bird outfit. Grab your favorite black top and a leather jacket, wear your fiercest red lipstick, and voila! You’re gonna be everyone’s favorite costume of the night.
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20. Medusa
Are you a lover of Greek Mythology? The toga and Medusa headdress combination sssscreams Greek Mythology. Although you can’t turn anyone to stone, if you wear this costume at a college Halloween party, no one will be able to resist looking at you!
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21. Witch
Cackle! You can never go wrong with a witch costume. Take any black dress you have, add a witch’s hat and you’d be good to go to any college Halloween party. Don’t forget your potions and spells to allure everybody with.
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22. Scarlet Witch
What is Halloween if not the child inside who likes to play dress-up persevering? If you are a big fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and WandaVision, this Halloween costume is the perfect way to unleash the Scarlet Witch inside. Agatha better watch out!
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23. Hippie
Love and Peace! Let the 70s aesthetic in you awaken at your next Halloween party with this easy, one-piece college Halloween costume. It will surely bring love, peace, and groove to your party.
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24. Cowgirl
Yeehaw! Wear a flannel shirt and top it off with a cowboy hat, and you are ready to wow everyone with your cowgirl ensemble.
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Everyone needs at least one flannel shirt (I have five). Flannels have simple designs, but they always come in a variety of colors.
They are also warm and match with most bottoms. Your sister can wear them with her sherpa sweatpants mentioned previously!
25. Maleficent
“Royalty. Nobility. Gentry. How quaint.”
Channel your inner mistress of evil with this Maleficent-inspired college Halloween costume. Any casual black top will work but the showstopper will be the headpiece! You’re going to be the Halloween party’s center of attention.
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26. Edna Mode
With Auntie Edna around, there’s no room for a fashion disaster! Copy her style with a wig, round glasses, and a shirt. Who knows? You might be Jack Jack’s next babysitter.
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27. Angel
Make people say “you were sent from above!” with this easy and cheap angel Halloween costume. You can mix and match the halo and the wings with any ethereal, shimmering top you have in your closet to make you the star of the show!
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28. Butterfly
Spread your wings and fly in your next college Halloween party with this cheap and easy butterfly costume. With your beautiful monarch wings, people won’t be able to resist taking notice.
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29. Princess Diana
Bow to the People’s Princess! Channel your inner Princess Diana in your college Halloween costume. This homage is not only easily recognizable, but you likely have most of the items already in your closet, and all you have to do is channel the same grace and poise Lady Diana did everything with.
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30. 2000’s Fashion (Women)
The year 2000 was a year of fashion disasters, but looking at it in retrospect, we can appreciate the careless and easy beauty of dressing like you’re lounging about 24/7. The velour tracksuit is the perfect homage to the 2000s! Besides, what are college Halloween costumes for if not paying respect to trends?
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31. 1920s (Women)
Now channel Fitzgerald’s Daisy Buchanan and Jordan Baker in your college Halloween party with this 1920’s costume that includes everything you need!
From a flapper dress to jewelry, nothing is left amiss. All you need is your dancing moves and a big smile.
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32. Rosie the Riveter
This Rosie the Riveter Halloween costume one-piece has everything you need, from the jumper to the headband. A perfect homage to the powerful woman in you.
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33. VSCO Girl
SKSKSKSKSK, are you the next VSCO girl? Some of these things you might already own, but there’s no better way to show you’re in the know with the trends than ironically, or unironically, wearing a VSCO costume to your college Halloween party.
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34. 80s Aerobics
Let’s get physical! Channel your inner Olivia Newton-John with this 80s aerobics-inspired college Halloween costume. If you love the 80s and aerobics, this costume is perfect for you. The neon leggings paired with the curly wig are perfect to show your dedication to this spooky season.
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35. Retro Ski
Do you love skiing and all things retro? This 80s ski suit and ski goggles combination is sure to bring chills to your guests’ spines. Stun them with the colorful ski suit, a nod to the vibrant fashion that flooded the streets in the 80s.
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36. Pirate
Arrrgh! The good ol’ pirate costume never goes out of style. If you want a quick but still recognizable Halloween costume, this is the way to go. A corset over a loose shirt plus boots will have everyone saying “ahoy matey!”
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Halloween Costumes for College Guys
37. Medical Doctor
If you are a big fan of Grey’s Anatomy or any other medical show, this surgeon Halloween costume can make you the next Derek Shepherd or the Meredith Grey of your costume party. Grab a real or a toy stethoscope to complete the look. The doctor is in!
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38. Lifeguard
Lifeguard on duty! If you love bodies of water and you love watching over people for safety, this lifeguard Halloween costume is for you.
You’ll be difficult to miss with all the red, and it’s so worth it because they might award you best dressed of the night.
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39. Toy Soldier
A big Toy Story fan? Why not celebrate Halloween dressed as one of the toy soldiers from the movies? The toy soldiers are very easy to replicate in costume form, as you can see in the links!
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40. Mario and Luigi
Mamma mia! There’s no easier Halloween costume than going as Mario and Luigi. Find a red shirt for Mario or a green one for Luigi and top it off with a pair of overalls. If you have time, you can fashion fake mustaches from painted cardboard!
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41. Clark Kent
A journalist by day and a superhero by night? Channel your inner Clark Kent with this easy Halloween costume. The secret is mixing two shirts together: one with the famous Superman’s “S”, and an unbuttoned dress shirt on top of it. Top it off with some reading glasses and maybe a book bag, and now you’re ready to save the day!
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42. Richie Tenenbaum
If you love the cult classic The Royal Tenenbaums, then this college Halloween costume is for you! Richie Tenenbaum’s outfit is easy to replicate: grab a sweatband and a brown coat, top it off with some vintage glasses, and voila! The costume will be hard to miss at any Halloween party.
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43. Where’s Waldo
Dressing up as Where’s Waldo is easy! Some items may be in your closet already, but don’t underestimate the power of this costume, because although Waldo is hard to find in the books, this costume will be recognized by everyone at your Halloween party.
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44. Costume Loading
Late Halloween costume? Have no fear! This funny “Costume Loading” shirt will excuse you from dressing up to any Halloween party, and it will trigger laughter from your friends.
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45. Tourist
Where to next? We all want to be a local to the places we travel to, but sometimes we can’t help but act all touristy. If you want a funny costume that will bring out laughs, be the wandering tourist and wear this tropical printed shirt and visor to your Halloween party. Further confuse people by asking for directions and by asking what’s the best place to get local foods.
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46. Captain America
America’s favorite hero! If you can’t get enough of the Marvel Cinematic Universe or are anxiously waiting for episodes of Disney’s new The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, you can pay homage to Steve Rogers by wearing this costume to your Halloween party.
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47. Pajamas
Lazy? Sleepy? These cute costume pajamas mix comfort and creativity together. So, if you’re feeling a little lazy about dressing up for your Halloween party, wearing these pajamas will transform your unpreparedness to quirkiness.
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48. Mime
I’ve no words! The simplicity and silliness of a mime costume can go a long way. Grab your favorite striped shirt, get some white gloves, and if you have the time, paint your face white. You’ll soon be ready to commence your silent art!
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49. 2000’s Fashion (Men)
Bringing sexy back! Men’s fashion in the 2000’s was more laid-back, but it is still a head-turner in 2022. Channel the 2000’s in your Halloween festivities by wearing a matching tracksuit. You can pair the set with any white sneakers you have; the true beauty of the 2000s is mixing and matching.
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50. 1920s (Men)
Channel F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Nick Carraway and Jack Gatsby (or Tom Buchanan?) in this 1920’s Halloween costume. The costume has everything you need to enjoy a night in the Jazz Age: hat, suspenders, bow ties, and more! All you need is a dress shirt and your dashing looks to go with it.
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Funny College Halloween Costumes
51. Skittles Pox
Skittles have various ways to wear them as a costume and this particular outfit doesn’t even need to be exact to its origin. But the funniest way to wear it will definitely be by mocking the hilarious Skittles commercial! Bonus: if you carry extra sticky Skittles and stick them on those that eat the ones stuck on you!
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52. Mr. Clean
Would you watch a reality show with Mr. Clean? I think I would… Anyway, here’s a hilarious costume for the baldies and everyone willing to wear a bald cap all night. Don’t forget the cotton eyebrows!
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53. Ace Ventura
He honestly has so many looks that you can choose whichever, but this may be the most iconic. You can only wear this if you commit to acting like this character the entire night. Kidding… only half.
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54. The Belchers
The great thing about this costume is that you can be any character in a group or solo and can still be recognizable. This easy costume comes together with apron and simple clothes you may already have. Complete this look with a self-made spice rack with some black tape and have those that may have missed this episode guess what it should be.
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55. The Son of Man
Art majors will love this and those that recognize it will love and appreciate this classic piece. This outfit is very simple and can still be recognizable if you choose to wear all black instead. If you have a hard time gluing the apple to the hat, get a printout and tape it. From a distance, you can’t tell it’s paper!
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66. Sims
One of the simplest and craftiest costumes on this list, this Sims accessory will have many fans wish they thought of this. There is really no requirement but one: that plumbob over their heads. You can wear any outfit you want, but I suggest shouting your favorite Simish phrases to authenticate your costume.
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57. Deviled Egg
I love a good costume pun. This may stump some people, but everyone will laugh when they realize what it is. This can also be worn in various ways, so get creative with these egg patches!
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58. Dinosaur
To meme or not to meme… Honestly, it’s worth the price and attention. This definitely requires character interaction, so be prepared for that. If not, there is always a regular dinosaur head that you can supply with various end-of-the-world jokes.
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59. Operation
This costume is great for a couple or a single costume! You can either wear full nude bodysuit or clothes close to your skin tone. This one will require a little work in getting the pieces all together, but it will be the best costume of the night!
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60. Regina George
Let’s just hope no one already has this at your party or gather some friends and start the trend. Either way, you win and none for Gretchen Weiners. Bye.
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Cheap College Halloween Costumes
61. Powerpuff Girls
Everyone loves a good tv reference, so this is great for trios, but not necessary. You can even add an extra person for Professor Utonium. I’ve seen many interpretations for this set, but as long as you have the colors and Blossom’s signature bow, you can get away with many looks!
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62. Princess Morbucks
Or if you rather be a solo PPG character, look no further than the best villain money can buy. You can either be very fancy and get a great golden crown or create a simple one.
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63. Fortune teller
This is a very simple costume and great if you already have asymmetrical clothing. Wear all your jewelry and hair long with this one. Get this mood light ball instead of a crystal one to “predict” everyone’s future based on the color.
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64. Velma and Daphne
A classic friendship and best description for all friends, you can’t go wrong with this duo. Whether as a twosome or with the rest of the gang, this timeless costume will make the night a success.
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65. Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts
The most important question on this list. It’s all preference and definitely depends on what you order from either of these cafes. This costume has no requirement but to make it clear which side you are on.
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66. Bookworm
This one also has no costume requirement, but it can still be done. I recommend wearing mostly green and carrying around a stack of books if you can’t get them on your outfit. This may require some crafting, with which you can make books out of cardboard and glue them on. Either way, it shouldn’t be that hard to pull off!
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67. Willy Wonka
I don’t see enough of this outfit and it’s pretty sad. If there are any of these 50 Halloween costumes you need to do, it’s Willy Wonka. It’s so simple, it’s crazy!
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68. Grapes or Raspberry
This one is really cute, but not for those with an irrational fear of balloons. Actually, if you decide on this, it may be the scariest costume for some people. Either way, this simple costume will work wonders.
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69. Anna Wintour
Global fashion icon, Anna Wintour would be perfect if you’re already the most fashionable friend. This one is also great because it’s a general look and all in the attitude. Make sure you work it, girl!
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70. 1970s Disco
The 70s have been making a comeback for practically all of the 2000s, so let’s make sure we stay groovy! The best thing about this costume is that they are common, so they are usually the cheaper ones. Match these accessories with some bell bottoms and/or a flowery dress!
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71. Kim Possible and Shego (or Ron Stoppable)
The duo that could never be. Imagine if Kim and Shego got together and took over the world! These costumes are simple and don’t need too much work in them. If your duo is with Shego over Ron, pay attention to her makeup!
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72. Tourist
You might have to check your dad’s closet for this one. Another simple costume with variations, the essential accessories will let everyone know exactly who you are. Khaki shorts are preferred, but jean shorts work well. Carry a paper map and camera if you have them!
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73. Ladybug
A teacher favorite, this ladybug costume is too adorable not to include. You can add wings and glasses if you like. There are also full polka dot alternatives, but that is totally up to you.
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74. Crayons
Another costume that works great as a group but can be solo is dressing up as crayons! They are a cute and simple way to get into the Halloween spirit. You can wear your favorite color and be stylish in your Halloween costume!
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75. Carebears
Another costume I never see enough, and one idea that would be great for groups is dressing as Carebears! The costume itself is available as a onesie and would be great for those in areas where snow is near on Halloween. But if that’s not the case for you, it’s not hard to make this out of any crafts you can find.
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76. The Cheetah Girls
A group of 4 is required for this costume because it is when the girls were at their Cheetahlicious. The great thing about this costume is that the Cheetah Girls had many amazing looks, so if the sweatsuit isn’t your style, get that cheetah print!
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77. Rosie the Riveter
A simple and classic look, Rosie the Riveter! This has been interpreted in many ways and modernized in various styles. As long as you got the bandana and the flexed arm, you got this look ready!
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78. Bob Ross
Bob Ross, the first friend of many. Honor him by showing off your talents and remaining positive all night. Remember to make happy accidents with your friends!
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79. Arthur
Whether you’ve chosen this for the meme or because you loved Arthur, you’re sure to get some laughs and recognition. Simple and easy to put together, you can be solo or make a whole cast reenactment.
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80. Red Riding Hood
This classic has also been altered in various ways. As long as you have long red hair and a red hoodie, you can pull off this look easily! Wear a puffy dress for a classic look or all black with skinny jeans for a modern one.
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Last Minute/Easy Halloween Costumes for College Students
81. Pop Art
My favorite last-minute costume is definitely pop art because its focus is the make-up look. One year, I pulled a similar look together and grabbed a wig from the party store before walking into the party. It’s that easy!
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82. Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy
Spongebob and Patrick are everyone’s favorite cartoon duo, but we can’t leave out Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy. Without them, Bikini Bottom would perish as we know it! While this costume has great small details, they’re not too necessary but could be self-made if preferred.
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83. Wednesday Adams
Classic and last minute, this costume is the best last-minute one. The only downfall may be that there are other Wednesday Adams, but ensure that you’re the best one with this skull collar chain.
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84. Pantone
If you have access to a printer, or just have good enough handwriting and some scissors, this last-minute costume is probably the easiest to wear. You can even be multiple Pantone chips if you don’t have a monochromatic outfit. You can also wear all black and have a big cardstock paper with color and the Pantone number with it. I have even seen someone make a dress out of many of the small cards, so you have options with this one.
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85. Modern Witch
With all of the awesome witchy shows the last couple of years, it’s not hard to pull off a modern witch look. All black is a requirement, but pointy hats are optional. This look has to be completed with black makeup and cute but dark accessories. Honestly, an everyday mood if you ask me.
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86. Cosmo and Wanda
I know we were all jealous that Timmy got two fairly odd parents. Still, I loved this show and this duo is great as a couple or a friend costume. Hair color is essential for this costume and the crowns and wands are probably the easiest you could make with yellow paper and some tape.
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87. Sun and Moon
This duo is another I hardly see but should be much more common. It’s very easy to get clothing for this costume, for it can be really anything silver/gray or gold/yellow. This definitely gives you the chance to get super creative, so get some silver or gold hair wax, along with various corresponding accessories!
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88. Devil and Angel
Another classic that you can get creative with. I recommend finding new ways to interpret the angel and devil, but this is a classic for a reason.
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89. Bratz Doll
Now the makeup aficionados should definitely do this look since it is makeup-based and should be worn as such. I have seen many Bratz-inspired looks and I was in awe, so a full costume would be spectacular because you can wear just about anything.
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90. Lisa Frank
This is definitely a quick outfit that doesn’t need too much preplanning or work, unless your wardrobe is not as colorful. You can make your own or purchase specific items like the wig, leggings and ears. It was at this point in the list where I wondered if my list was too 90s… Yet, I decided to include it anyway because I love it.