Halloween is right around the corner, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune to look fabulous. In fact, some of the most creative and memorable costumes come together with a little imagination, everyday wardrobe pieces, and a sprinkle of DIY magic. Whether you’re going to a spooky party, trick-or-treating with friends, or just looking for Instagram-worthy photos, you can totally slay Halloween without breaking the bank.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up 25 genius DIY Halloween costumes for women — all under $20! From classic witches to pop culture icons, these budget-friendly ideas prove you can look amazing while keeping your wallet happy. Let’s dive in!
1. Classic Witch
Grab a black dress, pointed hat (easily found at dollar stores), and some dark lipstick. Add a broomstick made from twigs or a mop stick for under $5.
💡 Style Tip: Add green face paint for a “Wicked Witch” look.
2. Catwoman
All you need is a black bodysuit or leggings with a fitted black top. Use black eyeliner to draw whiskers, and make cat ears from felt and a headband.
💡 Budget Hack: Black gloves add a sleek finishing touch.
3. Wednesday Addams
Pair a black dress with a white collared shirt underneath. Braid your hair into two pigtails and finish with pale foundation and dark lipstick.
💡 Under $20 Tip: Thrift shops often have collared shirts for just a few bucks.
4. Mummy
Use old white sheets, ripped into strips, and wrap them around your body over leggings and a top. Smudge with brown eyeshadow for an ancient, dusty look.
💡 Bonus: Super comfortable and easy to walk around in.
5. Rosie the Riveter
Wear high-waisted jeans, a denim shirt, and a red bandana. Red lipstick seals the deal.
💡 Pose Ready: Flex your arm for the iconic “We Can Do It!” moment.
6. Scarecrow
Use a plaid shirt, jeans, and boots. Add some straw peeking out of your sleeves (raffia from craft stores is cheap). Face paint stitches around your mouth complete the look.
7. Skeleton
Wear all black and use white fabric paint or cut-out felt pieces to mimic bones. Glue or tape them onto your outfit.
💡 Quick Fix: Skeleton face makeup is easy with black eyeliner and white face paint.
8. ’80s Workout Star
Bright leggings, a neon tank top, and leg warmers (or socks pushed down). Add a high ponytail with a scrunchie.
💡 DIY Hack: Cut an old sweatshirt into an off-shoulder crop top.
9. Zombie
Use ripped clothes and add fake blood (red food coloring mixed with corn syrup). Messy hair and dark eye makeup give a scary touch.
💡 Pro Tip: White contact lenses take it up a notch if you already own them.
10. Cowgirl
A plaid shirt, jeans, boots, and a cowboy hat (thrift or dollar store). Add a rope or bandana for extra flair.
11. Hippie
Flowy skirts, floral tops, and a flower crown. Round sunglasses and peace sign accessories make it pop.
💡 DIY Crown: Hot glue fake flowers onto a headband.
12. Mermaid
Wear shiny leggings (metallic or sequins). Make a seashell bra with painted shells attached to a top. Add glittery makeup for a magical vibe.
💡 Budget Hack: Use blue/green eyeshadow for a shimmery “scales” effect on your skin.
13. Fortune Teller
Layer scarves, a flowy skirt, hoop earrings, and a head wrap. Carry a deck of cards or a crystal ball (fish bowl).
💡 Extra Touch: Add temporary tattoos for a mystical vibe.
14. Vampire
Black dress, dark lipstick, and a cheap cape (or DIY with a black sheet). Add fake blood dripping from your mouth.
💡 Budget Hack: Use eyeliner to draw widow’s peak and sharp brows.
15. Flapper Girl
Use a fringe dress or layer fabric strips on a slip. Add a feather headband and bold red lipstick.
💡 DIY Tip: Hot glue fringe or tassels to a plain black dress.
16. Angel
White dress, halo (wire + tinsel), and DIY wings made from cardboard and cotton.
💡 Budget Hack: Pillow stuffing glued onto wings looks fluffy and real.
17. Devil
Red dress, red lipstick, and horns (easy to DIY from cardboard and paint). Carry a pitchfork if you can find one cheap.
18. Pirate
Striped shirt, black pants, and a scarf as a headband. Add hoop earrings and eyeliner smudges.
💡 DIY Hack: Make an eyepatch with black felt and elastic.
19. Minion
Yellow shirt, blue overalls (or jeans with suspenders), and black gloves. Use a mason jar lid as “goggles” with elastic bands.
20. Lara Croft
Brown shorts, tank top, and boots. Add a belt and braid your hair. If you own toy guns, sling them with straps.
21. Greek Goddess
Drape a white bedsheet like a toga and secure with a belt or rope. Add gold jewelry and a headband.
💡 DIY Hack: Spray paint fake leaves gold for a laurel crown.
22. Clown
Bright mismatched clothes, face paint, and suspenders. Add a red nose (use a red pom-pom or lipstick).
23. Barbie
Pick any “Barbie-core” look—pink dress, heels, and glossy lips. Carry a Barbie box cutout for Instagram-worthy pics.
24. Fairy
Wear a pastel dress, glitter makeup, and DIY wings (wire coat hangers + tights). Sprinkle glitter for a magical vibe.
25. Ghost
Classic and easy—cut eye holes in an old white sheet. But make it chic with a belt, sunglasses, and boots for the viral “Instagram ghost” trend.
🕸️ Final Tips to Keep Your Costume Under $20
- Shop Your Closet First: Many costumes can be built from items you already own.
- Thrift Stores = Goldmine: Second-hand shops often have unique pieces for under $5.
- Dollar Stores for Accessories: Wigs, hats, face paint, and props are super affordable.
- DIY Makeup: With eyeliner, red lipstick, and eyeshadow, you can transform into nearly any character.
- Reuse & Repurpose: Cut, glue, and stitch old clothes into something spooky or fabulous.
🎃 Wrapping It Up
Halloween doesn’t have to be expensive to be fun and stylish. With a little creativity, you can craft a jaw-dropping look for less than the price of a movie ticket. These 25 genius DIY Halloween costumes for women under $20 prove that budget-friendly doesn’t mean boring.
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So, grab some scissors, raid your closet, and get ready to turn heads this Halloween!
