Heads up: this post has affiliate links, so Manhattan Society may earn a small commission if you buy through them — never at any extra cost to you. I only recommend things I’d tell a friend to buy. Amazon sets prices and stock.
Spend nothing. Here are 12 costumes built entirely from clothes you almost certainly already own.
My top pick: Every look here starts with something already in your wardrobe — the costume comes from styling, not shopping.
1. All-Black Cat
Black top, black jeans, eyeliner whiskers. Shop black cat diy costume on Amazon →
2. Denim Cowgirl
Jeans, a denim shirt, boots, and a belt. Shop cowgirl diy costume denim on Amazon →
3. Business Zombie
An old work blazer, messy hair, pale makeup. Shop zombie office costume diy on Amazon →
4. Tourist
Loud shirt, shorts, sunglasses, camera around the neck. Shop tourist diy costume on Amazon →
5. Athlete
A jersey, shorts, high socks, and eye black. Shop athlete jersey costume diy on Amazon →
6. Rockstar
Leather jacket, band tee, smudged liner, boots. Shop rockstar diy costume women on Amazon →
7. Ghost
A white sheet with cut eye holes. Zero budget. Shop ghost sheet diy costume on Amazon →
8. Rosie the Riveter
Denim shirt with a red bandana tied up front. Shop rosie riveter diy costume on Amazon →
9. Mime
Striped top, black pants, white face, black beret. Shop mime costume diy striped on Amazon →
10. Bookworm / Librarian
Cardigan, glasses, pencil skirt, stack of books. Shop librarian costume diy glasses on Amazon →
11. Sporty Referee
Any black-and-white striped shirt plus a whistle. Shop referee diy costume striped on Amazon →
12. Nineties Grunge
Flannel, band tee, ripped jeans, boots. Shop 90s grunge diy costume on Amazon →
The bottom line
All-black cat and denim cowgirl need zero purchases. Business zombie is the funniest option if you have an old blazer you don’t mind ruining.