When it comes to Halloween preparations, mosts folks tend to fall into two categories: those who have their costumes planned months in advance, and those who prefer to pull last minute halloween costumes. If you tend to fall into the latter group, we totally get it. The Halloween costume options are endless, which can make it tough come decision time. You could think outside of the box and go for a funny or pun costume. Or, go with a Halloween classic, like a cat, witch, or pirate. But honestly, those are still pretty big pools to choose from. Why not look to the big screen this Halloween and get inspired by one of our best movie costume ideas?
To help get your creative juices flowing, we rounded up 10 DIY costume ideas for women (and men!) that are so easy to put together using items you likely already have in your closet. (Or you can shop our last minute amazon halloween costumes and have them delivered right to your door).
For this list, we concentrated on popular throwback movies, like Sandy from Grease, Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, and Marty McFly from Back to the Future, but you could certainly look toward more current flicks too. The best part about looking to the big screen for Halloween inspiration? Most of these ideas also work for a best friend, group, or couples costume scenario too. (Don't see your favorite movie here? Check out our Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Legally Blonde, and The Avengers costumes, too.)
Sandy Costume, Grease
If you're hopelessly devoted to the musical movie Grease, then this easy-to-pull-off costume is for you. Best of all? You'll get use out of these pieces long after Halloween's over. For example, you can pair the bodysuit with high-waisted jeans and loafers, and the leather leggings with an oversize sweater.
Get Sandy's Look
Black Belt
Faux Leather Leggings
Off-Shoulder Bodysuit
Red Heels
Forrest Gump Costume, Forrest Gump
All you need is a light suit and plaid shirt to channel beloved movie character Forrest Gump. Don't forget the box of chocolates though—it's what drives the look home.
Get Forrest Gump's Look
Vintage-Style Suitcases
Chocolate Truffles Gift Box
Baby Costume, Dirty Dancing
Nobody puts baby in a corner! Show off your moves in this flirty getup from the movie's iconic last dance scene.
Get Baby's Look
Dance Tights
Curly Wig
Mrs. Doubtfire Costume, Mrs. Doubtfire
Say "Helllooo!" to Halloween by channeling the marvelous Mrs. Doubtfire. Search vintage floral dresses on Etsy and top off the look with a white apron, a gray wig, and pair of oversize glasses.
Get Mrs. Doubtfire's Look
White Apron
Oversized Glasses
Holly Golightly Costume, Breakfast at Tiffany's
The best part of dressing up as Holly Golightly? You can make almost any black dress in your closet work, since it's the accessories (a pearl necklace, gloves, and a faux cigarette holder) that make the look recognizable.
Get Holly Golightly's Look
Pearl Necklace
Long Black Gloves
Fake Cigarette Holder Prop
Ghostbuster Costume, Ghostbusters
Who you gonna call? Your friends...to wrangle them into making this idea a group costume.
Style Your Ghostbuster Costume
Dorothy Costume, The Wizard of Oz
Instead of buying a costume you'll wear once, layer a cute gingham dress over a white blouse and wear them as separates when the holiday's over.
Get Dorothy's Look
White Blouse
Toto Picnic Basket
Vivian Ward Costume, Pretty Woman
It's been 30 years since the film Pretty Woman hit theaters, but you'll be instantly recognizable in this cute polka dot look.
Get Vivian Ward's Look
Polka Dot Dress
White Hat
Plastic Champagne Cups
White Gloves
Cher Horowitz Costume, Clueless
Go mad for plaid this Halloween and dress up as the queen bee of the '90s, Cher Horowitz, from the movie Clueless. Not blonde? Don a wig to really nail the look.
Get Cher Horowitz's Look
Marty McFly Costume, Back to the Future
You can pull off the Marty McFly look without going full-on '80s. Opt for more "current" denim pieces and sneakers you'll want wear again.
Get Marty McFly's Look
Classic Jeans
