So, Halloween's right around the corner and you’re still scrambling to figure out a costume?  Don’t worry, crafty friend—who *actually* plans these things in advance? If you're the type of person who works best under pressure (or just forgot Halloween was a thing until someone mentioned it at lunch), this post is for you. Grab your glue gun, whatever random 'junk' you have lying around, and let’s turn that chaos into some last-minute brilliance.

Here’s our top seven - yes, seven - DIY costumes that will impress your friends, or at least convince them you didn’t give up entirely.  Sure, we could have made a list of ten...but we know our audience.  

1)  Cereal Killer

Is there anything better than a good pun? Probably, but we’re not aiming for high standards here. You can become the ultimate "Cereal Killer" with zero effort. You’ll need:

• Old cereal boxes (yes, emptying them into a mixing bowl and calling it "dinner" works fine)
• Plastic knives (if they're from a takeout meal, even better)
• Red paint or a red marker (optional, if you care about details)
• A plain shirt (because you're not *that* lazy, right?)

Instructions:

Glue or tape those cereal boxes all over your shirt. Attach the knives in whatever 'stabby' manner you prefer, and smear on some red paint for extra flair. Boom—you’re a "Cereal" killer. Everyone loves a terrible pun. And if you're into 'stabby' (and needlework), check our 'Feelin' Stabby' t-shirt. 

Inspiration:

Check out this Cereal Killer Costume over on Style Democracy, if you need a visual of just how ridiculous this looks.

2)  Smarty Pants

If you’ve got 10 minutes and a sense of superiority, why not be a “Smarty Pants”? Here’s what you’ll need:

• A bag of Smarties candy (because nothing screams "effort" like using candy as accessories)
• A pair of pants (preferably clean, but let's not get picky)
• Tape or glue (because we’re not here to sew)

Instructions:

Stick Smarties all over your pants and tell people you’re a "Smarty Pants." Want to up the obnoxious factor? Add glasses and a bow tie to channel your inner know-it-all.

 

Inspiration:

For more eye-roll-inducing inspiration, check out Joelle Day's smarty pants costume.   

3)  Rosie the Riveter

Got a denim shirt and a can-do attitude (or at least a shirt)? Rosie the Riveter is your go-to "I swear I didn’t forget about Halloween" look.

• Denim shirt (probably hanging in your closet, untouched since last fall)
• Red bandana (or that random red scarf from the bottom of your drawer)
• Red lipstick (because *of course* you have some lying around)

Instructions:

Put on the denim, tie the bandana around your head like you mean business, and slap on some red lipstick. Flex your arm and give everyone your best "We Can Do It" pose. Done and dusted, feminist icon style.

Inspiration:

Need a reminder of how good this can look if you actually try? Check out this Rosie the Riveter look from Healthy by Heather Brown 

 

4)  Static Cling

This is the ultimate "I forgot it was Halloween until I was halfway out the door" costume. You’ll need:

• Random clothes from your laundry pile (clean is optional)
• Dryer sheets or small random items (like socks that never seem to have a pair)
• Tape or safety pins (because that’s all this costume really requires)

 

Instructions:

Attach socks, dryer sheets, or whatever other fabric-related chaos you can find to your outfit. The goal here is to look like you just rolled out of the dryer (because honestly, who has time to fold clothes?).

 

Inspiration:

Head over to DIY N Crafts to see what this disaster-in-the-best-way looks like, its number five on their list. 

5) Scarecrow

Channel that wholesome, Pinterest-worthy fall aesthetic (even if you’re anything but) with a Scarecrow costume that screams "I tried, but not that hard." You’ll need:

• Flannel shirt (because you *know* you have one)
• Overalls or jeans (whatever looks the most "country chic")
• Straw or some form of raffia (or paper shredded to look like straw, if you’re really cutting corners)
• A hat (because accessories hide the fact you put in minimal effort)

Instructions:

Dress in your flannel and jeans, and shove straw, or paper for less itch, into your sleeves and cuffs. Draw a triangle on your nose with eyeliner, add some "stitches" around your mouth, and call it a day. Now you’re officially ready to stand in a cornfield (or at the punch bowl, whatever works).

Inspiration:

Daily Dose of Details has a quick Scarecrow Costume that's so cute people might think you planned ahead. 

6) Error 404: Costume Not Found

Got a white t-shirt and literally zero desire to put effort into your costume? This one's for you. You need:

• A white shirt (again, clean is ideal, but we’re not judging)
• A black marker or a printed label (because that’s the extent of your creativity)

Instructions:  

Write "Error 404: Costume Not Found" on your shirt and watch everyone groan at your lack of effort. Congratulations, you’ve turned laziness into a costume.

Inspiration:

Self has this costume as number 14 on their list of last minute costumes.

7) Party Animal

If you want to be lazy *and* fun at the same time, the "Party Animal" costume is here for you. Gather:

• Animal ears (you know, from that one costume you wore like, three years ago)
• A party hat (because why not?)
• Some fun accessories (just grab something shiny)

Instructions:

Throw on the animal ears and party hat, accessorize with whatever ridiculous party-themed things you can find, and call yourself a "Party Animal." If anyone asks what you are, throw some confetti in their face and make them regret the question.

Inspiration:

Here’s a Party Animal Costume for those who want to balance effort and chaos.

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Final Thoughts: You Got This (Sort of)

So there you have it, a list of last-minute Halloween costumes that even the most procrastination-prone crafter can throw together in no time. Sure, you waited until the last second, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still *look* like you put in some effort. Or, at the very least, fake it well enough. If you still can't get it together to throw together something pass-able, we recommend you head over to SnarkyWonderful.com and elect express shipping on your new favorite t-shirt. 

Good luck, and may your procrastination lead to some crafty genius this Halloween!