11 Super Easy Thrifted Halloween Costume Ideas

Spooky season is here and now is the perfect time to plan out your thrifted Halloween costume ideas! 

I don’t think I will ever buy a brand new Halloween costume again because getting one second hand just makes so much more sense! You save tons of money, it is better for the environment and you can pretty much guarantee no one else will be wearing the same costume as you.

This list if full of easy Halloween costume ideas that cost less than $20, are cute, can work for group Halloween costumes and can step in as last-minute Halloween costume ideas in a pinch! 

Thrift stores can seriously be goldmines for unique Halloween costumes and I can’t wait to see what you come up with! 

This post is all about the best thrifted Halloween costume ideas. 

Benefits of thrifting your Halloween costume 

• Better for the environment and clothing makers since you won’t be contributing to fast fashion. Unfortunately, many Halloween costumes are made out of plastic. They are also made in the same factories that make clothing cheaply with unfair wages and unsafe working conditions for workers. 
• You can save a ton of money! Especially if you are shopping for family Halloween costumes. All of the costumes on this list can easily be created with $20 or less. 
• Your costume will be unique! Everyone will be shopping at the big Halloween stores but yours will come with your own style and flair.
• It takes the stress off! Most people will be flocking to big Halloween stores to buy itchy and uncomfortable Halloween costumes. Instead choose a simple Halloween costume that fits you just right and won’t fall apart before you get to your Halloween party! 

With a little creativity and some luck at the thrift store I have no doubt you can whip together the perfect last-minute costume! 

The Best Thrifted Halloween Costume Ideas 

1. A classic witch 

This is a classic Halloween costume that is so incredibly easy! All you need is a black dress, black shoes, and a witch hat. You can easily make your own witch hat from fabric you find at the thrift store or paper. 

For props you can thrift a broomstick and maybe some cute jewelry or a wand. 

2. A cute scarecrow (or spooky!)

Scarecrows can either be cute or scary! Let’s cover the cute one.

All you need is some blue jeans, a flannel shirt and whatever shoes you prefer. See if you can find some hay to stick in your pockets for an extra touch.

Finish it off with a straw hat and you are good to go! 

3. Go full glam as a vintage Hollywood star

If you have ever wanted to be a celebrity, now is your chance! This is the perfect last minute Halloween costume since all you really need is a vintage evening gown.

It’s also a great way to work on your makeup and hair skills! This easy costume is the perfect excuse to dress to the 9’s and go full glam! 

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4. Get groovy with a 70s disco theme

The thrift shop is the perfect spot to score items for vintage costumes because you will probably find authentic pieces from that time period! 

Look for a sparkly jumpsuit, flared pants and button downs with 70’s themed floral patterns. Then add some platform shoes and big sunglasses and you’re good to go! 

5. Thrift bright colors for an 80s themed costume or a 1980s rockstar

Easy Halloween costumes that come to mind for this category are an 80s fitness instructor or an 80s rockstar! Either way you will need tights. 

For the fitness instructor try to find bright neon tights or leggings, a leotard, sneakers and a sweatband (maybe don’t thrift the sweat band haha). 

For the 80s rockstar search for some leather pants, a leather jacket, a band tee and fun accessories like spikey bracelets and headbands. 

6. Tacky Prom 

We have all seen those over the top poofy dresses at the thrift store! They look so fun and Halloween is the perfect time to snag one for a unique costume all your own.

Maybe pair it with some dazzling heels and purse as well. For your makeup you can layer on the red lipstick and go wild with the eye shadow. The tackier the better! 

7. Vampire using closet staples

Dig out that little black dress from your closet and thrift a cape to go with it!

If you can’t find a cape you can easily upcycle a black table cloth or sheet into a cape!

To finish off your vampire costume and stay warm in the cool fall air, throw on some black tights. Lastly thrift a chocker or spooky necklace to really tie it all together. 

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8. Pirate 

For your pirate costume you can start with a flowy long sleeve shirt. You can add a few rips to the shirt to fit the pirate vibe or leave it as is. Then you can add a vest and some flowy plants or shorts.

If you’re not open to going barefoot, throw on some boots!

Pirate accessories can include an eye patch (easy sewing project, a stuffed animal parrot and maybe a hook. Check the kids section of the thrift store to find the extra pirate accessories! 

9. Ethereal mother nature

If you are into thrifting I am sure you are an earth loving beauty! Look around for long flowy dresses, green or brown is ideal!

Then head out to your backyard or local part to create jewelry and adornments made from plants and flowers. A flower crown and little bracelets made from natural items is the perfect touch for an earthy goddess halloween costume.  

This costume would be so cute as a group costume if you can find a few of your gals to join in as well! 

10. A classic ghost or a themed ghost for last-minute Halloween costumes

If you are short on time and need something incredibly easy, stick with the classic Halloween costume, a ghost!

All you need to do is thrift a white sheet. (Check for stains! \: ) Then cut out some eye holes and you are good to go!

If you want to spruce it up a bit you can choose a specific ghost you want to be. A super cute one is a cow girl ghost, complete with a cowgirl hat and boots.  Get creative with this!

11. Black cat for a DIY costume idea

You may already own the majority of this costume! All you need is some black leggings or pants, a black shirt and then DIY the tail and ears.

You can simply use a headband and glue paper ears to it! For the tail you can use a black scarf or get crafty with black paint and newspaper to make a simple tail that you can then secure with a black belt. 

Tips For Thrifting Your Halloween Costume 

• Try to thrift pieces that you will wear again when Halloween is over. For example, for the witches costume, if you buy a black dress, you can easily incorporate that into fall outfits or winter! This extends the life of the clothing and ensures that you don’t thrift clothing only to bring it right back to the thrift store.
• Start with what you already own! You may not even need to go to the thrift store. 
• Try to shop second hand for Halloween costumes and props. If you can’t find what you are looking for reach out to friends and see if you can swap with them. Also, don’t be afraid to make your own Halloween costume props. With a bit of creativity you may be surprised with what you can create! 
• Make sure to thoroughly wash everything you get from the thrift store. Especially if you find a preloved costume that has a head covering or face covering. Safety first! 
• Skip the second-hand stores and use your Halloween costume from last year! If you can’t find something you like at your local thrift store just stick with one you wore in pervious years. No one will notice. 

Have any other thrifted Halloween costume ideas? Let us know in the comments below! I’m sure others in the community would love to learn from you as well!

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Stay well, 

Maggie 

This post was all about the best DIY Halloween costume ideas.

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7 Sustainable Fall Family Activities For New Fall Traditions

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