There is nothing like having to wait until the last minute to create a Halloween costume. Sometimes with a busy life, things sneak up on you so quickly that things have to be last minute. Of course, if you’re the Mimi (which I am), you end up sewing all morning on the day of Halloween to create not 2, but 4 Halloween costumes! K and R wanted very specific costumes, while Mom wanted to match R, and of course, I needed a costume, too. Believe me, I don’t advise that, but I sometimes like a good challenge. I’ll be sure to post my results on our Instagram and Facebook this afternoon.

When my children were growing up, I had to be creative with costumes. We couldn’t always afford the store bought costumes. Sometimes we had to rely on what we had on hand or what I could scavenge from thrift stores or grandparents’ closets. In fact, when my youngest son had to be a Revolutionary War hero, I had to use all of my doll making and sewing skills to create his costume as I handmade many details from clay, fabric, and even cardboard. We didn’t have all the lovely moldable cosplay materials that we have available today.

If you don’t have time and materials, I’m going to give you some creative ideas for some simple and quick last minute Halloween costumes.

1. Zombie

This is the easiest, and even easier if you haven’t thrown out those ripped clothes that all kids seem to have. I’m really bad about not throwing out fabric because I can always repurpose it (plus I had a son who would always put holes in knees of pants the first week he had them). I usually saved jeans that they youngest out grew because they were generally still in good condition, and I could use the thick jean material to reinforce and patch his brother’s pants.

Take an old shirt and snip and rip. Same with pants. You want it to be ragged. Then apply face paint to create a dead looking zombie. If you don’t have face paint, dark eyeshadow will work along with an eyeliner pencil. Tousle the hair and you have a zombie.

2. Spook or Crazed Clown

For something simple and spooky, dress in all black and paint the fact. You can choose any type of face paint to create the perfect effect.

A crazed Joker, perhaps?

A killer clown look?

A ghostly figure?

Use your imagination. It doesn’t have to be difficult.

3. Pumpkin

For a simple pumpkin, you can use an orange t-shirt or sweat shirt. Use a sharpie (or marker that will wash out if you prefer) and draw lines for the pumpkin. Paint the child’s face orange and draw the pumpkin face on the child. Top this with a green hat.

If you have more time, you can opt for a more elaborate approach by creating a tutu from orange tulle. For no sew, just cut elastic to fit waist with a little extra for tying. Then cut tulle in 12″ strips and tie onto the elastic. Cut longer strips if you want it longer. Use a black t-shirt and a sheet of orange felt or flannel. Cut out a pumpkin shape and use fabric glue to glue the pumpkin onto the black shirt.

Don’t want to glue? You can also use fabric paint to create your pumpkin. Most fabric paints will adhere and become permanent to the shirt. Just remember to allow dry time. Same with the fabric glue.

4. Cowboy or Cowgirl

Cowboys and Cowgirls are easy. Blue jeans. A button up shirt. A bandanna of choice. Top all of this off with a hat. Or if you were like my son and didn’t have a cowboy hat, he chose his favorite ball cap and said he was a redneck. But then again, he owns the cowboy boots which he wears with his shorts all the time and drives me crazy. It’s a good thing my daughter-in-law loves him.

5. Witch

Use a black dress, broom, and a hat, plus a little make up, and you have yourself a little bewitching witch, perfect for Halloween.

Remember, last minute Halloween costume ideas don’t have to be complicated. Just look through the house and find something that will work with what you have available.

As for me, I’m off to make Jack Skellington, 2 Sally dresses, and a skirt. Wish me luck in my adventure!

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