24 Must-Try DIY Halloween Costumes

DIY Halloween costumes are the best aren’t they? When I was a kid, my mom made most of my costumes and it’s always stuck with me. 

Halloween is coming up quick, which means it’s time for a giant DIY Halloween costumes roundup for anyone that’s considering making their own get-up in time for October 31st. There are so many fun ideas out there, but I was somehow able to narrow them down and put together a list of really clever DIY Halloween costumes.

Most of the ideas listed here are DIY Halloween costumes for adults, BUT there are some really cute DIY kids costumes too. Didn’t want to leave out the kiddos….since it is kinda their holiday after all. So here we go, the big list of DIY Halloween costumes for adults and kids to get you ready for the most celebrated dress-up party of the year…

24 Clever DIY Halloween Costumes

1. Starting off strong with these incredible homemade costumes from Hello Wonderful. Love the simplicity of the first four AND the more involved fluffiness of the cotton candy costume. They’re all perfect imo.

2. Last year, I planned to be a table for Halloween, with lots of homemade table props. I didn’t end up finishing it in time, so maybe I’ll try again this year. But either way, I am so inspired by all of the costume ideas in this carousel from The World of Interiors. Including this table costume, modeled by Omari Douglas – inspired by the 1980s book ‘Jane Asher’s Fancy Dress’.

3. This DIY kids bird costume that I made for Hayes is my absolute favorite costume I have ever made. It was relatively easy and he loved it. The wings flap and everything.

4. Go classic with a mailbox and letters siblings or couple costume! This idea is from Merrilee Liddiard.

5. Using paper bags and cardboard boxes for Halloween costumes is always a good idea. Found this idea while searching for sewing patterns, of all things. And while these recyclable masks are adorable, they’re just a cool accessory for the real star of the show, the hand sewn pants. Get the PDF pattern on Harmony.

6. And one more from The World of Interiors photoshoot because they’re all SO good… a table side lamp costume modeled by Alice Inggs.

7. Mushroom costumes made of cardboard? Yep, I’m in. These homemade mushroom hats from Sostrene Grene are so cute!

8. Grab a cardboard box and a couple other items and you’ll have a retro television costume for Halloween in no time. This DIY idea is from Oh Happy Day.

9. I can’t even believe how incredible this Where the Wild Things Are family Halloween costume is from The House that Lars Built.

10. Looking for a last-minute costume idea? This baby mouse costume is perfect for kids, babies, and even adults which just a few modifications.

11. This gold leaf sunshine mask from detokay is so beautiful. Perfect to just throw on for a party or trick-or-treating, after you’ve made it.

12. The cutest sardine can costume from Oh Happy Day.

13. I loved Wednesday Addams when I was younger, so naturally a Wednesday Addams costume was a must for me. Complete with a DIY fishtail pigtails for an update to Wednesday’s signature style. Anyone else a Wednesday Addams fan?

14. Clown costumes are not usually my thing. I’m pretty scared of clown generally. BUT this baby clown costume is too cute to be terrified, don’t you think? Also a great post to check out if you’re looking for infant Halloween costumes – there’s a few more on that same post.

15. Love a paper costume – cheap and easy! And this paper crane costume from The House that Lars Built is one of the coolest paper costume ideas I’ve seen.

16. Ahhh, how adorable is this kids hot air balloon costume, using an old basket and balloons? Grab the tutorial on Sostrene Grene.

17. There is something so sweet and original about this vintage carousel costume from The Merrythought. I don’t think I’ve seen another costume quite like it.

18. My friend Kelly from Studio DIY comes up with the most insanely good Halloween costumes every year. I could link to soooo many of hers, but just head to her site instead, to see them all. 

19. I made a few wearable cardboard cars for my son’s construction birthday party years ago. And I think it could easily be a Halloween costume as well. 

20. Amelia and I made this DIY bird costume for Curbly this year. The whole thing is made out of cardboard and paper (with a couple pieces of ribbon for good measure)! So if you need a budget-friendly costume option, this one might be a good place to start.

21. So good! A DIY Pac Man costume from The Effortless Chic.

22. That Brittany from The House That Lars Built is a clever one! How cute is this DIY crayon costume she made? Another great group option!

23. Need another last-minute costume idea? Try this DIY moon costume. It’s a super cute infant costume but can be modified for any age.

24. And finally, this couple’s costume is one of my absolute faves: The Grand Budapest Hotel from Sugar & Cloth. So cute, right?

For even more DIY costume ideas, check out another roundup I did (with different costumes) right here.