For every Halloween aficionado, there are tons of people who low-key hate the idea of full-on costumes. And that's totally fine. Not everyone needs to plan their outfits out months ahead of time, go HAM at the local craft store, and rack up a list of savvy pop-culture references sure to blow everyone's mind. But even those who would rather stay home in their pajamas on October 31 have likely experienced the FOMO that comes with missing out on the holiday (or at least, the parties) altogether — and that inevitably leads to throwing on a pair of cat ears at the last minute and calling it a day.
This year, why not be a little more prepared? The fashionable costumes ahead are made with items your closet already knows and love — a.k.a no "sexy" spandex will be found here — but are still completely low-maintenance. And though some may require a slight explanation, at least they don't call for any hot glue, wigs, or wings; meaning you can probably wear them again post-10/31. Click on for our ideas, and who knows? You might even have a little fun dressing up this time around.
Closet Item: Leather jacket
How To Make It Work: Imagine what Sandy's makeover could have been if she hadn't been trying to win back Danny. Throw a leather jacket on over an all-black outfit, paired with Chucks and there you have it. Add some hoops and prepare to hand jive the night away. No need to even tease your hair.
Boohoo Faux Leather Biker Jacket, $, available at Boohoo
Closet Item: Plaid shirt
How To Make It Work: It may have taken a while for the starlet to speak up, but Taylor Swift is ready to use her voice leading up to the 2020 election. For a pop culture-related costume that's easy to pull off, just grab a plaid shirt. And while you're at it, make sure all of your friends are registered to vote.
White Mark Oakley Plaid Top, $, available at Walmart
Closet Item: A collared LBD
How To Make It Work: Just add braids. Foundation a few shades lighter than your skin tone may help out as well. When anyone asks, just say you're Wednesday Addams all grown up. We can see the nostalgic clickbait headlines already.
ASOS Collared Midi Dress, $, available at ASOS
Closet Item: A black beret
How To Make It Work: Think back to the college girls who plastered their walls with Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe posters (bonus points if they were adorned with cursive quotes from the starlets). While well-meaning, their adoration was often misplaced and full of inaccurate tropes. To channel them, pop on a beret, some black skinny jeans, a plastic cigarette holder, and speak in textbook Hepburn phrases all evening long.
UO Fuzzy Beret, $, available at Urban Outfitter
Closet Item: Pajamas
How To Make It Work: Pajamas. You've got 'em — and this is the night you get to wear them out to a party. Just add this handmade Breakfast at Tiffany's sleep mask & earrings set and you've got a look that's high on Holly Golightly carefree vibes.
Shush Bear Breakfast at Tiffany's Sleep Mask Set, $, available at Amazon
Closet Item: A long, black coat
How To Make It Work: Just a spoonful of sugar, an umbrella, and a bucket hat if you have one (if not, just say it blew away while you were flying in), will make this look complete. The kicker to this costume is that you'll be toasty warm while anyone who elected for a short-skirted ensemble will be freezing their butts off. It's October, people!
Torrid Black Mixed Media Military Coat, $, available at Torrid
Closet Item: Red, heart-shaped sunglasses
How To Make It Work: It may be worth the effort of toting around a copy of the book for this one. For some extra touches, feel free to add a bold red lip, a crown braid, and an off-the-shoulder crop top.
Gifiore Heart Sunglasses Vintage Cat Eye Mod Style, $, available at Amazon
Closet Item: Red heels
How To Make It Work: If you have to D.I.Y. one thing for Halloween, let it be this. Glue on a quick red bow and roll-on some liquid glitter to turn these puppies into a pair of ruby slippers. Add some boyfriend jeans and any blue gingham top (I know you have one, they're the only thing anyone's been wearing the last two summers), and voila! You're now a hot Dorothy without the itty-bitty mini skirt.
Kenneth Cole New York Eryn Dress Pump Low Heel Square Toe Suede, $, available at Amazon
Shop Spooky Town
Nothing's scarier than a last-minute costume scramble. Click on over to Spooky Town now and shop our editors' curated collection of Halloween outfits and accessories. We even included some tasty treats!
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
