Halloween Costumes in your Closet

Halloween’s coming up, and you’ve been invited to a party! Well, there’s no way you can pass that up. There’s only one problem: You have absolutely no time to find a costume, so you’re going to have to do this one on the fly.

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Did you know that there are probably tons of costumes (recognizable ones, at that) in your closet? And no, we’re not talking about the always-handy jersey-and-shorts basketball player, or the overshirt-and-glasses Risky Business tribute. While those are always viable options, you want to step it up a little this year.

So here are five options for Halloween costumes, straight from pop culture, for when you’ve got no time, little resources, but still want to join in the festivities.

1. Freddy Kreuger

Classic horror movie fan? If so, then you definitely know where I’m going with this. The villain made his first appearance in the ultra-popular A Nightmare on Elm Street film series, but Freddy Kreuger has become an integral part of pop culture beyond.

If you’re short on time for a costume, but own a red and green striped shirt, you’re in luck: All you’re missing is a fedora and Wolverine-like claws to become one of the most recognizable figures when it comes to spooky season.

2. Marty McFly

Ever feel nostalgic for the 80s? Or want to feel like you were part of a decade that happened before you were born? Try this super-easy DIY consume on for size: Marty McFly from the classic Back to the Future franchise.

The movies were a gigantic hit, so of course everything about the movie— from the car, to the scientist—are going to be mainstays in pop culture. What that means on the costume front is nothing but good news. Here’s why: The main character, Marty McFly, is a regular high school kid. So that’s how he dressed.

Own a plaid shirt, jean jacket, and watch? Great; that means you’re already most of the way there. To top off your Marty McFly Halloween costume, grab a red vest and blue jeans. Take a picture of you looking shocked at your watch, and there’ll be no question about who you are for the holiday….especially if you get your hands on a DeLorean.

What are you going to be for Halloween? Are you going to be a chilling villain or an ultra-cool greaser? Let us know! Good luck—we can’t wait to see what you come up with.

3. Han Solo

All the Star Wars fans, time to rejoice! Let’s say you’re running out of time, and you really need something. For that, a white tunic and light saber might do the trick for a very quick Luke Skywalker. But if you’ve got a little more time, and a neutral wardrobe, how about fashioning a costume based on the world’s favorite space scoundrel, Han Solo?

Because Han Solo is a low-maintenance guy, his outfit is no exception. If you’ve got jeans, a long white shirt, and black boots, you’re on to something. After that, all you’d need is a brown sleeveless vest. And if you want to get really accurate, don’t forget the matching brown holster for his classic blaster. For the blaster, any toy gun will do.

Ready to wow those on Earth with your intergalactic style? Hop on the Millennium Falcon and get going!

4. Sim character

This one, almost anyone can do. So much so, in fact, that it might almost be “too easy”…but a costume is a costume!

Ever heard of the popular PC game franchise, The Sims? Over the years, super fans of the game have not wasted their time fashioning their own Halloween costumes to celebrate.

One of the most notable characteristics about the life simulation game are the green diamonds that appear above the head of Sims. The diamonds, or “Plumbobs,” as they’re officially called by the game, are meant to symbolize the person being controlled by the player.

Because Sims are meant to imitate regular life, you don’t have to go out and buy a new outfit to participate. All you need is that famous Plumbob. If you’ve got styrofoam, scissors, and green, red, orange, or red dye (they change color depending on how your Sim feels), you’re basically in motion. This tutorial shows you how to do it like a pro.

5. Danny Zuko

You may be thinking, “Danny Zuko was just a regular guy, there’s no way people are going to understand my costume!” But think about it: Danny Zuko was part of a national trend going on in the 50s: The Greaser.

After all, there’s a reason why the musical’s called Grease! It’s a nod to the amount of hair products “greasers” put in their hair to style those ridiculous hairdos. So, if you’re not afraid to take some liberties with how you do your hair, this low-effort costume is perfect for your Halloween festivities.

Greasers typically had the same look: A plain white shirt tucked into black jeans, finishing with a black leather jacket. That’s it. Seriously. If you want to add extra flair, grab your black sunglasses and get ready to wear them inside.

The focal point of greasers is definitely the hair. Gel, mousse, or grease your hair into a pompous coiff or similar updo until it feels bulletproof and shiny. And if you’re really feeling snazzy, give yourself a small curl that falls right in the center of your forehead.

Trust us: No one is going to question who you are for Halloween.