8 Cheap DIY Halloween Costumes Under $20

Halloween doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With trending costumes inspired by movies, icons, and pop culture, you can create standout looks using items from your closet, thrift stores, or dollar shops. This guide covers eight popular DIY costumes, each costing under $20, with detailed steps, materials lists, and tips for customization. Perfect for last-minute makers, these ideas emphasize creativity over cash.

1. Pennywise the Dancing Clown (IT Inspired)

Channel the eerie charm of Pennywise from IT with a girly, low-cost twist. This version uses tulle for ruffles, making it feminine and festive. Total cost: $10-15.

• Materials: White t-shirt or old dress, tulle fabric (or a cheap tutu, 8 meters), elastic bands (wrist, knee, neck sizes), pom-poms or gift bow fluff, hot glue gun or sewing machine, safety pins, white face paint, red lipstick.
• Steps:

1. Cut tulle into strips for ruffles. Fold each 8-meter strip in half lengthwise, pin, and sew/glue a casing wide enough for elastic.
2. Thread elastic through the casing using a safety pin, sew ends securely.
3. Create double ruffles: Make a smaller inner ruffle and larger outer one, sew/glue edges together for volume.
4. Assemble tutu skirt: Repeat for waistband, sew ends to form a circle with small ruffle inside, large outside.
5. Add ruffle collars: One for neck, two for wrists, two for knees—fold, elastic, sew/glue as above.
6. Layer over white t-shirt. Glue pom-poms for buttons. Paint face white with red smile.

Tip: Source tulle from discount fabric stores or online; pom-poms from gift wrap sections. This costume wows crowds and dances easily.

2. Rosie the Riveter

The iconic ‘We Can Do It!’ poster woman is timeless and ultra-cheap—raid your closet or thrift for basics. Cost: $5 or less.

• Materials: Light jeans or khakis, chambray/denim shirt, red/white polka-dot bandana, red lipstick, white tennis shoes, poster board, paint.

1. Roll up shirt sleeves to elbows, tuck into pants.
2. Tie bandana in a headscarf style, covering hairline.
3. Apply bold red lipstick, flex arm for pose.
4. Make sign: Blue poster board, white ‘We Can Do It!’ text.

Pairs perfectly with groups; thrift bandanas for $1. Add curlers if ambitious, but straight hair works.

3. Classic Mime

Silent but striking, the mime uses black-and-white stripes you likely own. Budget: Under $10.

• Materials: Black/white striped shirt, black pants/shorts, suspenders, black shoes, white face paint/black eyeliner, white gloves, black beret.

1. Wear striped shirt untucked over pants.
2. Add suspenders and beret.
3. Paint face: White base, black outlines for eyes/mouth.
4. Gloves complete the invisible box routine.

Pro Tip: Practice gestures for interactivity. Thrift suspenders cheap.

4. Scarecrow

Fall favorite for all ages—rustic and forgiving on fit. Cost: $8-12.

• Materials: Overalls, flannel shirt, old T-shirts (patches), straw hat, cornhusks/yellow paper, yellow/black face paint.

1. Patch overalls with colorful T-shirt scraps, sew/glue on.
2. Stuff sleeves/pant legs with husks or paper.
3. Layer flannel, top with stuffed straw hat.
4. Paint face yellow, black ‘stitched’ mouth.

Ideal for farms or fields; use makeup from home.

5. Jelly Belly Bag

Colorful, quick candy explosion—kid or adult friendly. Under $5!

• Materials: Long-sleeve shirt, mismatched socks, colorful balloons, clear garbage bag, Jelly Belly logo printout.

1. Inflate balloons, stuff into bag with socks/shirt for shape.
2. Tape/glue bag around body like a backpack.
3. Attach logo to front.
4. Socks as straps.

Safe with mesh bags; pop-proof fun.

6. Construction Worker

Garage staples make this rugged look effortless. Cost: $10 max.

• Materials: Old shirt, work boots/gloves, tool belt, hard hat/vest, toy tools.

1. Wear shirt tucked into pants/boots.
2. Belt on tools: Hammer, screwdriver.
3. Add hat/vest for safety vibe.

Bonus: Carry sign ‘Under Construction’.

7. Velma from Scooby-Doo

Bookish detective: Nerdy chic on a dime. $10-15.

• Materials: Orange sweater, red pleated skirt (DIY from fabric), knee socks, glasses, wig.

1. Thrift/DIY skirt: Measure waist/hips, cut rectangle, add zipper/darts, hem.
2. Sweater over white shirt, socks up high.
3. Glasses and ‘Jinkies!’ catchphrase.

15-minute skirt hack shines.

8. Ghost (Underrated Classic)

Effortless winner: Sheet ghost. $3!

• Materials: White sheet, scissors.

1. Drape sheet, cut eye holes.
2. Boo and float away.

Thrift sheet cheap; contest guaranteed.

General DIY Tips for Budget Success

Shop thrift/dollar stores first. Hot glue beats sewing for speed. Face paint elevates all. Group themes multiply fun. Total savings: 80% vs. store-bought.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Where to find cheap materials?

A: Thrift stores, dollar shops, household recyclables. Tulle/poms from party sections.

Q: Are these costumes kid-friendly?

A: Yes, adapt sizes; avoid small parts for young ones. Scarecrow/Jelly Belly shine for families.

Q: How to make costumes reusable?

A: Use clothing bases; skirts/gloves wearable post-Halloween.

Q: Last-minute fixes?

A: Ghost or mime—zero sew, instant.

Q: Group costume ideas?

A: Rosie with workers; Pennywise with Losers’ Club.

These costumes prove creativity trumps cash. Happy haunting!

This article is general information, not personal financial advice. Consider your own situation, or speak with a licensed adviser, before acting on it.