11 Quick and Easy Halloween Costumes Anyone Can Throw Together With Normal Clothes

Allison DeGrushe - Author
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Published Oct. 4 2023, 3:17 p.m. ET

Four friends celebrate Halloween together at a costume party.
Source: Getty Images

If there's one thing we can all agree on, it's that you're never too old to dress up for Halloween. Seriously, it does not matter if you're 8 or 93 years old — everyone deserves to wear a costume during spooky season.

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But if you're on a budget and can't afford to go out and buy a costume, don't fret: We've rounded up a list of 11 quick and easy Halloween costumes you can throw together with normal clothes. Check it out below!

Tacky Tourist

A man dressed up as a tacky tourist.
Source: Getty Images

We'll start off with the easiest Halloween costume — a Tacky Tourist. This is such a fun costume, and all you need is a Hawaiian shirt, khaki shorts, a fanny pack, a bucket hat, a pair of white crew socks, and sandals. To make it even more touristy, put some sunscreen on your nose!

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Superhero

One year, we dressed up as Captain America for Halloween — and we took the easy route. So, if you're looking to do the same, all you'll need is a t-shirt with the superhero's logo, a pair of pants, and sneakers. If you want to add a little flare, try these cape crew socks!

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Professional Athlete

Cincinnati Bengals fans wearing football jerseys and face paint.
Source: Getty Images

First and foremost, you don't need cleats or shoulder pads to be a football player for Halloween. What you do need, however, is an NFL player's jersey (or t-shirt) and a pair of pants. To make it more exciting, you can also add a little bit of eye black or face paint, like these two Cincinnati Bengals fans!

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Candy Rappers

Chrissie Fit and Kelly Jakle dressed up as "Candy Rappers" for Halloween in 2016.
Source: Getty Images

One of our personal favorite Halloween costumes is a "Candy Rapper." For this hilarious ensemble, all you'll need is a grey sweatsuit and a lot of candy wrappers.

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A Ghost

A child wearing a sheet ghost costume.
Source: Getty Images

Although this isn't technically "normal clothing," we wanted to include a ghost in here because it's one of the easiest costumes to assemble for Halloween. We've done it before, and all you need is a white sheet and a pair of scissors to cut out mouth and eye holes. If you want to spruce it up, wear a pair of sunglasses!

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J. Robert Oppenheimer

Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer in 'Oppenheimer.'
Source: Universal Pictures

Many people dressed up as the theoretical physicist when they went and saw Oppenheimer, and there's no doubt the Manhattan Project director is on his way to becoming a popular Halloween costume. Now, if you want to dress up as J. Robert Oppenheimer, it's pretty simple. All you need is:

  • A grey suit
  • A sky blue dress shirt
  • A stout brown tie
  • A western belt
  • A grey porkpie hat
  • A pair of black dress shoes
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Barbie (and Ken)

Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken in 'Barbie.'
Source: Warner Bros. Pictures

When it comes to the Barbie movie, there are so many gorgeous outfits that fans can recreate for Halloween. You can dress up as Sporty Barbie, Cowgirl Barbie, President Barbie, Weird Barbie, and so much more. As for the Ken's, there's Cowboy Ken, Patriarchy Ken (we love a fur coat), and "I Am Kenough" Ken.

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The Joker

Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck/Joker in 'Joker.'
Source: Warner Bros. Pictures

Although the film was released in 2019, the Joker's final suit remains one of the most popular Halloween costumes. So, if you think you're up for the challenge, here's what you'll need:

  • A red suit
  • A yellow waistcoat
  • A green dress shirt
  • A pair of two-toned dress shoes
  • A pair of white crew socks
  • Face paint
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Mario and Luigi

Mario and Luigi in 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie.'
Source: Universal Pictures

If you're looking to dress up as plumbing duo Mario and Luigi, all you need is a pair of overalls, red and green t-shirts, and brown boots. As for the accessories — hats, gloves, mustaches, and buttons — there are plenty of sets available to purchase online (click here to check them out).

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Wednesday Addams

Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams in Netflix's 'Wednesday.'
Source: Netflix

One of the easiest characters to dress up as is the lone wolf herself, Wednesday Addams. She has a distinct look, but you'll likely have something in your closet that will work. If not, you can purchase this classic button-front collar long-sleeve dress, black tights, and black flats. Oh, and don't forget to rock Wednesday's iconic braids!

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Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift erforms onstage during the "The Eras Tour" at AT&T Stadium on March 31, 2023.
Source: Getty Images

And last (but certainly not least), we have a Taylor Swift costume!

The mega pop star has donned thousands of iconic looks throughout her career, but if you want people to really know that you're dressing up as her for Halloween, might we suggest the "22" music video outfit? All you need is this "Not a lot Going on at the Moment" shirt, black sequin shorts, a pair of heart-shaped sunglasses, and a black fedora.

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