If Halloween is just around the corner and you've yet to decide on a costume, fret not! Drawing inspiration from beloved movie and TV characters during this eerie season is a quick and convenient way to join in the spooky fun. From Wednesday Addams to Harley Quinn, these costume ideas require minimal effort and may utilize items already present in your wardrobe.
For a last-minute transformation, slip into an animal print shirt and don a flower crown to become Carole Baskin for the night, or assume the persona of Tommy Shelby from Peaky Blinders with a simple dark suit and a tweed hat. If you're part of a group costume endeavour, consider dressing as characters from Squid Game (just grab a green tracksuit) or the endearing minions from Despicable Me (requiring only a yellow shirt and jeans).
Here are some straightforward Halloween costume ideas inspired by movie and TV characters:
Jenna Rink from 13 Going on 30: Emulate Jennifer Garner's character Jenna Rink in the "Thriller" dance scene from 2004's "13 Going on 30" with a vibrant patterned dress, a butterfly necklace, a pink purse, and a hairstyle reminiscent of the early 2000s. This look will have you feeling "flirty and thriving" for Halloween.
Kim Possible from Kim Possible: Dressing as Kim Possible is made easy with items you likely have in your closet. Start with a black long-sleeve top and green cargo pants, add black boots, and complete the look with a brown utility belt and grey leather gloves.
Daphne Blake from Scooby-Doo: Channel your inner Daphne Blake by donning a purple dress, a green neckerchief, and a red wig, just like Sarah Michelle Gellar did in "Scooby-Doo." Don't forget the purple heels and a matching headband to complete the iconic ensemble.
Batman: Whether inspired by Robert Pattinson's 2022 portrayal in "The Batman," Christian Bale's "Dark Knight" in Christopher Nolan's films, or Michael Keaton's '80s and '90s version, becoming Batman is a captivating last-minute option. A black eye mask, cape, and a full batsuit can be found online for a convincing look.
Rick Grimes from The Walking Dead: Fans of "The Walking Dead" can easily embody Andrew Lincoln's character Rick Grimes by wearing a sheriff's uniform. A two-tone uniform shirt (or a beige short-sleeve shirt from your closet), paired with black pants, forms the core of the outfit. Add a western hat, gun belt, and badge for authenticity.
Harley Quinn from The Suicide Squad: Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn costume remains a popular choice. Team the iconic "Daddy's 'Lil Monster" shirt with shorts or pants, create two pigtails or use a blonde wig, and apply wash-out pink and blue hair dye to the ends. Let your creativity shine with pink and blue eyeshadow and red lipstick for the makeup.
The Joker: A classic Halloween character, the Joker offers room for personal flair. Use face paint to achieve the character's signature white face, black eyes, and eerie smile. Colour your hair green with wash-out spray and select a vibrant purple or another brightly-coloured suit for clothing.
Moana from Moana: Transform into Moana from Disney's 2016 film by assembling a neutral-coloured skirt with a red top and a flower crown, embracing the DIY spirit for a touch of paradise in your Halloween costume.
Thomas "Tommy" Shelby from Peaky Blinders: To become Tommy Shelby, portrayed by Cillian Murphy in Peaky Blinders, unearth your best formal attire, featuring a wool suit, dress shoes, and, of course, a tweed hat for that authentic Peaky Blinders look.
These costume ideas inspired by popular movie and TV characters provide an effortless and enjoyable way to celebrate Halloween with minimal fuss and maximum fun.