Choosing your Halloween costume ranks pretty high up there on the list of most difficult life decisions, especially if you’re not fond of dressing up.
It’s not that you don’t want to dress up (mainly because you know you need to wear a costume if you want to go trick-or-treating), you just don’t see the point in spending time and money throwing together a getup you’ll only wear for a few hours one day out of the year.
We’re right there with you, which is why we rounded up 14 easy “costumes” that require little to no effort on your part to make.
Keep scrolling to find the perfect Halloween costume for you.
This first costume comes to us courtesy of good ol’ Jim Halpert on The Office. He knows what’s up. All you need to be “Facebook” for Halloween is a marker to write “book” on your face and voilà! It doesn’t get simpler than this.
(The Office via NBC)
Smartie Pants
If you want to be a little punny with your outfit, attach some Smarties to your pants to become a smartie pants. To make this costume even easier to pull off, no need to adhere them to your bottoms—just shove your pockets full of Smarties.
Athlete
Chances are you have a sports uniform or you know someone who does. Throw that puppy on and you’re good to go. Who says you have to shell out a ton of cash on a Halloween costume? Definitely not us.
(Liv and Maddie via Disney Channel)
Also read about: Easy Halloween Costumes to Incorporate Your Cast, Crutches or Walking Boot
404 Error
You can add some Halloween flair to this shirt by pairing it with some witchy accessories, or you can keep it simple and rock it with a pair of jeans. This T-shirt will set you back $10 online, but you can also make it yourself by writing the text on a white shirt with a fabric pen. We think that’s the much funnier option.
Low Battery
Running on empty is a mood, and this costume proves it. Wear a plain gray or black top, cut a battery shape out of paper or craft foam, and tape it to your chest with “1%” written in the middle. Bonus points if you carry a phone charger and look exhausted all night.
Buffering
Sometimes the lowest-effort costumes are the funniest. Grab a plain white tee and draw a spinning loading circle on the front with a marker, or just write “Loading…” across it. Freeze with a big smile every time someone says hi, and you’ve nailed the bit. It makes a great companion to the 404 Error above.
Tourist
Hawaiian shirts are generally abundant at thrift stores or in your dad’s closet. Ask him, or one of your friend’s dads, if you can borrow one. Then pair that with some shorts, tennis shoes, a dad hat and a fanny pack to bring it all together.
Out of Office
For anyone who’d rather be on vacation, this one is a dream. Throw on a blazer or any work-style top, add a name tag that reads “Out of Office” and carry a coffee mug. It’s basically what you’d wear to work anyway, just with a joke attached.
Cereal Killer
This pun is a Halloween classic for a reason. Print or draw a cereal-box label, hang it from a lanyard or pin it to your shirt, and stick a few plastic knives or toy utensils into it. Wear whatever you want underneath, and you’re done in about five minutes.
Instagram Post
Another costume that lets you wear whatever the heck you want, all you have to do is carry around an Instagram post. Follow THIS DIY to make your very own. It will take a little bit of time, but the payoff is well worth it. Think about how many people will want to snap a pic with your costume.
Also read about: 17 Truths You’ll Relate to If You HATE Dressing Up for Halloween
Wednesday Addams
Of all the costumes on this list, this one requires a bit more dressing up. But it’s perfect for the person who sports all black everything on the reg. Get yourself a black dress, tights and shoes, and braid your hair as Wednesday would to pull off this look. No one will have trouble figuring out who you are, because she’s such an iconic character.
(Wednesday via Netflix)
Black Cat
Not into anything elaborate? Wear all black and add a pair of cat ears on a headband. Draw a little nose and whiskers with eyeliner if you’re feeling extra. Most people already own everything they need, and it’s instantly recognizable in photos.
Sleepy Mode
This one’s for anyone who’d rather be in bed. Wear your coziest pajamas, push a sleep mask up on your forehead and hang a “Do Not Disturb” sign around your neck. Carry a pillow or a stuffed animal for extra effect. You’ll be comfortable all night, which is basically the whole point.
When Life Gives You Lemons
One of the most hilariously clever costumes we’ve ever seen, this ensemble is sure to garner plenty of laughs from your friends and family. Simply sport a T-shirt that says “Life” on it and carry around a bag of lemons (preferably fake), and that’s that.
Ready to put in a little more effort? Our pop culture costume guide is packed with ideas, zodiac sign costumes make a solo pick easy, and group costume ideas work when the whole squad is in. Glasses wearers can also see which costumes put your frames to work.
Browse every costume idea, caption and spooky quote in our Halloween guide.
