hen I was a kid, I dreaded Halloween. Not because I was easily frightened (though, I am), but because I could never come up with a cool or clever Halloween costume. And whatever ideas I did come up with were too elaborate and expensive to actually work. It’s only now, as an adult, that I have discovered a talent for finding easy and cheap Halloween costumes that won’t break the bank. Before you start worrying that “cheap Halloween costumes” is code for “crafty Halloween costumes” or intricate Halloween makeup, rest assured, there is little-to-no DIY required to make any of these easy Halloween costumes. Bless!

Now, when I talk about cheap Halloween costumes, I’m referring to looks that are both inexpensive and very low-effort. Some costumes can easily be bought on Amazon, and some you might be able to create out of items you already have in your closet. It turns out the secret to coming up with an easy Halloween costume is simple: You gotta work with what you got! And if what you’ve got is a closet full of old clothes and an Amazon Prime membership, you can make any one of these 40 cheap Halloween costumes before you can say, “Trick or treat!”

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1

Britney Spears

To channel Brit’s “Baby One More Time” music video look, you just need a schoolgirl-inspired ‘fit and braids.

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2

Lola Bunny

Whether you buy this one directly from Amazon or DIY it, it shouldn’t cost you more than $25.

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3

Fembot

A pink slip dress is all you really need to take on this Austin Powers-inspired look.

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4

Cowgirl

Got a cowgirl hat? Then you’ve basically got yourself a costume. Yeehaw!

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5

Rapunzel

You’re just a purple dress and a frying pan away from taking on Disney’s quirkiest princess.

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6

Wanda

Wand? Check. Wings? Check. Little crowny thing? Check. Congrats—you’re Wanda from The Fairly OddParents!

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7

Alice in Wonderland

This one is a classic for a reason: It’s so damn easy to recreate!

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8

Betty Boop

Boop-Boop-Be-Doop, am I right?

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9

Dorothy Gale

No yellow brick road required to take on this Wizard of Oz character for the night (but you’ll get bonus points if you bring your own Toto along).

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10

Eve

The original woman = a very original (not to mention very easy) Halloween costume, no?

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11

Cruella de Vil

Any combination of red, black, and some (faux) fur can help you achieve this villain’s signature style.

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12

Robber

With a striped shirt, beanie, and mask, you can put together a look that screams “Blatant Burglar.”

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13

Karen Smith

This Mean Girls costume comes with the perfect response to anyone who asks what you’re supposed to be: “I’m a mouse. Duh.”

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14

Fran Fine

Becoming the star of The Nanny just requires leopard print, big hair, and an even bigger laugh.

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15

Jessica Rabbit

Even without red hair, everyone will know you’re the seductress from Who Framed Roger Rabbit when you pair a red dress with purple gloves.

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16

Andy Reid

To transform yourself into the Chiefs head coach, you just need some red gear and that iconic mustache.

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17

Star Trek Crew Member

Live long and prosper, y’all!

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18

Sabrina Carpenter

Get yourself a corset, garters, and a towel, and you, too, can become the “Manchild” star for the night.

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19

American Girl Doll

Kit Kittredge? Samantha Parkington? Molly McIntire? You have so many options with this one.

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20

Harry Potter

With a cloak, round-frame glasses, and some plaid, you can look just like The Boy Who Lived (if he slayed).