We’ve all been there — you say you’re skipping a night out, then change your mind an hour before pre-drinks. But when it’s Halloween, finding a costume at the last minute can feel scarier than the night itself. Don’t panic — we’ve got you covered.

Looking good doesn’t have to mean spending money. With a bit of creativity (and maybe a quick rummage through your wardrobe), you can pull together something fun, flattering, and photo-ready in minutes.

Here are some of the best cheap and easy Halloween costume ideas for solo looks, duos, trios, and groups — perfect for students who want to join in without breaking the bank.

Solo Costumes — Easy, Recognisable, and Stylish

• Dead Schoolgirl
  If you’ve still got an old school shirt or tie, you’re halfway there. Pair it with a skirt, knee-high socks, and dark makeup — think pale face, smoky eyes, or a streak of fake blood (lipstick works just as well). Simple, spooky, and effective.
• Greek Goddess
  A white dress or bedsheet draped toga-style, secured with pins or a belt. Add gold jewellery and curled hair for an elegant, effortless look.
• Vampire
  All-black outfit, red lipstick, and smudged eyeliner. Slick your hair back or leave it tousled — both work. Add a small dab of lipstick under your lip for fake blood. It’s timeless, flattering, and always Halloween-appropriate.
• Tourist
  Hawaiian shirt, sunglasses, camera (or phone), socks with sandals. Bonus points for carrying a map or drink can.
• Fallen Angel
  Black clothes, bold eye makeup, and DIY wings made from cardboard or foil. It’s sleek, simple, and looks great in low lighting — perfect for a night out.
• Cat (a Classy One)
  Black jeans and a black top are all you need. Add eyeliner whiskers, statement jewellery, and make your own ears using card or foil if needed. It’s cute, quick, and won’t look like you didn’t try.
• Ghost
  The ultimate low-effort costume: a plain bedsheet with eye holes. Go traditional for comedy value, or cut the sheet shorter and pair with a cute outfit underneath for a modern twist.
• Chef
  White shirt, tea towel over your shoulder, and a wooden spoon as your prop. If you have an apron, even better. It’s quirky, easy, and surprisingly recognisable.

Duo Costumes — Perfect for pookies

• Devil & Angel
  One in red, one in white — it doesn’t get easier. Make horns or a halo from foil, card, and a headband. It’s instantly recognisable and works for any event.
• Barbie & Ken (or Any Barbie Pair)
  Barbie goes pink, Ken goes denim or colourful. Add sunglasses and confidence. It’s fun, popular, and easily recreated with what you already own.
• Wednesday & Enid
  From Netflix’s Wednesday: one wears all black with plaits and dark makeup (Wednesday), the other bright and colourful (Enid). A great visual contrast and an easy crowd-pleaser.

 Trio Costumes — For Small Groups

• Bratz Dolls
  Think bold makeup, statement jeans or mini skirts, and crop tops. Each person picks a different aesthetic or colour. Add glossy lips and a bit of attitude.
• Powerpuff Girls
  Each person wears a single bright colour — pink (Blossom), blue (Bubbles), or green (Buttercup). Use ribbons or belts for detail. Simple, cute, and great for group photos.
• Charlie’s Angels
  All-black outfits, sunglasses, and confident poses. It’s minimalist, flattering, and requires zero shopping.

Group Costumes — For the Flat That Goes All Out

• Things You’d Find in the Kitchen
  Each person picks a food or drink item — ketchup, cereal, banana, coffee, you name it. Use coloured clothes and paper cut-outs for DIY logos. It’s funny, original, and great for big groups.
• Mamma Mia Cast
  Think denim, sparkles, and summery prints. Everyone can interpret it differently — it’s comfortable, flattering, and always popular.
• Skittles
  Each person wears one bright colour and adds a paper “S” to their top. Cheap, cheerful, and ideal for flat photos.
• Men (or Women) in Black
  Black trousers, white shirts, and sunglasses. It’s sleek, simple, and looks like you planned it (even if you didn’t).
• Angels White clothing, white accessories and a left-over halo from  an old nativity play - you'll look angelic ;)

Halloween at uni doesn’t need to mean expensive costumes or last-minute panic buying. With a few wardrobe staples, a bit of creativity, and maybe a roll of foil, you can pull together a look that’s fun, flattering, and budget-friendly.

Whether you’re going solo, matching with a friend, or coordinating with your whole flat, these ideas prove you can be spontaneous and stylish — no stress required.