Halloween is Saturday, Oct. 31, and somehow you still don’t have a costume. Between midterms, club meetings and that group project that will not end, planning an outfit has slipped to the bottom of your to-do list. We get it.
Good news: You don’t need to place a last-minute online order or make a trip to a costume superstore. Most of these looks come straight from your closet (or your roommate’s). Here are eight ideas you can pull together in an hour or less.
1. An Orange (Obviously)
You go to Syracuse University. No doubt, you own something orange. Wear it from head to toe and pin a green leaf cut from paper or felt near your collar or on your head. Congratulations, you are officially a piece of fruit! Bonus points if you introduce yourself as “freshly squeezed” all night!
2. Double Denim Cowboy
Jeans, a denim jacket or button-down shirt, a bandana and boots. That’s the whole costume. If you have a cowboy hat left over from a concert or theme party, let it shine.
3. “Smart Cookie”
Draw or print a cookie, tape it to a plain T-shirt and add a pair of glasses. Low effort, high payoff and perfect if you’re heading out straight from Bird Library.
4. Tourist on Vacation
Grab the loudest patterned shirt you own, a pair of sunglasses, a fanny pack, then hold your phone up like you’re filming everything. Socks with sandals are optional but strongly encouraged. Throw a puffer jacket on top because it’s still October in Central New York and you don’t want to be the frozen tourist on vacation.
5. A Box of Crayons
This one is for your group of friends. Every friend picks one solid color, wears it from head to toe and tapes a paper label with their color name across their chest. Line up for photos, and you have the ultimate crayon box.
6. Black Cat
A classic for a reason. Wear an all-black outfit, add cat ears (a headband and some cardstock works fine) and draw three eyeliner whiskers on each cheek. Done in 10 minutes.
7. Rosie the Riveter
Nothing like a historic icon! Put on a denim shirt with the sleeves rolled up, tie a red bandana in your hair and add red lipstick if you like. Flex your arm in every single photo.
8. ’80s Workout Instructor
Leggings, an oversized T-shirt knotted at the side, a bright workout headband and tall socks pulled up high. Put a workout playlist on and never break character.
Where to Find the Missing Pieces
Check your own closet first, and then check your friends’ closets. A quick costume swap in your residence hall lounge can solve almost everything. Still missing a bandana or a loud shirt? Thrifting is a budget-friendly and sustainable option. 3fifteen in Marshall Square Mall is right off campus, and The Peel’s “Thrifting Tips and Tricks” has advice on shopping smart and shopping respectfully.
Now Go Show It Off
Once your look is ready, find somewhere to wear it. Read “A Little Fright, a Lot of Fun: 8 Halloween Events Happening on Campus” and “Everything Worth Doing in Syracuse This Halloween!” for our recommendations on what to do this Halloweekend. You can also check out the Syracuse University Events Calendar for a full list of events happening around campus and keep an eye on What’s Happening This Week, which has a weekly rundown of campus events.
By Ava Swidler ’27, College of Arts and Sciences
Please note, the above is provided for your information only. Inclusion should not be interpreted as an official Syracuse University endorsement.