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10 Halloween Costumes You Basically Already Have

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Maine chapter.

Planning a Halloween costume months in advance sounds good in theory, but who’s got time for that? It’s easy to get caught up in expensive costumes but most likely, you’ll only be wearing it once. So why not shop what you’ve already got? I’ve compiled a list of ten costumes you most likely have part, if not all, of in your closet right now! (Ps, if any of these items are missing from your closet, click the costume title to head to Polyvore to shop the looks!)

1. Liz Lemon

Why wouldn’t you want to channel the awkward relatability of 30 Rock’s Liz Lemon? (Constantly spilling food on herself, Oprah’s biggest fan, etc). Pair a blazer with a striped shirt, black Converse, and some black framed glasses, and you’re good to go. Not only is this costume comfortable and simple, it’s a great excuse to eat cheetos and drink wine.

2. Rosie the Riveter

Maybe you’d rather follow in the footsteps of Queen Bey and rock a Rosie the Riveter costume this year? This is one I think everybody should do at least once.­ It’s so easy, and you feel crazy fierce in it. What’s not to love? Throw on a chambray shirt with the sleeves rolled up, some high­waisted jeans, a red bandana and a positive “We can do it!” attitude and you’re done!

 

3. Cher/Dionne from Clueless

If you don’t already have the oh-so-90’s plaid looks Cher and Dionne rock in Clueless, wouldn’t your closet be that much more complete if you did? You’ve got options with this one.– either the iconic plaid skirt and top combo or Cher’s blazer and collared shirt, complete with handfuls of shopping bags. Make sure to smack your gum and practice saying, “As if!”

4. Cat Burglar

Update the predictable burglar/bank robber costume to show love for your feline friends with either a cat mask or some cute cat ears, a la Taylor Swift. This is a fun couples one, and that tote bag sure is handy in carrying around any Halloween treats you pick up along your way!

5 .Margot Tenenbaum from Wes Anderson’s The Royal Tenenbaums

This costume is a great excuse to wear a big (faux!) fur coat and a mysterious look all night. Pair the coat with a striped polo dress, flats, a big satchel, and smokey eyes. You’ll stay warm and look great.

6. Catwoman

Is she a villain? A hero? Both? All we know is she gets to rock arguably the coolest costume of all super heros. Channel her sleek and edgy vibe by throwing a leather moto over a black ensemble. Don’t forget the red lips!

7.Scream Queens

Whatever your stance is on Ryan Murphy’s latest, and arguably most controversial show, you’ve got to admit those girls have style. Think pearls, pastels, and fur caplets. Add a little of the horror with a fake bloody knife. This one would make a great group costume… just don’t fight over who gets to be Chanel #1!

8. Wednesday Addams

This one is as classic as it is simple. To emulate the Addams’ gloomy daughter, pair a white collared shirt under a black dress, braid your hair, and don’t crack a smile all night.

9. The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

It’s pretty hard not to love Kimmy Schmidt. She’s funny, awkward, and her determination is well, unbreakable. A great couple costume if you’ve got someone to be your Titus Andromedon.Bonus points for goofing up pop culture terms, like “Hashbrown, no filter.”

10. Holiday Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Another classic for good reason is Holly Golightly. Drape some pearls over a LBD, tease your hair into a tall updo topped with a tiara, and maybe carry around a croissant. Cigarette holder optional. 

 

Terry Shortt is a fourth year Journalism major minoring in WGS Studies and Creative Writing at the University of Maine. In her free time she enjoys writing, reading, playing dress up, crafting, and eating. She fancies herself to be a sex positive, feminist, Martha Stewart. She enjoys the simple pleasures in life, like warm summer nights and perfect cat-eyes.
Hannah began her involvement with Her Campus as a contributing writer for the UMaine chapter after transferring from Seton Hall University in 2013. Currently, she is the HC UMaine Campus Correspondent and a Chapter Advisor. She is also a staff writer at the University of Maine's student newspaper, The Maine Campus. As a fourth year Journalism student with an English minor, Hannah enjoys writing everything from hard news stories to GIF-filled listicles. In addition to her involvement with Her Campus, Hannah coaches a junior varsity high school cheerleading team. In her spare time, you can find Hannah sharing hair tips on her personal blog, obsessing over Justin Bieber and re-watching episodes of Gossip Girl.