Halloween is creeping closer and closer, and it’s not long before the rush of putting together a creative costume will take over. In case you don’t have a costume idea (or you’re on a tight budget), here are some last-minute ideas that won’t break the bank.

1. The Classic Zombie

It’s a little cliche, but you really can’t go wrong with your standard zombie costume. Plus, you most likely have these pieces lying around your house.

What you’ll need:

• Tattered/old/stained clothes
• Dark eyeshadow
• Light/greenish face paint
• Red lipstick/fake blood
• No coffee

2. Holy Cow

Who doesn’t love a play on words?

What you’ll need:

• A white shirt/dress (that you don’t mind painting)
• Black fabric paint
• A halo

3. Three-Hole Punch Jim

This is an iconic bit from The Office that’s easy for any fan to pull off.

What you’ll need:

• A white button-down
• A brown tie
• Office-appropriate pants
• Black construction paper cut into three large circles (and tape)

4. Sports Star

This option makes sense for people who have old uniforms lying around, or for anyone who just really like sports.

What you’ll need:

• A jersey (reuse your old uniform!)
• Black grease paint for under eyes (optional)
• Sports equipment (also optional)

5. Mickey/Minnie Mouse

If you want something simple and easily recognizable, this is your costume.

What you’ll need:

• White gloves
• A pink dress (Minnie)
• Red shorts (Mickey)
• Black shirt (Mickey)
• Yellow shoes (optional)
• Ears

6. Your Favorite Teacher

It’s the best form of flattery!

The items you would need will vary depending on the teacher, but some standard items that would work for this include…

• A button down/polo
• Jeans
• A tie
• A skirt
• A blouse
• A sweater/sweatshirt

7. Fruit/Vegetable (e.g. Strawberry)

After all, it is the season of the harvest.

What you’ll need:

• A red shirt
• A headband
• Green construction paper cut into a crown
• Black/yellow construction paper cut into seeds

8. Scarecrow

This is perfect for fall, and it has ‘scare’ right in the name!

What you’ll need:

• Overalls/jeans
• A flannel shirt
• A straw hat
• Black eyeliner (to draw stitches)
• Orange/red lipstick (to draw nose)

9. Cowboy/Cowgirl

Alternatively, you can adapt this costume to be Woody or Jessie from Toy Story.

What you’ll need:

• Cowboy hat
• Bandana
• Any denim items you have lying around
• Vest

10. Ancient Roman or Greek Deity

Any Latin scholar will be able to help you assemble your toga. We did it for Saturnalia and Latin Banquets throughout middle school!

What you’ll need:

• A bedsheet
• Safety pins
• A belt
• Crown (optional)

11. Sims Character

If you want to be really convincing, speak in gibberish all night.

What you’ll need:

• Any outfit you want
• A headband
• A green piece of construction paper cut into a rhombus (you may want to make a couple and layer them)

12. Rosie the Riveter

We can do it!

What you’ll need:

• A blue collared shirt
• A red bandana

13. Brawny Man

Your paper towels are the best paper towels.

What you’ll need:

• A red-and-black flannel
• Blue jeans
• A paper towel roll

14. Apple Pie

“The looks of disappointment on the candy-giving homeowners’ faces as they looked from my friend’s cute, girly witch costume to my questionable apple pie [costume] were priceless,” sophomore Bec Patsenker said.

What you’ll need:

• Beige and yellow fabric
• Cotton filling
• Circular pieces of cardboard
• Hot glue