Running out of time but still want to slay Halloween? Don’t worry. Some of the best costumes come together at the very last second. You just have to use your imagination and get a little chaotic. I pulled together a list of DIY Halloween costumes for teens that are totally on trend, and it’s guaranteed to save your night (and your social feed).
1. Channel Cruella With This Easy DIY
Feelin’ like dressing up as a Disney villain? Cruella de Vil is one of your best bets for a teen-friendly look that comes together in a pinch. The costume pops with anything red, black, and white, especially faux fur and vinyl textures. Add a wig or temporary hair spray to nail that two-tone look. It may be a last-minute option, but it still gives main character energy.
2. Vintage Clowncore: Easy DIY Pierrot Look
Pierrot the Clown falls under the category of creepy but artsy DIY Halloween costumes for teens. If you’re leaning toward something moody but not too gory, this is your sign. A quick ruffled collar made from tulle or paper, a black outfit with oversized pom-poms, and some expressive face paint bring it all together. It’s definitely stand out in a sea of jump-scare clowns. Boys can go for a looser black top and pants and keep the makeup more minimal for an edgier take.
3. Carrie: A Bloody Brilliant Classic
Carrie is not your average prom queen. Nail her Halloween-ready look with a satin slip dress (any shade of pink or nude works), a tiara, and a whole lot of fake blood or red fabric paint. Make sure to drip it from the crown of your head for that iconic soaked look. If you’re out of fake blood, mix red food coloring with corn syrup for a quick dupe. Even if you didn’t plan ahead, this one looks incredible in pictures.
4. 60s It Girl Halloween Costume Idea
If you’re going for a fun, retro vibe without too much effort, this 60s It Girl costume totally delivers. Throw on a floral shift dress, a white headband, and some go-go boots. That’s all it takes to pull off the ironic mod-girl look you keep seeing on TikTok. For teen boys, think Beatles-inspired suits or a paisley button-down. Also works great if you’re doing a vintage-inspired group costume with your besties!
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5. Joan of Arc inspired costume
Channel Joan of Arc energy with zero stress! The key to this look is anything armor-inspired. Think metallic dresses, silver corsets, chainmail hoods, or even layered belts and cuffs. Feel like going full warrior mode? This DIY armor tutorial has you covered:
Other ways to elevate it? Mix in glitter or rhinestones, and you’ll be ready to fight battles (or just snap fire pics at the party)!
6. Beetlejuice DIY Costume: A Stripey Slay for Any Gender
Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice… you know the rest. This Tim Burton classic is the perfect mix of creepy and cool, and it’s a great example of DIY Halloween costumes for teens you can pull off in no time. Anything with black and white stripes work, like pants and a blazer. For girls, green hair clip-ins are a great option if you want to skip the full wig. Whether you’re going full glam or a bit grungy, this look works for both teen guys and girls!
7. DIY Chappell Roan Costume for Teens That’s Hot to Go
Pop culture and Chappell Roan fans, here’s a DIY Halloween costume you’ll absolutely eat up. Bring out the drama queen in you with a retro blue gown, opera gloves, a sparkly sash, and a silver tiara. This look is straight out of her HOT TO GO! era, where she serves full-on pageant royalty during live performances. I love how this costume feels theatrical and delightfully unhinged in the best way.
8. Aladdin Sane Costume for Glam Rock Vibes
David Bowie’s Aladdin Sane look is one of his most iconic, and the lightning bolt makeup is easy to copy with red and blue face paint and a touch of glitter. The version shown here leans glam with metallic pieces, wide-leg pants, and shimmery boots. Teen boys can switch it up with a metallic jacket, black jeans, and bold accessories for a more rocker-inspired take. Either way, it’s a DIY that makes a statement with minimal effort.
9. Go Big and Bright with The Mask-Inspired Look
There’s no such thing as being too extra when it comes to dressing up as The Mask. While the yellow suit is iconic, you can totally fake it with bright separates and a little attitude. The version shown here is a glam girl take, but teen boys can pull it off too with a yellow blazer, matching pants, and a bold printed tie. Once you flash a wild grin or strike that signature over-the-top stance, the look sells itself!
Related: 15 Easy DIY Halloween Costumes for Adults That Look Fancy
10. DIY Last-Minute Harley Quinn Halloween Look
There’s no denying Harley Quinn is the true queen of chaotic-cute Halloween looks. A look that’s easy to DIY with what you already have, or can throw together from a quick trip to the mall. Go for the signature Harley tee and pair it with smudged red and blue eye makeup, pigtails with colored ends, fishnets, and anything that screams “trouble.” I love how this bold look never fails to slay!
11. How to Dress Like Elphaba Without the Mess
If you want to steal the show, go to your Halloween party as Elphaba from Wicked!
Bring out your inner green goddess with body paint, a black dress, and a pointed hat. Don’t want to deal with face paint? Swap it for green tights or sleeves! It’s one of those DIY Halloween costumes for teens that pretty much guarantees you’ll land on everyone’s best-dressed list.
12. Teen Halloween Outfit Inspired by Freddy Krueger
Freddy Krueger from A Nightmare on Elm Street is basically Halloween gold. For a spooky-chic twist, girls can rock a cropped striped sweater with a mini skirt, tall boots, or fishnets. Boys can go classic with baggy pants, a thrifted sweater, and worn-in boots. Add a brown fedora for that instantly recognizable finish. Freddy’s glove is easy to DIY too. Just glue cardboard claws to a cheap glove. The ensemble is made to grab attention at any Halloween party!
13. The Lord Farquaad Costume Idea That’s Totally Memeable
I know we all love Shrek and Fiona, but for a more unexpected (and meme-worthy) twist, why not show up as the villain Lord Farquaad instead? This version for teen girls is playful and dramatic with a flared red dress, gold trim, and a bold red beret, but teen boys can totally make it their own with a red cape and tunic. To DIY the look, try using a red tablecloth for the cape and add yellow ribbon or fabric paint to recreate the signature trim. Now that’s a scene-stealer!
19. Serve Candy and Drama with This Willy Wonka Look
Oozing with eccentric energy, Willy Wonka is that character who’s just the right mix of spooky and stylish. Give it a gender-neutral spin with a velvet coat and round white sunglasses, plus a DIY cane using a painted broomstick or PVC pipe. Tuck a few candy bars in your pocket for good measure. You’ll look like you own the chocolate factory… and the costume contest!
14. Easy One Piece-Inspired Halloween Look
Zoro from One Piece makes a unique DIY costume for teen girls, especially if you’re into anime. This take pairs a cropped tee with dark pants, a green sash or skirt, and a headscarf. Add a few toy swords to complete the three-blade look. Guys can go for a more classic version with a white tee, green bandana, black pants, and boots. It’s camera-ready and full of attitude!
15. DIY Dune: Pull Off a Sci-Fi Costume on Short Notice
Ready to look like you just walked off the sands of Arrakis? This Dune-inspired costume for teen guys is cool, gritty, and super easy to pull together with neutral layers, a scarf or shawl, and bold face markings. It works for girls too with the same layered look. One detail you shouldn’t miss is the makeshift nosepiece. You can easily fake it by using a wired earbud mic and resting it under your nose to mimic the stillsuit tube. It looks cool without needing anything complicated!
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16. Hobbit-core Hero: DIY Hobbit Costume For Teens
This DIY hobbit costume is perfect for fantasy lovers who want to look chill but still serve. Layer a puffy-sleeved shirt under a vest or belted top, then add some loose pants and lace-up boots. Teen girls can swap in a long skirt, corset top, or cloak to make it feel even more cottagecore. Don’t forget to wear pointy ears if you want to keep it true to the Shire. It’s low-key magical and comes together fast!
17. Vincent Van Gogh-Inspired Look For Your Inner Artist
You don’t have to be a creative genius to channel Vincent van Gogh this Halloween. Inspired by his iconic self-portraits, all you need is a hat, a greenish-blue jacket, and face paint to mimic his signature brushstroke style. If the painted beard’s too tricky, just wear a fake beard instead. The finished look is sure to turn heads, like it belongs in a gallery!
18. Team Rocket: Last-Minute but Legendary
Prepare for trouble and make it double (especially if you’re running out of time). This Team Rocket costume won’t drain your wallet or your weekend! Simply DIY the red “R” with glitter fabric paint or cut it from felt and stick it onto a cropped tee. The accessories make it pop: black gloves, a red scarf or ribbon, and a Meowth plushie as your sidekick. It works for both teen guys and girls, just tweak the top or fit to match your style!
20. Bold Mad Hatter Look You Can DIY Fast
Rise up, Alice in Wonderland fans! Mad Hatter is your go-to if you want a costume that’s impossible to ignore. Pick out clashing patterns, oversized accessories, and don’t forget the giant top hat. If you want to make a version for teen girls, swap in heeled boots and glittery eye makeup. Nobody’s going to know it only took you a couple of hours!
20. The McScary Halloween Costume You Didn’t See Coming
For a creepy twist to something familiar, this DIY McDonald’s costume is weirdly perfect. Rock oversized clown vibes with thrifted workwear and a painted-on grin. Meanwhile, teen girls can turn it up with a yellow mini dress, red lipstick, and a dramatic eye. Add some red wigs and smudged makeup, and suddenly Ronald McDonald is giving off serious nightmare fuel. I love how it turns a goofy concept into something genuinely cool!
Final Thoughts
Last-minute Halloween plans happen, which is why these DIY Halloween costumes for teens are total lifesavers. They’re quick, creative, and guaranteed to turn heads. People will be talking about them long after Halloween’s over!
