6 Effortless Halloween Costume Picks From Your Closet

It is the afternoon of October 31, and you have nothing to wear. Before you rush to a crowded costume store, open your closet. A surprising number of recognizable costumes can be built from ordinary clothes, a few craft supplies, and a little imagination. They are free or nearly free, comfortable, and often more creative than store-bought options.

Here are six picks, with exact pieces, effortless add-ons, and speedy tricks. Each takes 10 to 30 minutes to assemble. Whatever you pick, make sure you can see, walk, and sit comfortably, and bring a jacket if you will be outside.

1. Classic scarecrow

Start with a plaid or denim shirt and jeans with a few patches sewn or pinned on. Stuff a bit of straw or crumpled brown paper into the cuffs and collar. Add a straw hat, brown paint or eyeliner for stitches on your cheeks, and a red nose or circles of blush.

• Use safety pins to hold patches in place.
• Tie rope around the waist as a belt.
• Skip loose straw around the eyes and mouth.

Tip: Face paint should be labeled non-toxic. Test a little patch of skin first.

2. Retro 80s workout star

Pull out bright leggings, a colorful leotard or tank top, a sweatband, and leg warmers. Layer a neon shirt cut at the collar, as long as you do not mind cutting an old shirt. Add a high side ponytail and brightly colored accessories. For extra fun, hold a cassette tape or a boom box made from a cardboard box.

3. Pirate or sailor

A striped shirt, dark pants, a bandana, and a belt form the base of a pirate. Add an eye patch made from black paper and elastic, hoop earrings, and a cardboard sword or a rolled-up map. A navy blazer with a white shirt and a cap becomes a sailor. Avoid real blades and pointed props.

• Use a scarf for a bandana or sash.
• Draw a mustache with eyeliner.
• Check that props are soft and safe for crowds.

4. Cat or other animal

Wear all black, add a headband with ears cut from felt or cardstock, and draw whiskers and a nose with face paint. A tail made from a rolled-up black sock, pinned to the back of the pants, finishes the look. For a dog, use brown or white; for a bunny, use a cotton ball tail. These costumes also work well for toddlers.

If you dress a pet, make sure the costume does not restrict breathing or movement, and remove it if your pet seems stressed.

5. Detective or office worker

A trench coat or a long jacket, a hat, a notebook, and a magnifying glass make a detective. For a funny twist, dress as a tired office worker with a name tag reading "Monday," a coffee cup, and a stack of papers. These are comfortable, work at parties, and are effortless to recognize.

• Use a cardboard cutout for a magnifying glass.
• Add a toy badge or a printed name tag.
• Carry a little bag for your phone and keys.

6. Ghost or sheet-free spirit

Skip the sheet with eye holes, since it is a trip hazard. Instead, wear all white, add pale makeup, and drape a sheer white scarf or curtain panel over your shoulders as a cape. A white dress shirt with scribbled messages in marker makes a modern, effortless ghost. Use makeup sparingly around the eyes, and keep the look comfortable.

Safety tricks for trick-or-treating

Choose costumes that are the right length to avoid tripping. Add reflective tape or carry a flashlight so drivers can see you after dark. Avoid masks that block vision, and choose makeup instead. Check candy before eating, and keep hard candy and little items away from young children. Walk on sidewalks and cross at crosswalks.

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Wearing costumes that are too long or loose.
• Leaving the costume until the last minute.
• Skipping a patch test for face paint.
• Using real weapons or sharp props.

Speedy start checklist

• Choose a costume and gather clothing.
• Prepare effortless props and makeup.
• Add reflective elements for night.
• Test your costume for comfort.

With a little creativity, the clothes you already own can turn into a clever costume. Pick one, have fun, and enjoy the night safely.