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Last Minute Halloween Costumes For the Busy Woman

Halloween is rolling around quickly, and before you know it, it’ll be the big night (even though we’re still in denial that it’s October). With just days to prepare for any festivities on the social calendar, busy gals around the nation are gasping in pure shock and horror. Take a deep breath–thankfully, we’ve got the answer.

Everyone has moments of pre-event panic, especially if work, home life and any other commitments have left zero room for nuanced preparations. Instead of expressing a tacky costume from some boutique in the depths of the internet, we guarantee you can come up with a whole variety of last minute Halloween costumes, using stuff you already own.

Keep on reading to find out five last minute Halloween costumes perfect for even the most frantic of partygoers.

Last Minute Halloween Costumes For the Busy Woman

Wednesday Addams

Wednesday Addams Halloween costume the Addams Family

Every Halloween-obsessed kid has seen The Addams Family movies at least once or twice, meaning you’ve definitely experienced the sombre, cynical Wednesday Addams in all her glory. This is who I aspired to be as a youngster, people–just let that sink in. All slightly terrifying role models aside, Wednesday is a sardonic, gloomy young girl who fits into her oddball family with ease.

If you’re looking for last minute Halloween costumes, this is a safe bet. Just a few accessories and a bit of makeup will allow you to transform into Wednesday (and don’t forget an attitude adjustment–think of dead baby animals, or something equally as morbid).

To begin your costume, you’ll need a black cardigan-skirt combo and a white button down. Pair these together to create Wednesday’s iconic bad schoolgirl get-up, or dig out that collared black dress we all know any true Addams fan has sitting in their wardrobe.

Then, part your hair down the centre using a fine toothed parting comb. Gather hair on either side and plait, securing at the end with a clear hairtie. For some finishing touches, you can pop on a little black lipstick like the above, or simply go a few shades paler than usual with the foundation–Wednesday is a (ghostly pale) kid, after all, and didn’t wear any makeup in the movies.

Rosie the Riveter

Rosie the Riveter Halloween costume feminist last minute costume

If you’re looking for a feminist heroine to emulate this Halloween, but are struggling to make time in your busy lady life, we firstly salute you–you’re doing a whole textbook worth of women’s rights activists proud by hustlin’ day in, day out. Back to your costume, though. Rosie the Riveter is a feminist icon, and it so happens the quintessential Rosie look is super easy to achieve.

It all comes down to two key pieces–the blue button up, and the red bandanna. Roll up the sleeves on your shirt, and pair with jeans or another denim piece on the bottom. To emulate that old school, 50s style hairstyle, part off to one side and tease up the front section, before securing into a ponytail.

Replicate that 50s glam with some red lipstick and a sharp wing, and you’re good to go! Off to smash the patriarchy…or some Halloween pumpkins, whatever floats your boat.

A Basic Witch

Basic witch last minute halloween costume

Upon Googling the search term ‘basic witch‘ in a very eureka moment, I believed I’d come up with the world’s greatest Halloween costume. Sadly, some amazing punsters had already beaten me to the punch, but the intention still stands–not only is this a super-simple costume, it’s downright hilarious. Pretend you came up with it, own it, and you’ll be the life of the party.

The best part about the Basic Witch is that all you truly need is a witches’ hat, found at any dollar shop or your local K-Mart. Pair it with whatever your definition of ‘basic’ is, such as a Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte (bleh) and Ugg boots as above. We think head-to-toe activewear could be a good pick…

Makeup-wise, you could either go plain and simple, or play up the basic bimbo look a little. Slather on your darkest fake tan, pick up a bubblegum pink lippie, and overdo the mascara. Anything goes–it’s all up to your interpretation. Grab a few equally as disorganised friends, and your last minute Halloween costumes will be sorted.

Holly Golightly

Holly Golightly Breakfast at Tiffany's last minute Halloween costume Audrey Hepburn

No matter where you go, we promise you’ll spot an Audrey Hepburn costume or two this Halloween. Maybe it’s because they’re incredibly easy to recreate, usually using simple objects every girl has in her wardrobe. If you’re thinking of rocking Holly Golightly a la Breakfast at Tiffany’s for your costume, you can sit back and relax ’til the big night–it’s that easy.

Start off with a simple black dress without sleeves. Whatever you’ve got lying around is perfect, but if you’re more of a colourful kind of gal, hit up your mum or best friends and ask to raid their cupboards. The next step is big, dark sunglasses and a pearl necklace of some sort.

Twist hair into a chic up-do to rival Miss Hepburn’s using clips or grips of your choice. We love using hair bungees for this kind of look, as they’ll grip at both ends, letting you really secure your style into place. The last step is simple makeup to top it all off. Go with a nude-pink lipstick, a flush of colour on the cheeks, and a little eyeliner to define everything.

Anything punny

Last minute Halloween costumes puns play on words cereal killer

Of course, if you’re really strapped for time and resources, you’re going to have to get a little creative. One of our favourite go-to themes for last minute Halloween costumes is puns, as they’re simple to execute and will have all your friends in fits of laughter. See above…cereal killer, get it?

Some of our favourites include (but are in no means limited to) the following:

  • cat’s pyjamas – pop on some cat ears and a cute pair of PJs to execute this look (and stay super comfy).
  • identity thief – grab a load of sticky ‘My Name is…’ badges, write your friends’ names on them and liberally apply to whatever clothes you’re wearing. Masterpiece.
  • God’s gift to men/women – make yourself a sign with the words on it, throw on some bows and you’ll look like the perfect present to humankind.
  • ceiling fan – dig out that old cheerleading costume and make a sign that says ‘go fan!’ in emphatic lettering.

If you’re into the cereal killer look above, simply grab some mini boxes of your favourite cereals or cut the front off the boxes, taping to any old shirt. Slick on a little fake blood, grab yourself a fake knife and you’ll be good to go. We guarantee so many spontaneous bursts into laughter from people you meet.

What are you going as this Halloween? Let us know over on Facebook or Twitter–we’re excited to hear some wild, weird and wonderful costume ideas!



Amanda

Amanda

Beauty Editor

A coffee addicted, YouTube obsessed Libran, I absolutely live and breathe all things beauty! I love to try new products and find myself switching things up regularly, as I continue on my ultimate quest to find the perfect flawless base and skin-care regime.


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