Easy Last-Minute Halloween Costumes

Chances are your little one already has the perfect bee, superhero or monster costume picked out. You may have already started to make it, or made a mental note to get it sometime before Halloween. After all, it’s not exactly down to the wire yet, right?

But wait—what if you just got invited to a party at the last minute and you don’t even have half of the peace signs sewn into your daughter’s hippie costume? Not to worry; there are plenty of quick fixes that you probably already have on hand to use. Feel free to use some of these ideas, or to share your own.

• Green Machine: A tube of green paint will take you far! From a Ninja Turtle (just add a few bandanas and green clothing) to the Hulk (purple pants? You’re set!) to an alien, leprechaun or general monster, take your pick.
• Sports Star: All you need is a jersey or your child’s sports uniform.
• Fairy: Dress your little one in his or her best dress-up clothes and add some glitter. Bonus if you’ve got wings on hand, but they aren’t entirely necessary.
• Ghost: Though this tried-and-true method of draping a sheet over yourself and cutting out the eyes may seem boring, it would probably be the only costume of its kind at your event.
• Ballerina: Use your child’s dance outfit for this costume, or for a princess outfit.
• Cat: Any eyeliner pencil can instantly transform a face with a few whiskers and eye details. Dress in black and you’re set. Optional ears and a tail could be quickly made or picked up on the way to the party.
• Dress Up Diva: Raid your child’s dress-up box. He or she could be a pirate, princess, pop star, firefighter, police officer, or whatever else you’ve got.
• Rock Star: A messy hairdo, jeans, t-shirt and play microphone will do the trick for this costume.
• Gypsy: With your most sparkly scarf and a black dress, you can instantly pull this off. Add some bangle bracelets or other jewelry if you’ve got it. Maybe you even have a white ball around to play fortune teller with.
• Gender Bender: It’s always fun to dress up as the opposite sex. Find the most manly or feminine clothing in the house, add either a beard or makeup, and finish with a gelled hairdo or a baseball cap. Voila—simple but effective!