Despite what Heidi Klum’s elaborate costumes may lead you to believe, dressing up for Halloween needn’t be complicated. You don’t need to think too far outside of the box to embrace spooky season, nor do you need to splurge on a once-a-year costume.

I’ll be honest. I’ve been guilty of procrastinating over my Halloween costume ideas in the past, often leaving it until the very last minute. So, I’m sharing some quick and easy lazy girl-approved dressing-up ideas using items you’ll likely already have in your wardrobe.

For each look, I’ve come up with five different ways to create a unique costume on the fly. All you need is a crisp white dress shirt, dungarees, black staples and some ballet flats. Chances are, you already have all you need for at least one of these outfits in your wardrobe, so why not get them out and dust them off for the upcoming fright fest?

Maxine Minx in X (2022)

In Ti West’s slasher, things don’t always go to plan for Maxine Minx. But at least your outfit for Halloween can. The whole look involves denim dungarees, which you may be able to dig out from the back of your wardrobe. Look for a comfortable pair, they’ll come in handy when you’re doing the Monster Mash on the dancefloor. 

Pair with a white or light-coloured crop top layered underneath. When it comes to styling, play into the 70s timeframe by opting for a red bandana, big hair and golden hoop earrings. Carry a camera in hand, after all you want the “whole world to know your name”. 

Chucky from the Child’s Play series

Two functions this season? Reuse the same denim dungarees but this time pair with a striped T-shirt à la Chucky from the Child’s Play series. If you don’t have red hair, consider getting a short, messy red wig. It’s a look that “always comes back” in fashion. 

Mary Poppins (1964)

All you need is a white dress shirt, black skirt and flats. Fasten a bow to your lapel then style your hair in a neat bun at the back of your head. Mary Poppins is known for her poise and confidence, so practice her proper and cheerful demeanour. It’s “practically perfect” in every way.

Mia from Pulp Fiction (1994)

Another white dress shirt look. This one is lazy girl-approved; just pair it with some black trousers and complete the look with a blunt bob hairstyle (or a wig) and red lipstick. The more messily applied, the better. 

Wednesday Addams 

This look is simple: it’s all down to letting the styling do all the talking. Layer your white shirt under a knee-length black dress. Look for one with long sleeves and a simple, straight cut. Then pair with black tights and Mary Jane shoes or any plain black flats.

Wednesday’s signature look includes two long braids. If your hair isn’t long enough, consider using a wig. Use a pale-shade foundation to achieve her ghostly complexion, and add dark shadow under your eyes for a more dramatic, deathly effect. 

Images: Getty; Netflix; courtesy of brands