Best DIY costumes - Halloween 2024

When it comes to creating the perfect costume, DIY is the way to go. Not only do homemade costumes allow for a personal touch, but they also let you get creative with budget-friendly materials. Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic nod to the beloved Cookie Monster or you want to stay on-trend with 2024’s popular characters, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the best DIY costume ideas for 2024 that are sure to make a statement.

 1. Cookie Monster 

Everyone loves the Cookie Monster! This classic character from *Sesame Street* is not only fun but also super easy to recreate with a few simple materials.

What you’ll need:

- A blue furry hoodie or shirt

- Blue pants or leggings

- Large googly eyes (attach to a blue headband or baseball cap)

- Plush or felt cookies (sew or glue them onto your outfit or carry a cookie-themed prop)

For an extra touch, carry a cookie jar or a plush cookie in your hand. This DIY costume is playful, recognizable, and great for all ages.

 2. Barbie and Ken 

it’s the perfect year to dress up as the iconic duo, Barbie and Ken. 

For Barbie:

- A bright pink dress or outfit (bonus points for sequins or glitter)

- High heels or fun flats

- Big sunglasses, a sparkly purse, and fun accessories like plastic jewelry

For Ken:

- A pastel shirt or jacket (think vibrant and fun)

- Rolled-up chinos or shorts

- White sneakers or loafers

- Slick back your hair or add a blonde wig

You can customize these looks based on different Barbie and Ken personas—think “Workout Barbie,” “Beach Ken,” or even "Space Barbie" for a fun twist.

 3. Wednesday Addams

The *Addams Family* has always been a Halloween staple, and with Netflix’s *Wednesday* series continuing its popularity, this character is a simple but trendy costume for 2024.

What you’ll need:

- A black dress with a white collar (you can add a detachable collar to a plain black dress)

- Black tights or leggings

- Black shoes or boots

- Braided pigtails and dark makeup for the signature Wednesday look

Carry a prop like a spooky book or a fake spider to complete the eerie but iconic costume.

 4. Mario and Princess Peach

With the success of the *Super Mario Bros. Movie* and the continued cultural love for the Mario universe, characters like Mario and Princess Peach are top choices for DIY costumes in 2024.

For Mario:

- Red shirt and blue overalls

- Red hat with a white “M” (you can use felt for this detail)

- A fake mustache (or draw one on)

- Brown shoes

For Princess Peach:

- A pink dress (the more layers, the better)

- A crown (you can easily make one out of foam or cardboard, painted gold)

- White gloves and a fun pink accessory like a purse or wand

Add a toy mushroom or star to your ensemble to give it extra flair!

 5. Oppenheimer

The *Oppenheimer* movie brought a historical figure to the forefront of pop culture and dressing as the famed physicist is a creative costume idea

What you’ll need:

- A classic suit (preferably dark or neutral tones)

- A fedora hat

- A notebook or clipboard (as a prop symbolizing Oppenheimer’s work)

- For added effect, you can create a small, glowing prop (a toy or foam item painted to resemble an atomic nucleus or bomb, for example)

This costume works as a group too—if your friends join in, they can dress as other historical figures from the movie.

 6. A Character from The Last of Us

Post-apocalyptic and gritty, costumes from *The Last of Us* series are easy to DIY and are still trending into 2024. Whether you want to dress up as Joel or Ellie, these looks are functional and can be made with everyday items.

For Joel:

- A worn-out plaid shirt or jacket

- Jeans or cargo pants

- A backpack with survival gear props (like a toy rifle or first-aid kit)

- Fake dirt or mud to make the outfit look authentic

For Ellie:

- A faded, graphic t-shirt

- A worn hoodie or flannel jacket

- Jeans and sneakers

- Carry a prop, such as a fake bow and arrow, or even a stuffed giraffe to reference the iconic scene from the series

 7. Spider-Man (Multiverse Edition)

Spider-Man is more popular than ever. DIY-ing a Spider-Man costume doesn’t require a full body suit; you can take a creative approach by re-imagining the costume in your own way.

What you’ll need:

- A red or blue shirt and pants (or leggings)

- Use fabric markers to draw the iconic spider web design

- A DIY mask made from red fabric or a bandana

- Alternatively, you can design your own "Spider-Verse" version with unique colors and designs to create a one-of-a-kind Spider-Man costume

8. A.I. Robot

With advancements in AI continuing to dominate headlines, dressing as an AI robot or futuristic character is both topical and easy to DIY.

What you’ll need:

- A silver or metallic shirt and pants (or use metallic body paint or fabric paint)

- Add wires, circuits, or gears made from cardboard or foil as accessories

- A face painted to look robotic with angular shapes or a "circuit board" pattern drawn with eyeliner or face paint

This modern, tech-inspired costume is sure to be a conversation starter.

Here are even **MORE** creative DIY costume ideas to take your costume game to the next level!

 9. Ghostbusters

Who you gonna call? *Ghostbusters*! This timeless group costume is not only a fun throwback but also easy to put together with everyday materials.

What you’ll need:

- Beige or khaki jumpsuit (or beige pants and a shirt)

- Black boots

- A Ghostbusters logo (print and attach it to the sleeve or chest of your outfit)

- Create a DIY proton pack using cardboard, empty soda bottles, and black paint

Complete the look by carrying a DIY "ghost trap" made from a shoebox or wearing safety goggles for the ultimate Ghostbuster vibe.

10. Taylor Swift (Eras Tour Edition)

With Taylor Swift’s *Eras Tour* being one of the biggest trends of 2024, recreating her iconic looks is a surefire way to nail a pop culture-inspired costume.

What you’ll need:

- Choose your favorite Taylor Swift era (Red, 1989, Folklore, etc.)

- For “Red” era: A red dress, heart-shaped sunglasses, and red lipstick

- For “Folklore” era: A cozy cardigan, soft makeup, and flowy skirts

- Add accessories like a microphone, a friendship bracelet stack, or a guitar

This costume lets you pay tribute to Taylor while also showcasing your favorite era of her career.

 11. A Minion

These little yellow guys from *Despicable Me* are still as popular as ever, and a DIY minion costume is quick, easy, and adorable!

What you’ll need:

- A yellow shirt and denim overalls

- Black gloves and boots

- A pair of round glasses (you can make them out of cardboard and elastic if you don’t have any)

- For added fun, create a "Gru" or "banana" prop to complete the look

This costume works perfectly for groups too—everyone can be a different minion!

 12.Funky Disco Dancer

Disco never dies! A 1970s-inspired disco dancer costume is perfect for parties or Halloween and lets you embrace bold, funky colors and patterns.

What you’ll need:

- Bright, flashy colors, bell-bottom pants, or a jumpsuit

- Platform shoes or go-go boots

- A wide belt, oversized sunglasses, and plenty of glitter

- For an added touch, style your hair into a big afro or use a wig

This costume is easy to thrift and lets you have fun with wild, retro accessories.

Whether you're diving into nostalgia with Cookie Monster or embracing the latest pop culture trends, these DIY costume ideas for 2024 will help you stand out with creativity and flair. With a bit of imagination and some basic materials, you can craft a costume that’s both fun and unique!