Cardboard, tape, and confidence - that’s all you need for Halloween!
Let’s be real. Your Pinterest board of “costume inspo” has 200 pins and zero follow-through. Your group chat has been saying “we should coordinate” since September, and now it’s the end of October; you probably forgot to budget for a costume, your Amazon order wouldn’t arrive in time anyway, and the only thing you’ve committed to is having a ✨VIBE.✨
Good news: the best last-minute costumes are the ones that are funny, cheap, a little thrifty, and a little bit self-aware. Here’s your no-stress guide to dress up for Halloween on a budget!
The “I’m literally just tired” collection (aka things you already own)
👕 Midterm Survivor: Now all you need to wear are pajamas, or sweatpants with a random t-shirt, a messy bun, a giant coffee, and a sleep mask pushed up on your forehead. Carry a half-finished assignment or a paper with ‘assignment due at 11:59 P.M.’ to add that extra realistic touch! This costume requires zero effort because it’s your actual life right now. 😆
⚠️ Error 404: Costume Not Found: Just wear all black and tape a sign to your chest. It’s the funniest way to say you waited until the last minute, and people will at least respect the honesty.
👻 Ghosted: Throw a bedsheet over yourself with eyeholes cut out, then pin a note on it that says “Seen at 1:05 P.M. October 31, 2025.” Everyone who’s ever been left on read will feel this in their soul. Brownie points if you can go the whole night without answering a single question, or only respond with a thumbs up. 👍
💰 Broke College Student: Wear your regular clothes or whatever pleases you. Just turn your pockets inside out, carry a cup of instant noodles, and tape a sign to your back that says “Tuition due.” It’s cheap, and it’s a hilarious just a costume that everyone can relate to!
The “cute, cheap, and a little chaotic” collection
🦝 Friendly Neighbourhood Raccoon: Grey hoodie, black eye makeup, and a green bin you’re slowly ‘raiding' all night. Anyone from the GTA will immediately feel seen. Toronto’s raccoons have ascended to legend status, and honestly, they deserve it.
🆘 Walking Red Flag: Wear all red and carry a red paper flag on a stick. If you’ve got a friend, or want to do a couples costume, the other one can go as the green flag, and the two of you can argue about who’s more toxic. It’s a double act that basically writes itself.😉
🍋 When Life Gives You Lemons: Wear a regular T-shirt and on a piece of cardboard write ‘LIFE’ in all caps and bold! You could either stick it or wear it around your neck. Next, just buy a bag of lemons and go about your day, and when someone asks you to introduce yourself, just say ‘LIFE’ and hand them a lemon! 😉
⌨️ Ctrl + Alt + Delete: If you’re a trio, this one is your safe last-minute bet! You just need three big cardboard keys, a marker, and the will to make it happen. It’s cheap, instantly readable, and it works as a “we’re done for the night” bit when you all leave together.
The bottom line is you don’t need a big budget or a perfect plan. You need a bit of cardboard, a sense of humour, and the confidence to pull it off. Wear it like you meant to, and get out there and enjoy that extra hour of Halloween. BOOO!🎃
Need Help With Last-Minute Costumes or Props?
Check out the Dressed For Success cabinets at your campus to get that last-minute, thrifty pick for your costume! 😉
Davis Location - Inside the Student Centre, 1st floor.
HMC Location - Inside the SSU Office, 3rd floor.
Trafalgar Location - Located inside the Student Centre Atrium across from the Palgong Tea.
Want To Read Our Other Creative Blogs?
Discover new ways in which you can whimsify your wardrobe without necessarily stepping out of your comfort zone. Whether it is texture clothes, fun and colourful patterns or pins to add to your clothes you will find I hope you find a tip that is of your liking. ✨