Whoops, you waited once again until the last minute to come up with a Halloween costume. Or maybe your partner is dragging you to their old college roommate’s spooky bash. Regardless of the circumstance, you’re in need of a Halloween costume without the hefty Spirit Halloween price tags. We have solutions! Since there haven’t been a lot of new movie releases this year, it might be time to bring out some old favorites or to revisit the classics. Nothing wrong with a simple princess or witch costume. Here are some ideas, and who knows, you might just end up being the best dressed at the party.
Last-Minute DIY Costume Ideas (Plus Where to Thrift Them in Pittsburgh)
Labubu
It’s no doubt that the Labubu is the most popular pop culture symbol of 2025. These little plush blind boxes of The Monsters by Pop Mart have every girl of every age running to their phones to order their new best friend. Now you can dress as a Labubu too! All you need is a fuzzy, sherpa jacket, leggings (colored if you prefer) and bunny ears that you can deck out how you please. Paint on a toothy grin with makeup and everyone will know exactly what you are!
Aunt Gladys from Weapons
If you’ve seen the new horror/thriller movie Weapons (or even if you haven’t) you’ll instantly recognize cooky, old Aunt Gladys. The villian and dark entity of this film takes over the screen with her goofy orange hair, oversized glasses, and unique dress. The thrift store may be the perfect spot to shop for an Aunt Gladys costume, after all, we’re pretty sure that’s where she got her own wears. Seek out an orange wig, big glasses, eccentric pink clothing, and then put that lipstick to work.
Steve from Minecraft
STEVE! Players of Minecraft and fans of the 2025 movie starring Jack Black know and love Steve, the main character. The best part about Steve is that he’s just your average guy. Other than his diamond pickaxe, you wouldn’t think twice about him if you saw him walking down the street. To form your Steve costume at the thrift store, focus on finding a vibrant teal shirt and blue jeans. Then, if you’re feeling crafty, you can make a square Steve head out of a cardboard box to really make your Minecraft dreams come to life.
KPop Demon Hunters (Robe Version)
The KPop Demon Hunters movie on Netflix has everyone singing along to hits like Golden and Soda Pop. While the girl group Huntr/x each dress in intricate outfits for most of the film, there is one point in the movie where the girls are relaxing in robes as they bond together. Zoey even wraps her hair in a towel with Leia-like buns which makes this white robe/white towel combo instantly recognizable. Not to mention, you’ll be the coziest one in your group as you relax into the soft and comfy fabric.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Engagement
The engagement that we were waiting for has that photo for Taylor in her striped dress and Travis in his dark blue polo shirt engraved in our brains. The super pop-star and football star kept their outfits simple for their engagement, which means you can find these looks or something similar in just about any thrift shop. Even rappers bbno$ and Yung Gravy created their own Taylor and Travis costumes by wearing a Kansas City Chiefs jersey and a sparkly, showgirl esc dress.
Lumberjack
This is Pittsburgh, after all, so surely you or someone you know is in possession of a flannel. Maybe pop on a Carhartt beanie, and you’re good to go with this DIY costume idea.
Mia Wallace from Pulp Fiction
I’ve used this as a last-minute costume myself. A white button-up and black pants are all you need to complete this classic movie look. If you really want to go all out, snag a short black wig and add a little fake blood under your nose.
Joel Goodsen from Risky Business
Depending on your level of modesty, here’s another white button-up costume idea. Need I say more?
The Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda from Wicked
Do this one with your best girlfriend! Just grab a black dress and a witch’s hat and be on trend for the Wicked film while celebrating your friendship. Or, if you just want to be a witch, skip the green face-paint and still have an instantly recognizable classic costume.
Vampire
There are so many popular culture vampires to pick from, whether you’re a Lestat or an Edward Cullen. You can interpret this costume however you want and dress it up or dress it down, so grab those fangs and go crazy to turn into your own version of a creature of the night.
Where to Thrift for Last-Minute Costumes
Now that you have your DIY costume idea, where should you shop besides Goodwill?
Clothes Minded
Vintage is the name of the game at Clothes Minded. They offer a wide-ranging selection, great prices, and a cozy environment.
What’s Good Vintage
Nestled in the Craig Street shopping district, this woman-owned vintage store is a popular student hang with a wide range of unique clothing.
Thriftique
This nonprofit thrift store in Lawrenceville is operated by the National Council of Jewish Women Pittsburgh and is much larger than most other thrift stores you’ll come across in the area.
Red White And Blue Thrift Store
Much like a Goodwill or Salvation Army, Red White and Blue Thrift Store carries everything from clothes to accessories to furniture to toys all at low prices. Not to mention their stock is usually full with each clothings rack full to the brim.
Thriftsburgh
No matter if you’re a University of Pittsburgh student or just a Pittsburgh community member, you can stop by Thriftsburgh on campus for products under $10. Student-run this thrift shop takes in donations from students and community members to stop waste and help those with low incomes.
Story by Kylie Thomas and Jordan Snowden
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