Halloween Costumes for Women Under $25: Cute Last-Minute Fixes

Where’s Waldo in a hurry? This accessory kit nails the recognizable details with the striped beanie and round glasses for just $9.99, letting you pair them with jeans and a red-and-white top you already own. In our testing, it’s a slam-dunk for last-minute parties, but note it’s accessories only—the shirt isn’t included—and online returns can be limited with nonrefundable shipping. Grab in-store if possible to avoid return hassles and complete the look with a striped tee or sweater.

When you need a costume in minutes, this $7.99 Kitty Cat Accessory Kit is the classic quick fix. In our testing, the ears, tail, and collar instantly pulled a look together, and the set is lightweight enough to toss in a bag for after-work parties. Just know the materials skew thin polyester/faux fur and the headband or tail attachment can feel flimsy during dancing. Our experience shows the one-size fit can be hit-or-miss for adults, so pair with comfy basics you already own.

A tutu is an easy costume builder, and this three-layer tulle skirt delivers a fluffy, classic look for just $11.80. During our review, the satin-lined elastic waistband stretched comfortably and made layering over leggings or bike shorts simple. Note it’s hand wash only and one-size, so fit can vary, and the delicate tulle can snag if you’re not careful. We recommend steaming to revive volume, then adding a leotard, tee, or witchy top for a quick ballerina or fairy vibe.

These Kitsch Halloween Mini Claw Clips are a low-fuss way to add a festive touch without committing to a full costume. In our testing, the small, lightweight claws held fine and short hair securely all day, and we love that they’re made from recycled plastic. Do note the tips can feel a bit sharp if you press them against the scalp and hair may snag when you adjust them, so reposition slowly. We found airing them out first helps if you notice that odd plastic smell some buyers mention.

If you want drama with zero effort, a velvet hooded cape instantly turns a black dress into a gothic vampire or witch. We found this $12 Depop score budget-friendly and surprisingly versatile—just add dark lipstick and you’re done. Our experience shows quality and thickness vary by seller, and colors may differ from photos, so ask for measurements and extra pictures. The length isn’t always specified, which can be tricky for taller buyers; plan to layer if it runs thin.

Striped thigh highs instantly telegraph Halloween, and this Leg Avenue pair nails it on a budget. During our review, the nylon felt durable with enough stretch to avoid runs, and they stayed up well for many wearers. That said, the top band can run tight and sizing is inconsistent, so if you’re between sizes or curvier in the thigh, consider a garter belt backup. Our experience shows some versions don’t include silicone grip, which can cause rolling on slick skin.

NYX’s SFX Face & Body Paint Palette is a solid under-$25 pick when you want bold color fast. In our testing, the creamy pans blended smoothly, mixed easily to expand beyond the six shades, and dried down better when primed and set. Our experience shows some fading or creasing after an hour on bare skin, so use a good primer, lock with translucent powder, and mist with setting spray. For details, apply with fine brushes and tap white to customize tones.

At just $2.19, Sinful Colors is a smart last-minute polish pick when you need Halloween nails on a budget. In our testing, most shades gave solid pigmentation in one to two coats and dried relatively quickly, which is clutch when you’re racing out the door. Our experience shows it can chip in a couple days without a strong top coat, and a few colors run sheer with a narrow brush that takes patience. Use two thin layers, then seal well for best wear.

Kryolan Aquacolor is our go-to when you need bold, opaque color for a witch, skeleton, or pop-art look. During our review, a tiny amount covered fast and blended smoothly on face and body, then washed off with soap and water. Just remember it isn’t waterproof—sweat or tears can cause running—so set with powder and a sealer for long wear. Compared with liquid paints, there’s a bit of a learning curve and it takes more time to apply evenly.

For gory vampires or zombie bites, Mehron’s Coagulated Blood Gel gives a convincing dark, clotted look that holds up in close-up photos. In our testing, the thick gel stayed put for scabs and pooled wounds and is safe to use around the mouth. It can feel sticky on skin and may stain clothing or porous surfaces, so apply carefully and let it dry. Our experience shows the small flip-top can dry out or leak if left ajar—seal it tightly between uses.

An $8 eyeliner that can pull a crisp wing is a Halloween essential, and e.l.f.’s H2O Proof Pen delivers. In our testing, the fine felt tip laid down jet-black pigment in a single swipe and made graphic lines easy. We did notice the cap can pop off in a purse and the flow may skip or blob, so click it shut firmly and carry upright. Our experience shows it resists everyday splashes but may fade with heavy tears or swimming.

Add a quick dose of sparkle with Wet n Wild’s Fantasy Makers Dewy Shimmer Gel Pot for just $5.39. In our testing, the formula worked best as a multi-use topper on collarbones, shoulders, and over cream highlighter, but it can feel goopy and tricky to blend. Some reviewers say the glitter payoff is subtle, so our experience shows tapping it over a tacky base or glitter glue helps. Apply with fingertips, then lightly set to keep shimmer in place through the night.

At $15, Sugarfix’s Not Too Corny earrings add instant Halloween charm without weighing you down. During our review, the candy-corn design felt festive yet lightweight, and the post-backs stayed comfy through a full day of errands and party hopping. Just know they’re zinc with plated finishes and enamel/glass details, so over time they can chip, and very sensitive ears may still react despite nickel-free claims. We suggest wiping them after wear and storing in a pouch to keep that glossy pop.

Planning a last-minute party on a budget? This 100-pack of 8-inch glow sticks packs plenty of bright colors, and in our testing the included connectors made quick bracelets and necklaces for guests. Our experience shows brightness and longevity vary by color and batch, and a few packs arrive with missing connectors—count them before the event. Because some buyers report slower Temu shipping, snag these a little early when you can, or grab a backup pack locally just in case.

For a playful cat look that reads across a crowded party, these EL wire ears light up in steady or blinking modes. During our review, we liked that the batteries are replaceable, making this an accessory you can reuse all season. Be aware the battery pack sits visibly at the back of the head and the wire can emit a faint high-pitched sound. Our experience shows brightness can be inconsistent, so test your set before heading out and keep spare cells handy.

If you just need witchy details fast, this Lace Accessory Set delivers multiple lightweight pieces for $17.56. During our review, we loved how easily it pairs with a simple black dress to create a more complete look in minutes. Quality is hit-or-miss on marketplace buys, and the materials can feel thin or tear with heavy use—plus shipping times can vary—so our experience shows ordering early (or keeping a backup) is smart. Handle gently and save for party nights, not rough wear.