How To Recreate These 15 Iconic Halloween Costumes From Celebrities On A Budget

Costumes are a fun way to step outside your comfort zone and be someone new for the night. Whether you love the cute or the creepy, Halloween costumes are fun to plan, and even more fun to create. DIY costumes are arguably more impressive than the store-bought themes, and you can often use the pieces for casual wear afterwards as well!

While you may not have enough money to have a custom Fiona face mask crafted by hand for you (we see you, Heidi Klum), there are plenty of ways to do Halloween well on a budget. The easiest way to save money when planning a Halloween costume is to use items you already own or items you will wear again. Picking characters with cute clothes is often more versatile than a scary costume, and if you’re in a pinch, a funny costume is the way to go! 

Without further ado, here are 15 iconic celebrity costumes that won’t break the bank!

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1. Marilyn Monroe

If you recently watched the new movie Blonde and would prefer to go full glam this Halloween, then dress up as none other than Marilyn herself. An iconic and easily recognizable look is her white dress. Find a similar dress with a deep v-neckline and silky fabric, then take the opportunity to play with your hair and makeup! Old Hollywood glam is absolute perfection!

What you’ll need: white dress, $34

2. Fred Flintstone

Bella Hadid’s twist on a classic is super cute, and extremely easy to recreate on a budget! A black fabric marker can be used to add spots to an orange dress, and a light blue ribbon tied around the neck is the perfect touch. Yabba dabba doo!

What you’ll need: orange dress, $15 | bone earrings, $16 

3. Flight Attendant

Make your workwear work for you with this adorable flight attendant costume! A matching button blazer top and skirt are easy to wear again, and you will look feminine and accomplished in this costume! A tailored dress and heels are a cheaper way to recreate this look; just don’t forget a badge. You can design a logo online and attach it to your dress with a pin. This look also doubles as a couples costume if you want to take the flight of love with your man!

A few key pieces: tailored dress, $35 | pumps, $18

4. Legally Blonde

Another super simple and easily recognizable costume is the loveable Elle Woods from Legally Blonde. A pink dress of almost any style (she studied and she partied) and cute pink heels. And if you can find one lying around, bring a small stuffed dog in a tote bag. You get bonus points if you can quote the movie!

What you’ll need: bright pink dress, $25 | heels, $15 | sunglasses, $14

5. Britney Spears

Don’t you love it when celebrities dress up as other celebrities? If you’ve been looking for the perfect opportunity to channel your inner Britney, copy her look for Halloween. The best part of this costume is that you likely already have most of these pieces, and if you don’t, they’re easy to find on a budget. Put your hair in braided pigtails with two pink scrunchies, and keep your makeup school-girl appropriate.

What you’ll need: black miniskirt, $12 | gray cardigan, $20 | white button-down, $12

6. A Fairy 

Similar to the butterfly look, this costume can be as extra as you want! The key “costume” components you’ll need are a pair of wings and fairy ears, which should be under $20. The rest of the costume needs to be sparkly and fun, but can be whatever color you’d like. This is a great opportunity to wear an old homecoming dress from college or that sparkly dress on the clearance rack you couldn’t pass up!

A few key pieces: sparkly dress, $20 | hair jewelry, $16

7. Space Cowgirl

If you love both pink and metallic colors, the space cowgirl is for you! A pair of cowgirl boots are not exactly affordable, but if you already have a pair, definitely wear them. If not, a cowgirl hat and other western accessories will be just fine! Add metallic heels or sneakers to tie in the space look, and add lots of reflective glitter to your face and eyes! 

What you’ll need: cowgirl hat, $19 | metallic western belt, $12 | shiny pink dress, $26

8. The Powerpuff Girls

Get the besties together for this one! Powerpuff girls come in blue, pink, and green, so pick your favorite color and match your friends for a cohesive and easy costume idea. 

What you’ll need: colored mini skirt, $20 | matching color top, $20 | matching bow, $4

9. Morticia Addams 

For something a little haunted, try this iconic Morticia Addams costume! Perfect for us ladies with a mostly black wardrobe, this is a great opportunity to wear that L(ong)BD in the back of your closet from that event you went to once. Straighten your already dark hair, or don a black wig for Halloween night, and add a dark moody lip for extra haunting. 

What you’ll need: tight black dress, $22 | floor length dress, $37 | black heels, $17

10. Scooby Doo’s Velma

A classic cartoon favorite, the Scooby Doo cast make great Halloween costumes on a budget. For Velma specifically, stick to an orange and red color scheme and keep your makeup minimal. She’s too busy solving cases to worry about her eyeliner!

What you’ll need: red miniskirt, $13 | orange turtleneck sweater, $17 | orange socks, $5 | glasses, $12

11. Paris Hilton

While Paris’ dress is likely out of our price range, there are budget-friendly ways to nail her iconic silver dress look! Add some waves to your hair and a deep smokey eye! Oh, and don’t forget to sparkle!

What you’ll need: backless gold minidress, $16 | cowl neck silver minidress, $26 | sparkly heels, $12

12. Party Animal

This is a great choice if you love a cute and funny costume. Party animal requires your typical night-out look (like your favorite cocktail dress), an animal piece, and your drink of choice. You could be a cute deer or a feisty tiger; it's up to you! This look can be easily adapted to the appropriate color of the animal you choose to be for the night. 

A few key pieces: cocktail dress, $24 | gold heels, $25

13. Cruella De Vil 

She may be cruel, but her style is impeccable. In order to master her look on budget, you’ll have to forgo the white fur coat (unless you already have one). But as long as you keep the black and white dalmatian theme, people will instantly know who you are! A black handbag, some black and white hairspray, and a red lip are easy details!

What you’ll need: black dress, $25 | white fuzzy jacket, on sale $30 | red gloves, $5

14. Pit Crew

Ready for the racetrack! If the Canadian tuxedo will fill the gaping hole in your wardrobe, use this costume as the perfect opportunity to buy one! A completely denim look is easy to recreate, and the props are likely already in your garage! Make a racing flag with paper and a straw, and you can bring tools to “work” on your race car!

What you’ll need: denim jumpsuit, $40

15. Butterfly

All you really need for this pretty costume is a pair of wings. The details on the butterfly costume can be as much or as little as you’d like. Some suggestions include sparkly eyeshadow, butterfly jewelry, and hair glitter. 

A few key pieces: sparkly dress, $39 | hair accessories, $12

Closing Thoughts

Have fun and get creative with your costume this Halloween! Which iconic celebrity Halloween look is your favorite?

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