The WALK’s 2023 Guide to the Perfect Low-Effort, High Fashion Costume

As October rolls around and leaves the shade of fire start to carpet the ground, it's hard to not think of everyone’s favorite holiday coming at the end of the month. Between tiring midterms, shorter days and the scary world we live in it’s nice to have an evening where we can channel our inner kid, or in Mean Girls spirit, celebrate the day where you can wear whatever you want and no one can say anything else about it.

Every year as Halloween rolls around there are two types of people. Those who have been planning their costume since August and those who are in dire need of inspiration. For those of you looking for those last-minute ideas look no further! In hopes of reducing mass consumption and wasting money, most of these costumes should be easily replicable with things you have at home or with a quick trip to your local thrift store.

1. Victoria Beckham (and David Beckham, for those who want a nonbasic couples costume!)

*Courtesy of @oddxfashion on* *Instagram*

For those of you who have recently watched the documentary “Beckham,” it’s hard not to be drawn into the couple, particularly Posh herself. From mini dresses to low-rise boot-cut jeans: Victoria Beckham is as iconic as her husband. Channel your inner Posh in a white lace tank top and low-rise white jeans. Bonus points for skinny brows and reflective aviator glasses. Alternatively, throw on a gray T-shirt and your favorite low-rise jeans. Complete the outfit with a trucker hat, gold hoops, and a thick belt.

Pluses of this Outfit: You’ll be comfy and cute all night long, making it great for party hopping and staying warm. For those looking to dress up a fussy boyfriend, this is an easy look that won't get any complaints. Who wouldn’t want to be David Beckham?

2. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air: A Philly Shoutout

For those of you who are looking for a costume bound to crack a smile, turn to the Prince of Bel-Air: a man born and raised in West Philadelphia. Throw on your funkiest shirt and a pair of overalls. Chefs kiss if you have a pair of timberlands or mountain boots. If you’re looking for the ultimate throwback: grab a color block polyester tracksuit seti, nostalgic of the 90s and you’re set. (These are super easy to thrift!)

Pluses: Not only will you be comfortable all night, but for those of you who fear late October’s cold air, layer to your heart’s content! The more patterns you throw in the better. This can also easily turn into a joint costume by finding yourself a Carlton, Hillary, or Butler Geoffrey.

3. The Glam and Glitz Queen of Pop: Madonna

For those of you wanting to have fun with hair and makeup look no further than Madonna. Queen of the 80s and Pop there are thousands of fun looks you could recreate. One of my favorites is from her “Like a Virgin” music video. Crimp your hair—the messier the better—and draw a bold red lip. Layer your chunkiest necklaces over a white tutu and white bustier top. Extra points if you can find lace gloves and DIY a “Boy Toy” belt. This look could be fun to go and find by thrifting! For a more recent (but just as iconic) look channel her MTV outfit from 2003. Slick your hair back into a low bun, add her iconic red lipstick, and dress in tight black pants or leggings and a black tank top. If you’re going all out make sure to remember the black arm warmers and knee-high boots!

Pluses: This look could also be a great group costume if you have your own Cristina and Britney.

4. High Class: Low-Effort in Meredith Blake

*Courtesy of* *Vogue* *and* *Business Insider*

For the classy queens who are looking for a more unique costume than Audrey Hepburn, turn to one of Disney’s favorite villains we love to hate, Meredith Blake. Whilst her actions might have been questionable her closet was not. All this look requires is a white dress, a ‘fancy black’ hat, and your daintiest gold earrings. Bonus points if you can color-coordinate your lipstick to a red mani. If you’re worried about being cold then channel her camping outfit—just as iconic! Curl your hair and put it up into a claw clip—remember to pull a few strands out, the girls did make her work for it in the end! Throw on your most flattering black workout set and voila! Don’t forget the red lipstick, because Meredith wouldn't!

Pluses: You can pull most of these right out of your closet! Perfect for an easy yet stylish Halloween hang.

5. Pillow Princess

All you need for this look is a pillow case you’re willing to cut up and a tiara. Depending on the pillow case size you can either wear it as a dress or throw a white skirt or shorts under.

Pluses: This costume is as lazy as a pillow princess herself.

5. Hashtag Relatable: Morning Sucks Costume

For a punny rendition of your classic vampire, take on “Morning Sucks” because they do! Hop out of bed in the morning, throw on your robe, smudge some red lipstick down your lip and you’re good to go.

Pluses: Super Simple! You can also up or down dress the look (and the scandalous factor) depending on the pajamas you pick!

6. Where’s The Penn Student?

*Courtesy of @will.powerrr on* *Instagram*

Unlike the original, you’ll stand out in this costume. All you need is a red and white striped shirt, a pair of jeans, round glasses, and a pom pom hat to transform into Waldo.

Pluses: Another costume which is bound to keep you warm, cute, and comfortable!

7. DIY “Things”

If you’re the best friend duo that no one can ever tell apart, then this is the costume for you. DIY a “Thing 1” and “Thing 2” costume by printing the emblems and taping them to a red shirt and voila you’re one of Dr. Suess’ most beloved characters.

8. A Perfect Throwback with Daisy Jones

For those of you whose closet resembles a time travel back to the 70s, who better to dress up as than Daisy Jones? Super simple but not any less cute, all you need are a pair of flare bottoms and a loose top or a flowing dress. Accessorize to your heart’s desire, think anything that jingles or clanks. Big hoop earrings, metal belts, chunky rings. For the ultimate look throw on a pair of Western boots and braid your hair to get loose waves.

Featured image courtesy of @haileybieber on Instagram