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It’s that time of year again! We’re all counting down to the Halloween events in store this month and planning fun costumes. While some prefer a quick stop to the costume store, this is a great time of year for DIY enthusiasts.
Although the convenience of a store-bought costume is tempting, it’s more sustainable to capitalize on your already-existing wardrobe to put together a great Halloween ensemble. These pop-culture looks inspired by popular characters and current events could be the perfect DIY costume for your Delaware Halloween parties. Plus, when the season is over, you’ll be left with versatile pieces that can be worked into everyday outfits.
Costume Ideas for Couples
Janet Snakehole & Bert Macklin
The ever-iconic Aubrey Plaza is arguably Delaware’s most famous person. This Halloween, channel your inner Plaza as part of this iconic Parks & Recreation duo. A generic FBI costume, a black hat with a netted veil and a black dress will have you and your date covered for Halloween. This costume is an easy DIY because you likely already have the base of each look in your closets (any basic black cocktail dress, a white button-down shirt and tie, khaki pants). For whatever you don’t have on hand, here are all the pieces you’ll need:
FBI jacket & hat | $30 | HalloweenCostumes.com
Khaki pants | $35 | American Eagle
Hat with net veil | $13 | Amazon
Costume pearls | $9 | Amazon
Cigarette holder | $5 | Amazon
Black dress | $28 | Amazon
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Barbie & Ken
Whether you’re partying in a Barbie Dream House or a Mojo-Dojo Casa House, you’re sure to run into plenty of Barbies and Kens this year! With ample room for variations, this costume doesn’t have to be basic. It’s all about a dramatic fur for him and plenty of pink for her. For this iconic Barbie/Ken look, we’re drawing inspiration from Western Barbie and Mojo Dojo Casa House Ken. While you may not have items like bright pink bell-bottoms or a dramatic faux-fur coat on hand, they could always be a fun addition to your wardrobes for future wear.
White cowboy hat | $20 | Amazon
Pink cropped vest | $20 | Amazon
Pink bell bottom jeans | $50 | Amazon
Pink bandana | $5 | AmazonÂ
Long fur coat | $48 | Amazon
Black joggers | $35 | American Eagle
Lightning bolt headband | $17 | Amazon
Sunglasses | $15 | Amazon
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Travis Kelce & Taylor Swift
These two have been all over our screens for the last couple of weeks, so the costumes are sure to be instantly recognizable this Halloween. Since Delaware is Eagles territory, plenty of residents religiously tune into the Kelce brothers’ popular podcast, so it’s likely we’ve all heard a thing or two about America’s new “it couple.” It’s an easy DIY couples costume, especially if you happen to be a Kansas City fan. A Chiefs tee or jersey, simple white tank top and iconic red lip make this duo instantly recognizable.
Kansas City T-Shirt, Hoodie or Jersey
Cropped white tank | $17 | Aerie
Red windbreaker | $72 | Adidas
Black denim shorts | $19 | Amazon
Red lipstick | $10 | Sephora
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Costumes for Groups
Barbies
Choose your favorite iconic Barbie and run with it! Grab your girl group and try these Barbie-themed costumes.
Stereotypical Barbie
Pink Gingham dress | $35 | Amazon
Flower Necklace | $17 | Amazon
Pink Gingham hair ribbon | $8 | Amazon
Workout Barbie
Blue workout leggings | $17 | Amazon
Pink swimsuit/leotard | $22 | Amazon
Neon striped leg warmers | $10 | Amazon
Kens
A fun way to pull off the “Barbies and Kens” group costume is to pick an interest (think “beach”) and lean into it. Here are a few fun Ken ideas to inspire your costume.
Beach Ken
Striped shirt | $23 | Amazon
Pink swim trunk | $22 | Amazon
Sporty Ken
Yellow tank | $23 | Amazon
Yellow workout headband | $7 | Amazon
Basic basketball shorts | $11 | Amazon
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Daisy Jones & the Six
Grab your 1970s wear and a few friends to re-create this iconic crew. It seems Daisy Jones & the Six was all anyone was talking about for several weeks in 2023. If you and your friends were some of the many avid watchers, this could be the perfect Halloween DIY. Here are a few pieces to help you get started on your ’70s band look:
For Women
Stretchy print bell bottoms | $20 | Amazon
Long lacy kimono | $28 | Amazon
Tie front bell sleeve blouse | $25 | Amazon
Knee-High boots | $61 | Amazon
Daisy Shorts | $25 | Amazon
For Men
Bell bottom jeans | $30 | Amazon
Fringe vest | $26 | Amazon
1970s shirt | $15 | Amazon
Corduroy pants | $34 | Amazon
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Taylor Swift Eras
With the Eras Tour still making waves, this costume idea is perfect for a group of Swifties. From flashy fringe-adorned dresses and cowboy boots to black leather bodysuits to cozy red scarves and cardigans, Taylor Swift’s iconic eras make for easy DIY costumes this year, especially if your Eras Tour outfit is still sitting in the closet. Here are a few ideas:
Red
Newsboy hat | $15 | Amazon
Red lipstick | $10 | Sephora
Red Scarf | $9 | Amazon
Reputation
Black bodysuit | $25 | Amazon
Sparkly fishnets | $11 | Amazon
Tall black boots | $48 | Amazon
Snake jewelry | $16 | Amazon
Fearless
Gold fringe dress | $39 | Amazon
Cowgirl boots | $35 | Amazon
White cowboy hat | $20 | Amazon
Folklore
Cozy cardigan | $32 | Amazon
Hair ribbon | $9 | Amazon
Basic brown boots | $35 | Amazon
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