Last-minute costume tips that you can pull off the same day as Halloween

The very idea of dressing up for Halloween will inspire dread among most self-respecting males.

Costumes are for kids. Makeup and warewolf masks are cumbersome, and not enjoyable.

Nevertheless, Halloween can be a great night even for childless adults. There are deals to be had, terrible bands, and even a socially-distant house party.

Now, to attend any Halloween shindig you will need to look good – but you should not put in too much effort for your costume, just enough that no one can accuse you of being lame, and not wearing a costume.

When done correctly, your Halloween costume will allow you to take on a new identity for a few hours, relax and not worry about being self-conscious among all the ‘sexy-cat’ and ‘sexy-cop’ costumed-people around you.

Here then are nine costume ideas that any man can easily execute. You should already be able to find most – if not all – of these clothes in your closet, or a friend’s closet.

Banksy Painting

last-minute halloween costume ideas

Wear a backwards hat, a black hoodie and a bandana across your face (which lets face it, is easy given that its 2020) and carry around a bouquet of flowers. Maybe don’t throw them at anyone.

Tom Cruise in Top Gun

last-minute halloween costume ideas

Aviators, first and foremost. Followed by a brown leather jacket (for authenticity, you should stick some patches on it) a white shirt and jeans. You could go as Cruise from the volleyball scene (it’s probably easier to pull off) but might be a tad inappropriate.

Anyone from Reservoir Dogs

last-minute halloween costume ideas

Pull out your go-to black suit, a black tie and a pair of Wayfarer sunglasses. You can be pretty much anyone in the group (but we have a penchant for Mr. Pink).

Michael J. Fox in Back To The Future

last-minute halloween costume ideas

“Is that a lifejacket?” No, it’s a gilet (which is a puffer jacket vest to you and I). Get one in red, pair it with a denim jacket and you’re done. Bonus points if you wear a pair of Air Jordan’s – electronic lacing or otherwise.

Jack Nicholson in Chinatown

last-minute halloween costume ideas

Any light brown or camel-coloured suit will do, along with a patterened mustard yellow tie. Then stick a few plasters over your nose.

Post Malone

last-minute halloween costume ideas

Throw your hair up in a bun, find a mirror and go to town with a sharpie. You can spray-paint anything on your white shirt and get away with it.

Paddington Bear

last-minute halloween costume ideas

Pick up a bear-ear headband and any floppy hat. You can add a shearling coat if you are really going for it, along with a jar of marmalade.

Blonde On Blonde Bob Dylan

last-minute halloween costume ideas

The key to this look is the scowl. After that, it’s a checkered scarf and brown jacket. Frizzy hair and monotone drawl will seal the deal.

Any Fortnite character

last-minute halloween costume ideas

Cargo pants, some shin-pads, and a loose bandana tied around your neck. Bonus points if you have a (fake) sword or gun lying around.


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