Finding cheap Halloween costumes for couples doesn’t mean you have to settle for something boring or uninspired. In fact, some of the most memorable and creative costumes come from a little bit of imagination and a shoestring budget!
Forget spending a fortune on a pre-packaged outfit you’ll only wear once. This is your chance to get creative, have some fun, and end up with a costume that’s uniquely you.
We’ve gathered over 20 brilliant ideas that are not only wallet-friendly but also incredibly easy to put together. From hilarious DIY projects using things you already have at home to clever last-minute lifesavers, you’ll find the perfect pairing right here. Get ready to win every costume contest without breaking the bank! 🎉
DIY Delights: Craft Your Way to Savings
1. Salt & Pepper Shakers
A true classic for a reason! This costume is the epitome of a simple, recognizable, and adorable couple’s outfit. It’s perfect for those who want a cute theme without a ton of effort. All you need are plain black and white t-shirts and a little bit of felt or craft paper.
For the ‘salt’ partner, wear the white shirt and cut out a large black letter ‘S’ to glue or pin on. For the ‘pepper’ partner, do the same with a black shirt and a white letter ‘P’.
To complete the look, create simple ‘shaker’ hats! Glue circles of gray paper onto headbands and draw dots on them to mimic the holes. It’s a timeless idea that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
2. ‘Error 404: Costume Not Found’
This is the ultimate costume for procrastinators or couples with a great sense of humor. It requires almost zero effort but gets maximum laughs for its cleverness. It’s the perfect meta-joke for any Halloween party and a guaranteed conversation starter.
Simply take two plain white t-shirts and a black permanent marker. On the front of each shirt, write in clear, blocky letters: “Error 404: Costume Not Found”. That’s it! You’re done. Pair the shirts with jeans or any casual pants, and you have an instant, funny, and practically free costume.
3. Tacky Tourists
Unleash your most obnoxious vacation alter-ego with this hilarious and easy-to-assemble costume. The best part? You probably own most of the necessary items already! It’s all about clashing patterns, questionable accessories, and an overly enthusiastic attitude.
Raid your closets for the loudest Hawaiian shirts you can find. Pair them with khaki shorts (bonus points if they’re too long or too short). Essential accessories include socks with sandals, fanny packs, sun visors or bucket hats, oversized sunglasses, and, of course, a camera slung around each of your necks.
Don’t forget to apply a ridiculous amount of sunscreen to your noses for that extra touch! 📸
4. Mummies
Get wrapped up in this classic spooky costume! Making a mummy outfit is a fun DIY project that looks impressive but is incredibly cheap. It’s the perfect balance of spooky and simple, and you can customize it to be as neat or as tattered as you like.
All you need are old white clothes (like long-sleeved shirts and pants) and several rolls of gauze or a ripped-up old white sheet. Start by wrapping the strips of fabric around your partner’s limbs and torso, securing the ends with safety pins or fabric glue.
Leave some strips dangling for a more ancient, decrepit look. To make it look even better, you can stain some of the fabric strips by soaking them in tea or coffee beforehand to give them an aged, off-white color.
Last-Minute Lifesavers: Quick & Easy on a Dime
5. Jim & Pam from ‘The Office’
For fans of the beloved sitcom, this is one of the easiest and most recognizable couple’s costumes out there. It captures the sweet, everyday romance of Dunder Mifflin’s favorite pair and requires nothing more than typical office attire.
For Jim, a simple button-down shirt (sleeves rolled up, of course), a tie, and dress pants are all you need. Bonus points for a “Jim” name tag and that classic smirk.
For Pam, a modest cardigan over a blouse, a pencil skirt, and simple flats will do the trick. Her signature curly half-updo completes the look. It’s subtle, sweet, and perfect for any last-minute party invite.
6. Bank Robbers / Bandits
Headed to a party to steal the show? This classic bandit costume is criminally easy to pull off. It’s a fun, slightly mischievous look that works for any couple and can be assembled entirely from items in your wardrobe.
Grab two black-and-white striped shirts (a classic staple!). Pair them with black pants or jeans, black beanie hats, and simple black cloth masks for your eyes (or just use makeup!).
For props, you can carry DIY “money bags” made from pillowcases or canvas totes with a big dollar sign ($) drawn on them. It’s a comfortable, effortless, and instantly recognizable choice.
7. Bread Winner & Sugar Daddy/Mama
Get ready for some groans and giggles with this hilarious pun-based costume. It’s clever, low-effort, and a guaranteed hit at any party. This pairing is all about literal interpretations and is perfect for couples who don’t take themselves too seriously.
For the “Bread Winner,” one person simply carries around a loaf of bread and wears a fake winner’s medal (easily made from cardboard and ribbon). The other person, the “Sugar Daddy” or “Sugar Mama,” just needs to carry a large bag of sugar.
You can even make it more obvious by having the Sugar Daddy/Mama wear a baby carrier with the bag of sugar nestled inside! It’s pure, punny genius. 🤣
Funny & Clever Twists: Get Laughs, Not Debt
8. Bob Ross & His Happy Little Tree
Bring some wholesome, creative energy to your Halloween celebration! This is a wonderfully charming and funny idea that pays homage to the legendary painter. It’s a fantastic DIY project that is sure to make everyone smile.
For Bob Ross, you’ll need a light blue button-down shirt, a pair of jeans, and of course, a curly brown wig and beard. Carry a painter’s palette (cut from cardboard) and a paintbrush as props.
For the “Happy Little Tree,” one person can wear all brown or green. Then, use safety pins or fabric glue to attach a bunch of artificial leaves (from a craft store) all over their clothes. They are the beautiful masterpiece!
9. Loofah & a Bar of Soap
Scrub up for Halloween with this bubbly and colorful costume idea! It’s a super creative and funny DIY that stands out in a crowd. While it requires a bit of crafting, the materials are cheap, and the result is fantastic.
To make the loofah, get a simple dress or a shirt/shorts combo in a bright color like pink, blue, or yellow. Then, bunch up yards of tulle in the same color and pin it all over the outfit until you look like a fluffy, poofy loofah! Attach a white rope handle to the back.
For the bar of soap, wear all white and create a “brand name” (like ‘DOVE’ or a funny made-up one) to put on your shirt. You can even carry a rubber ducky for an extra cute touch! 🧼
10. Silent Film Starscx
Travel back in time to the golden age of cinema with this elegant and dramatic costume. The magic of this look is all in the makeup and acting—no expensive outfits required! It’s a sophisticated choice that can be created using formal or semi-formal clothes you already own.
The key is to dress entirely in black, white, and shades of gray. Think flapper dresses, suits, bow ties, and cloche hats. The real transformation comes from the makeup: use white or very pale foundation to create a grayscale effect on your skin.
Use black eyeliner and lipstick to define your features dramatically, just like in old films. And remember, no talking! Communicate all night using exaggerated gestures and DIY title cards (simple signs with phrases like “GASP!” or “My Hero!”).
Iconic & Recognizable (Budget Edition)
11. Danny & Sandy from ‘Grease’
Tell me about it, stud! This is one of the most iconic movie couples ever, and their signature looks are incredibly easy to recreate from your own closet. Whether you go for their sweet Rydell High look or their edgy final scene outfits, everyone will know exactly who you are.
For “Good Sandy,” think a pastel cardigan, a poodle skirt (which you can fake with a simple flared skirt), and a sweet ponytail. For “Bad Sandy,” it’s all about black leggings or skinny jeans, an off-the-shoulder black top, a black belt, and red heels.
For Danny, a plain white or black t-shirt, black jeans, and a leather or denim jacket is all it takes. Don’t forget to grease back that hair!
12. Barbie & Ken
Come on Barbie, let’s go party! Thanks to the blockbuster movie, this costume is more popular than ever, and you can create the look for less. The key is to embrace the vibrant, over-the-top energy of the characters. You don’t need official merchandise to pull it off.
Think pink! Any combination of bright pink clothing will instantly scream “Barbie.” For a classic look, try a pink dress or a matching athletic set.
For Ken, go for a retro vibe with an open, patterned shirt, shorts, and tube socks for his “beach” look, or a simple denim vest for his “Mojo Dojo Casa House” phase. It’s all about confidence and a fantastic plastic attitude. 💖
13. Peter Pan & His Shadow
This is a fantastically clever and creative DIY costume that plays with a classic story. It’s a bit more crafty than some other ideas, but the amazing visual effect is totally worth it. It’s a guaranteed showstopper.
For Peter Pan, you’ll need green leggings or pants and a green t-shirt with a jagged, leafy cut along the sleeves and bottom hem. Add a simple brown belt and a green hat with a red feather.
For the Shadow, the other person wears an identical outfit but made entirely of black or dark gray clothing—a black morphsuit or black long-sleeved shirt and leggings work perfectly. When you pose together, the effect is magical!
Spooky & Simple: Eerie Without the Expense
14. Classic Vampires
Step into the night with a timelessly spooky and alluring costume. Vampires are a Halloween staple because they’re easy to create on a budget but always look effortlessly cool and mysterious. The focus is less on specific clothing and more on the dark, romantic aesthetic.
Raid your closet for your darkest, most formal-looking attire. Think black dresses, dark suits, velvet or lace textures, and button-down shirts. The real transformation comes from the makeup: pale foundation, dark, sunken eyes using gray and black eyeshadow, and a trickle of fake blood from the corner of the mouth. And, of course, a cheap pair of plastic fangs is a must! 🧛♀️
15. Ghosts (with a Modern Twist)
The classic bedsheet ghost is the cheapest costume in history, but why not give it a fun, modern update? This idea keeps the simplicity but adds a layer of humor that makes it perfect for a laid-back couple.
Take two old white bedsheets and cut out eyeholes. Now for the twist: accessorize! Put a pair of trendy sunglasses over the eyeholes. Wear a baseball cap or a beanie on top of the sheet.
Have one ghost holding a smartphone and the other an iced coffee. It turns a simple costume into a hilarious commentary on modern life. Boo-tiful! 👻
16. Adam & Eve
Go back to the very beginning with this cheeky and simple costume idea. It’s a little bit risqué, a lot of fun, and costs next to nothing to create. Perfect for couples who are comfortable showing a little (imitation) skin.
You’ll both need nude-colored base layers, like tan or beige leggings and long-sleeved shirts or tank tops. Then, buy a few garlands of artificial ivy or large ficus leaves from a craft store.
Strategically attach the leaves with safety pins or fabric glue to cover the “important” areas. For an extra touch, one person can carry a prop apple.
17. The Sun & The Moon
For the couple that perfectly balances each other out, this celestial pairing is a beautiful and artistic choice. It’s a stunning visual that you can craft yourself with some simple supplies, making it look far more expensive than it is.
For the Sun, wear all gold or yellow clothing. Create a sun-ray headpiece using a headband and cardboard cutouts painted gold. Add gold glitter to your face and arms for a radiant glow.
For the Moon, wear all silver or black. Create a crescent moon crown from cardboard and paint it silver, adding some star-shaped glitter to your cheeks. Together, you’re a cosmic masterpiece. ☀️🌙
18. Google Maps Pins
Here’s a totally modern, clever, and simple DIY idea that everyone will recognize instantly. You are the destination! This costume is perfect for a laugh and is incredibly easy to make for a last-minute party.
All you need are two large pieces of red poster board or cardboard. Cut them into the iconic teardrop shape of a map pin. Use a white marker to draw the letter ‘A’ on one and ‘B’ on the other.
Attach them to plain-colored shirts (like gray or black) with string looped around your neck or by using safety pins. You have now arrived at your destination: the best costume at the party.
19. Thing 1 & Thing 2
Bring some chaotic fun from the world of Dr. Seuss! This costume is super easy, comfortable, and instantly recognizable. It’s perfect for a fun-loving couple who wants to cause a little (good-natured) trouble.
Find two plain red t-shirts. On a piece of white felt or paper, draw a circle and write “THING 1” in bold black letters. Do the same for “THING 2.” Attach the circles to the front of your shirts.
The most crucial accessory is a wild, bright blue wig for each of you. Pair with red leggings or pants to complete the look.
20. A Zombie Couple
What’s Halloween without the undead? A zombie couple is a classic horror costume that you can completely DIY. The more tattered and messy, the better, so you can’t possibly mess it up.
Find some old clothes you don’t mind destroying—jeans, t-shirts, flannel, even an old wedding dress for a “zombie bride” look. Rip them, rub them in dirt, and splatter them with fake blood.
The real work is in the makeup. Use pale foundation, dark sunken eyes, and liquid latex to create gruesome, decaying wounds. Now you’re ready to hunt for some brains! 🧠
