Halloween Costume Ideas: Spooky Looks You Can Create for Less

Halloween is the perfect excuse to get creative with your wardrobe. Whether you’re heading to a Halloween party, planning a night out with friends or looking for a last-minute costume for a uni event, there are plenty of ways to create a memorable look without spending a fortune....

From classic witches and vampires to pop-culture-inspired outfits and effortlessly spooky looks, your everyday wardrobe can become the starting point for your Halloween costume. Add a few carefully chosen accessories, some dramatic make-up and a little imagination, and you’re ready for 31st October.

And if you’re looking to keep your Halloween spending under control, TOTUM can help. With hundreds of discounts across fashion, beauty and more, you can save on some of the pieces that bring your costume together.

1. The Classic Witch

You can never go wrong with a witch costume. Think black dress or skirt, chunky boots, a dramatic coat and a wide-brimmed hat. Add dark lipstick, smoky eye make-up and a few spooky accessories to finish the look.

The best part? Many of these pieces can become part of your regular wardrobe after Halloween.

If you’re looking for fashion staples to build your outfit, TOTUM currently has a 10% in-store discount at New Look for eligible TOTUM+ members. You could use it to pick up a black dress, boots or accessories to form the basis of your costume.

2. A Vampire Look

Channel your inner vampire with an outfit that is equal parts mysterious and dramatic.

A black shirt or dress, tailored trousers, a long coat and statement jewellery can create the foundations. Finish with pale make-up, dark red lipstick and, if you’re feeling particularly committed to the look, some fake vampire fangs.

You don’t need a wardrobe full of Halloween-specific clothing either. Choosing pieces you’ll wear again means your costume can become an excuse to refresh your autumn wardrobe too.

3. A 90s Horror Icon

Halloween is a great opportunity to revisit some of the most recognisable horror looks from the past. Think 90s-inspired outfits, retro trainers, denim, mini skirts, oversized jackets and plenty of attitude.

Fashion retailers can be a good place to find the individual pieces you need without buying a complete costume. TOTUM’s fashion offers include discounts across brands such as ASOS, New Look and adidas, giving you plenty of options when you’re putting together a recognisable throwback look.

4. The Mysterious Black Cat

For a costume that is easy to pull together, go for a black cat.

Start with an all-black outfit and add cat ears, eyeliner whiskers and a little nose detail. You can make the look as subtle or dramatic as you like with your make-up and accessories.

A black top, skirt, trousers or dress can all work, making this one of those costumes you can create from pieces you already own. Add a few inexpensive accessories and you’ve got a Halloween-ready outfit.

5. A Gothic Look

If Halloween is your excuse to embrace your darker fashion side, go all in with a gothic-inspired outfit.

Think black lace, chunky boots, silver jewellery, dark make-up and dramatic layers. You could also add mesh, velvet or leather-look pieces for extra texture.

TOTUM’s fashion discounts can help if you’re looking for something new to complete the outfit. Current fashion offers cover everything from clothing and footwear to accessories, with discounts available across a wide selection of brands.

6. A Ghostly Glam Look

Who says a ghost costume needs to involve a sheet?

Create a more fashion-forward version with a white or silver dress, pale accessories and dramatic make-up. Add glitter, highlighter and an icy eye look for a ghostly finish.

If you need beauty products to complete the look, TOTUM also features offers from beauty retailers. TOTUM+ members can currently access 20% off at Cult Beauty, making it worth checking the latest offer before shopping for your Halloween make-up.

7. A Mad Scientist

Raid your wardrobe for an oversized white shirt, glasses and trainers, then add a few DIY details to create a mad scientist costume.

You could carry a notebook covered in mysterious equations, add temporary hair colour or create a wild hairstyle. For an extra Halloween touch, dramatic make-up and fake blood can make the costume look considerably more chaotic.

This is a great option if you want something inexpensive and easy to put together from clothing you already have.

8. The Classic Vampire Hunter

Want to give the vampire costume a twist? Become the person hunting them.

A long coat, boots, dark trousers and a dramatic shirt can create the look. Add a few gothic accessories and carry a fictional vampire-hunting notebook or prop to make the character instantly recognisable.

Look for versatile pieces that you can wear again after Halloween. A good pair of boots or a quality jacket can work for nights out, everyday outfits and plenty of autumn looks.

9. A Last-Minute Zombie

Running out of time? The zombie costume has your back.

Take an old outfit and transform it with ripped details, messy hair and spooky make-up. Use face paint to create bruises, scratches and tired-looking eyes, then add a little fake blood for the full undead effect.

It’s proof that a great Halloween costume doesn’t need hours of planning. A few creative details can completely change an outfit.

Get Ready for Halloween With TOTUM

Whether you’re going for spooky, glamorous, funny or seriously creepy, there’s no need to spend loads on a Halloween costume.

Start with clothes you already own, look for pieces you can wear again and use accessories and make-up to create the character. When you need to shop for those finishing touches, check TOTUM for the latest discounts before you pay.

From fashion and beauty to entertainment and food, there are plenty of ways to make your Halloween plans more affordable. Check the latest TOTUM offers and start planning your look.

Happy haunting! 🎃