Is Halloween Right Around the Corner? We’ve Got Some Last-Minute Costume Ideas for You

With only two weeks left until Halloween, I’m sure that some of us are now scrambling for that inevitable time of year where we collectively forget to buy a costume (myself included). Every once in a blue moon (more like every 5 years), I build up the energy to start planning a Halloween costume by August. Thinking about potential ideas, cost and finance restrictions, whether it’s going to be a costume duo or even trio . . . and then most of the time it’s a last-minute “we’re winging it” kind-of plan.

So, for those of you who are like me, and who just looked at the calendar and collectively went, “oh shi-“, then this is the article for you. I’m putting together some last-minute Halloween costume ideas that hopefully won’t break the bank and will have you looking like you planned your costume ages ago.

As we are The Game of Nerds, of course, you can expect to see some more character-themed costumes rather than real people. Nerds, gather round. We’ve got some planning and thrifting to do.

If you have any costume ideas for your fellow last-minute compatriots, please suggest them in the comments below!

CLASSIC SUPERHEROES

Superhero costumes are usually recognizable and easy to adjust when it comes to their uniforms and the costume you make out of it. Take Superman/Clark Kent, for example. All you need is a white shirt, glasses, and a superman shirt for wear underneath. Then boom—instant costume. Because these figures are so popular within the media and used constantly in pop-culture, they make a great last-minute Halloween costume that take low effort and is typically cost effective.

Supergirl: Supergirl has always been a dominant costume that is seen on Halloween, and with the newest adaption being released this past summer, it will be a popular choice for Halloween this year specifically. What you’ll need is: long-sleeved blue shirt, red skirt/shorts, a gold bet, and some knee-high boots. If you want to emulate Kara’s look from the 2026 movie, a long trench coat would be good too.

Jean Gray: Also from a new blockbuster movie this summer, Jean Gray made her appearance in the MCU in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Because she doesn’t actually wear a typical superhero costume in the movie, your Halloween costume as her only needs a couple things. A red wig with bangs (emphasis on the bangs), an oversized coat with a hood, and some accessories like gloves, or a walkie-talkie, and her hair. Relatively easy to find stuff!

Spider-Noir: While not a movie of the summer, Spider-Noir premiered it’s first and only season on Amazon Prime this year. As a costume, I think that it would not only be one of the most recognizable Spider-Man variants, but also so fun to do on Halloween. Who wouldn’t want to be Nicholas Cage and Spider-Man, all in the same night? What you’ll need for the look: dark-colored everything. Trench coat, google-eyed Spider-Man mask, dark clothing that matches your gritty soul, and of course, a fedora.

THE CHARACTERS WE LOVED THIS YEAR

So many new shows and movies came out this year that would not only make fun costumes, but also give you the chance to binge watch some new entertainment. Then, when people as about your costume, you can also tell them all about the new amazing show you became obsessed with. With a TV show as well, there are enough characters that you’ve got options to choose from when it comes to picking a costume.

Ted Lasso: With the newest season of Ted Lasso releasing this past fall, it’s time to revisit some of our favorite characters that have continued to makes waves since the early 2020s. Ted Lasso is also a great option to pick a costume for because there are just so many characters featured. You could be Ted or Coach Beard, each with a visor, whistle, and blue windbreaker; you could go as a football players, like Jamie Tart or roy Kent; or even Keeley, with a high ponytail and colorful pantsuit. In terms of becoming a character for Halloween, Ted Lasso is pretty versatile.

Heated Rivalry: We all knew it was coming. This one is easy-peasy. Everyone who is everyone has heard of Heated Rivalry, whether they’re a fan of the show or not. You can really pick a multitude of characters to be for Halloween, but of course the most obvious choices are Shane and Ilya. What you’ll need: a hockey jersey. There are also a couple different looks from the show you could choose to go as, but if we’re looking for a last-minute solution, I think the easiest option would be to get a jersey from the Boston Raiders (Ilya) or the Montreal Metros (Shane).

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: Egg and Dunk are a great duo if you’re looking to pair up with someone for your costume this year. The Game of Thrones spinoff show was such an absolute hit this year, that I think these have the potential to be a popular pairing for Halloween. If you want to go for a costume that is more medieval, this is the show to emulate. What you’ll need: some green-hooded cloaks, simple trousers and shirts in a neutral color, and easy walking boots. For some extra flair, a sword for Dunk and a bald cap for Egg would go the extra mile.

LET’S GET CAMPY

It may not be as cost effective, and a little hard to pull off, but some of these ideas are honestly ones that I am just hoping someone can pull off because I think it would be so amazing.

Project Hail Mary: One of the most popular movies from the summer, I think Project Hail Mary could be a Halloween costume we see a lot of this year. Ryland Grace or Eva Stratt would probably be the easiest and more common choices for a Halloween costume. My challenge, however, would be is someone could go as Rocky. Honestly, I don’t even know how someone could manage to pull it off, nor could I provide a list of what you would need to do it. Maybe one of those microphones that can change your voice and some blue gemstone jewelry. . .

The Odyssey: With a three hour run-time move like The Odyssey, there has got to be something you can scrounge up from your closet that you make into some kind of Grecian attire. Even a toga sheet would do! Turn some golden bracelets into arm cuffs and make a laurel to put on your head, and there you go!

Masters of the Universe: Last, but not least. While the movie wasn’t an inherent financial success this summer, it was so campy and fun that it’s a success to me. The world of He-Man offers a lot of options costume wise. Obviously, one could go as He-Man, in his “I-hate-my-life office casual” fit (salmon button-up shirt and neutral pants) or the “saving the universe” (leather vest and battle skort). But, in my opinion, I think someone should go as Skeletor. Specifically, the “nike sweatsuit gym bro” version of Skeletor. That scene from the movie made me laugh so hard, and if someone dressed up in that particular outfit it would make my entire night.

View this post on Instagram

Whatever you decide to go as this year, just have fun and be safe. Happy Halloween!