21 easy Halloween costumes when you're out of time and money

It happens to someone every year. You find yourself in the costume section a week before Halloween and all that's left is face paint, pieces of a Dorothy costume and dusty leftover villain accessories. Your only other option is to get creative and that can either be a big win or an epic fail.

One thing is for sure, though. If you’re short on cash, you can always use clothes and accessories you already have at home.

Here are 21 Do-It-Yourself costume ideas for you and/or the kiddos. Some are hilarious.

If you don’t have the time, most of these can be made in 15 minutes or less. And if you don’t have the patience, well... share this article with someone who does.

1. Honestly, mom bloggers don’t miss a beat. 

What You Need:

• Spray Paint
• Cardboard
• Scissors/Box Cutter
• A way to tie it on your body | Want it to spin? That'll take a bit more time but it's totally a thing. Get specific instructions here. 

2. Aaliyah was a simple and fly girl. You can be too...

What You’ll Need:

• Tommy Briefs | Quick! Order them here or stop by this local Tommy Hilfiger outlet.
• Rectangular Sunglasses | Don't have them? Try a thrift store.
• Baggy Jeans
• Bomber Jacket or Hoody
• Belly Chain
• Brown Lip Liner and Gloss

3. The sexy mouse/cat (no one ever really knows) never gets old. 

What You’ll Need:

• Ears
• LBD (little black dress)
• Choker
• Black Gloves
• Black Heels or Boots | Don't have the furry kind? Quick! Order this affordable pair.
• Black lipstick and Eyeliner for Face Makeup

4. Dress like you’re going on vacation. Maybe the universe will actually make it happen.

What You’ll Need:

• Floral Shirts
• Straw Hat
• Fanny Pack or Cooler
• Sunglasses
• Flip Flops

5. Ghost E.T. and Elliot... lowkey classic.

(Do yourself a favor: swipe left or tap the arrow on the right for more pics.)

What You’ll Need:

• White Blanket
• Gray Hoodie
• Gray Sweats
• Gray (or black and white) Face Paint

6. It’s the Pillsbury Dough BABY! Omg. 

What You’ll Need:

• White Outfit
• White Hankerchief
• Chef's Hat
• Blue Construction Paper

7. Repurpose decorative flowers from grandma’s for a really good Frida. 

(Do yourself a favor: swipe left or tap the arrow on the right for more pics.)

What You’ll Need:

• Fake Flowers
• Chandelier Earrings
• Eyebrow Pencil
• Blush
• Red, Burgundy or Brown Lipstick
• Statement Necklace

8. Who did this?

What You’ll Need:

• MAC Shopping Bags
• Makeup Belt
• Brushes and Lip Pencils
• Black Outfit

9. Not sure if it gets cuter than this, but it’s worth a try. 

What You’ll Need: 

• Circular Frames
• Red and Yello Striped Scarf
• Gray Sweater
• Particular Hairstyle

10. Sticking with the theme of 15-minutes or less...Caroline Cosplay, everyone.

What You’ll Need: 

• Royal Blue Wig
• Freckles
• Yellow Rain Coat
• Messenger Bag

11. Pro Tip: Use a pencil.

(Do yourself a favor: swipe left or tap the arrow on the right for more pics.)

What You'll Need: 

• Headband
• Feathers
• Furry Shall or Coat
• Pearls
• Sequence Dress
• Red Lipstick
• Pencil | Paint it to look like a cigarette and cigarette holder

12. Be careful out there dressing as Luke Cage. SMH.  

What You’ll Need:

• Black Hoodie
• Scissors
• Mean Mug

13. There are some movie characters that everyone will recognize like these two. 

What You’ll Need:

• Craig: Plaid Flannel
• Criag: White T-Shirt
• Smokey: Navy Blue Fitted Cap
• Smokey: Navy Blue T-Shirt
• Smokey: Thick Gold Chain

14. Girl POWER! Get it? Genius. 

What You’ll Need:

• Black Outfit
• Hella extension and power cords

15. Do this and get an ‘A’ for effort. 

What You’ll Need:

• Scar Makeup Kit

16. Granny approved. 

What You’ll Need:

• Curly Wig (Gray would be perfect)
• Thick Frames with Neck Tie
• Pearls
• Cardigan
• Skirt

17. This photo of Sade has become so popular. Take advantage of its simplicity. 

What You’ll Need:

• Denim Shirt
• Braid
• Gold Hoops
• Gold Bangle
• Red Lipstick
• Power Pose

18. Janet in Poetic Justice is not yet overdone. 

What You’ll Need:

• Blue Long Sleeve Crop Top
• Box Braids
• Gold Hoops
• High Waisted, Light Blue Jeans
• SBlack Leather Belt
• Black Boots

19. If you’ve got a rain coat and boots, you’ve got a fisherman’s costume. 

What You’ll Need:

• Rain Coat
• Fisherman's Hat
• Boots
• Bait Bucket
• Beard

20. She needs an endorsement deal. Honestly.