Five Super Easy DIY Halloween Costumes

What if Halloween snuck up on you, and you aren't able to get a Halloween costume on such short notice? What if you're not the most creative or artistic person when it comes to costumes? What if you are trying to avoid spending a lot on a Halloween costume when a simple one will do? Take heart in this: You are not alone. I too have had these problems. The solution is to make a very simple Halloween costume. You can make clever Halloween costumes without going broke or working too hard.

5. The Nudist on Strike
A personal favorite of mine, this is arguably the easiest Halloween costume in the world. All you have to do is print a piece of paper with the words "Nudist on Strike" on it. For even more creative control, you can write the words with a pen or marker. To complete the costume, wear something, anything, and make sure you have the paper taped to your chest or back. You are now a member of the counter-counter-culture. Congratulations!

4. The Headless Spectre
If you don't want to be a spectre, that's okay. Call yourself a ghost, an unfortunate grocery store clerk, whatever you prefer. The important thing for this Halloween costume is to get a big turtleneck, pull the neck over your head, and cut small holes in it for the eyes. Apply ketchup or fake blood on the top of your "stump" for best effect. Now you look like you're headless (more or less).

3. Dharma Initiative Supply Crate
This Halloween costume is for fans of the popular ABC show LOST. Even if you don't know the show well, you will probably get some recognition from other people (as long as you do the costume right). You simply need a cardboard box and some mad artistic skillz. Cut out holes big enough for your arms and legs. Now, paint or draw lines down the side. Finally, you will need to paint the Dharma Initiative symbol on your box. Check it out here. Great! Now you're ready to feed Hurley for a whole day.

2. A Nerd
For a girl, a Napoleon Dynamite "Deb" hairstyle is a good start (for those of you who don't recognize the reference, it's a ponytail on only one side). For a guy, gelled hair with an obvious part down the middle will do the trick. As far as clothing for the Halloween costume, be creative, but make sure to use pocket protectors, pens, Ti-83+ calculators, and suspenders. Also consider knee-high socks, bow ties, and thick glasses with tape around the middle. Most important, though, is when you talk to people: an Urkel voice will be just fine.

1. Garbage
This is a fun Halloween costume! Get a typical trash bag and cut holes in the bottom for your legs. You can choose to do the same for your arms, but where's the fun in that? Now make sure that the bag is well stuffed so you look full. So the costume will stay up, use twist ties or rubber bands to fasten it around the neck, and tape for the legs and/or arms. Finally, don't hesitate to add little decorations coming out of your trash bag: a pizza box, a banana peel, you get the idea. You can even pretend that your head is one of the things that was thrown away, making this an excellent Halloween costume alongside "The Headless Spectre" Halloween costume (see above).

Well, those are the Halloween costumes I suggest. Hopefully one of them is right down your alley. Don't forget, these are for Halloween night. Please don't go to work dressed as garbage and expect to impress anyone. Really. (But if you do, get a buddy to come as a trash collector and make a day out of it.)

Don't forget to check out my political Halloween costume ideas, which are Halloween costumes of various current political figures. Now get out there and scare some people!