With Halloween creeping up on us, time is of the essence to decide on your DIY queer costume and take the fear out of the preparation! Do you still have no idea what to wear? Well, this last-minute list may be just what you need.

The compilation has something for everyone’s budget and creative skills, from timeless classics to pop culture moments – here are 15 costume ideas for celebrating a frightfully good Halloween this year:

Velma from Scooby Doo

For this look, rummage through your closet and find as much orange as possible – a jumper or a turtleneck (or both!) should do the job, along with knee-high orange socks, a red skirt, dark shoes and some thick-rimmed black glasses. If your hair is not the same colour or length, then a brown bob wig will be the ultimate finish. 

Zoolander or Hansel from Zoolander

Evoke main character energy or transform into his rival from this cult classic. For Zoolander – spike out your hair, contour the cheekbones, have a sparkly outfit and remember to strike certain poses throughout the night – such as the ‘Magnum’, ‘Le Tigre’, and the iconic ‘Blue Steel’. If people turn their heads, you’ve been successful.

For Hansel, just simply grab a blonde wig, a flashy top, some leather trousers, a pair of sunglasses and a striking big necklace.

Classic Cowboy

This year, gay cowboys have seen a resurgence on the screen and stage, bringing joy to LGBTQ+ enthusiasts. Whether it’s Pedro Pascal and Ethan Hawke in A Strange Way of Life or Jack and Ennis in the theatre rendition of Brokeback Mountain, there’s plenty of costume inspiration!

To capture the style, just don a cowboy hat, neckerchief, boots, and your favourite shirt tucked into some snug denim jeans.

Tanya from White Lotus

This list wouldn’t be complete without Jennifer Coolidge’s White Lotus character. To dress up as Tanya, you’ll need some oversized sunglasses, a blonde wig, and an extravagant summery dress and shawl. To really make this one convincing, be sure to scream, “These gays are trying to kill me!” at any given opportunity.

Elvira

Embracing the timeless allure of the Mistress of the Dark, Elvira’s iconic look is not beyond the reach of last-minute panic-induced costume preparation.

Capturing her essence requires nothing more than slipping into a long, bewitching black dress and throwing on a styled black wig. The magic truly happens with the artful application of makeup and the confidence you exude. And, of course, perfect the look with those jet-black nails and that seductive, blood-red lip!

Carol Aird from Carol 

Get ready to sashay into the room like the fabulous icon you are with the ultimate Carol costume! Start with a striking red fascinator hat perched atop your head, exuding a sense of timeless glamour. Add a plush faux fur coat and match your fiery red nails and lips, because who says matching your lipstick to your life’s drama isn’t a fashion statement?

Tie it all together with a scarf and slip on some elegant gloves, while making sure to add a cocktail of confidence and mystery. You’ll have people thinking Carol isn’t just a character; she’s your spirit animal.

Damian from Mean Girls 

Ah, let’s talk about iconic characters – and here’s one that’s a timeless classic and oh-so-easy to pull off!

To transform into Damian from Mean Girls, all you need is a cosy oversized blue hoodie and a pair of sunglasses. But wait, feeling a bit extra? Throw in a sign that proudly declares, “She doesn’t even go here!” – and voila! Your costume is not just a hoodie and glasses; it’s practically a comedy masterpiece. Perfect for the minimalist Halloween type.

Megan Broomfield from But I’m a Cheerleader! 

Oh, the irony! When Megan got shipped off to a therapy camp to ‘straighten out,’ it was like sending a cat to fetch water – utterly futile! And guess what? The camp’s attempt to change her just made her more gloriously queer!

Now, about her camp look – grab a pink shirt and skirt, while also tossing in some hair clips. Get out there and show the world that you can’t “cure” fabulous!

David Bowie 

Dressing up as David Bowie for Halloween is like channelling the essence of glam rock royalty! To embody his iconic style, start with Ziggy Stardust’s legendary lightning bolt across your face, using vibrant colours to make it pop. Next, focus on Bowie’s flamboyant fashion – think a skin-tight jumpsuit in bold metallic shades, or perhaps recreate his Thin White Duke era with a sleek suit and a crisp dress shirt.

But remember, Bowie wasn’t just about clothes – it’s the attitude!

Cruella 

Once you’ve rocked the half-and-half hair, let your imagination run riot with her costumes! Dive into the Emma Stone vibe with smudged soot and ‘The Future’ boldly declared on your face, paired with fierce red glitter lips for maximum drama.

Oh, and attention to detail is key! Don’t miss the cigarette holder – it’s the finishing touch for your last-minute queer-inspired, devilishly chic Halloween costume.

 Willow Rosenberg from Buffy the Vampire Slayer 

The basics of transforming into Willow start with a scoop neck shirt paired with a long flowing maxi skirt. Also, get a vibrant short red wig to capture Willow’s signature hair colour, and complete the look with a ’90s choker necklace for that nostalgic touch.

For makeup, focus on Willow’s natural yet alluring appearance. Keep the base light and fresh, adding a touch of rosy blush to the cheeks. Define your eyes with soft eyeliner and mascara, and opt for a natural lip colour to complete the look.

Ellie from The Last of Us 

Dressing as Ellie from The Last of Us allows you to embody a resilient and fierce queer character. To capture the iconic look, simply grab a maroon zipped hoodie, a long-sleeved baseball shirt and some jeans or cargo pants. You could even add rips for a post-apocalyptic vibe. Also, don’t forget a prop knife for the zombie-slaying spirit!

Wednesday Addams

While the idea of dressing up as Wednesday Addams isn’t exactly niche, thanks to the huge success of the 2022 Netflix series, it’s like the queer Halloween costume universe is giving you a nudge and saying, “Hey, now’s your time to shine… in black!”

To nail her iconic look, grab a black outfit, preferably a dress with that classic white collar, and don’t forget the long braids. And, of course, wear your best serious expression.

The Barbie Universe

The popular movie release this year makes this Halloween costume quite timely. Join the fabulous queer tribe of people dressing up as a Barbie character this year, and the hardest part of this look is just deciding on who to be! You’ll have to choose between classic stereotypical Barbie or go a little more niche with these other characters:

• Weird Barbie
• Rollerblading Barbie
• Western Barbie
• Mermaid Barbie

And don’t forget about Ken! There will be plenty of bright queer-coloured chaps roaming the streets this Halloween. There’ll be lots of room for creativity with this costume. For the Ryan Gosling look, a platinum blonde wig may be preferable if you don’t want to resort to a risky bleach box dye situation…but maybe it’s the time to try out a new look – potentially rope in a friend to avoid disaster.

And there you have it, our last-minute queer-inspired Halloween costume list all wrapped up. For more inspiration, take a peek at our past suggestions. Don’t freak out, and let the DIY creativity begin!