Halloween is your excuse to be someone or something completely different for a night. And if you ask us, the best costumes aren’t the ones that come straight out of a package. They’re the ones you have a little fun creating yourself!

That’s why we’ve rounded up our top picks for DIY inspiration from your local Goodwill store.

With racks full of vintage finds, statement pieces, accessories, suits, dresses, shoes, and all the wonderfully weird things you didn’t know you needed, you never really know what you’ll find. And sometimes, the best costume starts with one completely unexpected piece.

But if you need some Halloween inspiration, look no further! Here are twelve trending Halloween looks we’re loving (and having some fun with) this year, and what to look for at your local Goodwill to bring them to life.

1. The Devil Wears Prada

Fashion lovers, this one’s for you.

Whether you want to channel Miranda Priestly’s polished power dressing or Andy Sachs’ transformation into a fashion-world icon, The Devil Wears Prada gives you plenty of room to thrift your interpretation.

For Miranda, look for tailored coats, sophisticated dresses, heels, and statement accessories. For Andy, think fashion-editor layers, a chic coat, boots, and of course: a great bag.

What to look for at Goodwill:

Blazers and tailored coats
Statement handbags
Heels or boots
Scarves
Designer-inspired accessories
Sleek dresses or skirts
Anything that makes you feel like you have somewhere very important to be

And remember: florals for Halloween? Groundbreaking.

2. “Standing on Business”

If you were online in the last year, you’ve probably seen J Biebs standing on business. What we love about this costume is how simple it is to pull off! This is perfect for our last-minute DIYers who need to show up to the party as something.

Find an oversized blue hoodie, like these at Goodwill, and stand on business! The key is looking like you just casually wandered into Halloween while somehow still being instantly recognizable.

What to look for at Goodwill:

Oversized blue hoodie
Baggy jeans or athletic pants
Sneakers

The trick? Don’t overthink it. The more effortlessly Bieber, the better.

3. Witchy Vibes

This costume is perfect for thrifting because the look is all about romantic, witchy layers. Think flowing dresses, oversized sweaters, boots, lace, velvet, and plenty of texture.

The perfect thing about witchy looks? They can be styled with your interpretation and imagination! And this year is especially witchy for some film lovers… Practical Magic 2, anyone?

What to look for at Goodwill:

Long, flowy black dresses
Lace or crochet pieces
Oversized sweaters
Boots
Velvet
Long skirts
Layered jewelry
Witchy accessories

Add some tousled hair and a little mysterious energy, and you’re ready to cast a spell.

4. Strawberry Shortcake

Sweet, nostalgic and instantly recognizable, Strawberry Shortcake is a perfect costume to recreate with thrifted pieces.

Look for anything pink, green and strawberry-inspired, then pile on the playful details. You don’t need an exact replica to make the look work; part of the fun is creating a modern spin!

What to look for at Goodwill:

Pink dresses or skirts
Green cardigans
Strawberry prints
Aprons
Mary Janes
Striped socks
Bows and hair accessories
Red or pink accessories

Bonus: Thrift a wicker basket from the wares section for the accessories to this sweet look!

5. Dolly Parton

What would Halloween be without a little Dolly?

Dolly Parton’s iconic style is practically made for a Goodwill treasure hunt: rhinestones, fringe, denim, big hair, boots, and plenty of sparkle.

You don’t need an exact replica. Take inspiration from Dolly and make the look your own.

What to look for at Goodwill:

Rhinestone or embellished tops
Denim
Fringe
Cowboy boots
Sequins
Statement jewelry
Big belts
Anything sparkly

And don’t forget the hair. The bigger, the better.

6. Pop Star Vibes

Fortunately, your local Goodwill is brimming with pop star looks that are easy to replicate! Take inspiration from your favorite artist and build your own stage-ready look.

Pop star icons with specific style that are trending, like Taylor Swift and Zara Larsson, are going to be a piece of cake to thrift for. Or, perhaps your own pop-star alter ego is calling. The more dramatic, sparkly and over-the-top, the better.

What to look for at Goodwill:

Sequins
Sparkly dresses
Metallic pieces
Statement jackets
Platform shoes
Rhinestones
Statement sunglasses
Costume jewelry
Anything that says “I’m about to go on stage.”

Finish it with a microphone, dramatic makeup, and your best pop-star pose.

7. The Pitt Doctors

If you’re looking for a group costume, The Pitt is a perfect excuse to turn your friend group into the busiest hospital staff in Halloween history.

This one is especially easy to thrift. All you really need is the right medical look and a commitment to the chaos.

What to look for at Goodwill:

Scrubs
Zip-up hoodies
Sneakers
Clipboards

Grab your coworkers or friends, assign everyone a role, and prepare for a very long shift.

8. Minnie Mouse

A classic for a reason.

Put your own thrifted spin on Minnie Mouse with a polka-dot outfit, oversized bow and a little Disney-inspired magic.

What to look for at Goodwill:

Red or black dresses
Polka dots
White gloves
Black shoes
Red accessories
Oversized bows
Tights or socks

The ears are the finishing touch—but the rest of the outfit is where you can have fun making Minnie your own.

9. Tony Soprano

You don’t need a horse head or a whole crew to channel Tony Soprano.

The key to this costume is leaning into Tony’s unmistakable New Jersey mob-boss-at-home aesthetic: tracksuit, robe, button-down, loafers and an attitude that says you have some very important business to handle.

What to look for at Goodwill:

Tracksuits
Robes
Button-down shirts
Polo shirts
Leather jackets
Loafers
Gold chains
A pair of sunglasses

For maximum commitment, carry around a plate of baked ziti and spend the evening looking mildly annoyed at everyone.

10. Jake from State Farm

We all know the question: “What are you wearing, Jake from State Farm?”

The answer is simple: khakis.

This costume is proof that you don’t need an elaborate outfit to make a recognizable Halloween look. Grab a red polo, a pair of khakis, and a name tag, and you’re Jake.

What to look for at Goodwill:

Red polo shirt
Khaki pants
Black or brown shoes

Optional: headset or State Farm-inspired accessories

It’s easy, comfortable and instantly recognizable—which means you can spend less time worrying about your costume and more time asking everyone what they’re wearing.

11. It’s Giving Grandma

Who says Halloween has to be spooky? For a certified authentic Grandma look, embrace the art of dressing like you have a casserole in the oven and absolutely nowhere to be.

The best part? You probably won’t have to look very far at Goodwill to find everything you need.

What to look for at Goodwill:

Cardigans
Floral dresses
Elastic-waist pants
Pearl necklaces
Brooches
Reading glasses
Sensible shoes
Quilted bags
Scarves

Add a purse full of tissues, a little lipstick and a very strong opinion about the weather.

12. Groovy Gal

Turn back the clock with a Groovy Gal look.

This is your excuse to go all-in on color, patterns and ’60s/’70s-inspired style. And Goodwill is basically a treasure hunt for this one.

What to look for at Goodwill:

Bell bottoms
Tie-dye
Fringe
Floral prints
Crochet
Platform shoes
Round sunglasses
Headbands
Colorful accessories

The more colorful and wonderfully over-the-top, the better.

The Best Halloween Costume Might Be the One You Find and Create Yourself

The best part about thrifting your Halloween costume is that you don’t have to know exactly what you’re looking for when you walk through the doors.

Maybe you find the perfect leather jacket. Maybe you find a completely ridiculous pair of sunglasses. Maybe you spot a dress that instantly makes you think, “I know exactly what I could be with this.”

That’s the magic of Goodwill this Halloween season!

Our inventory is always changing, so every trip is a little different. You never know what unexpected find is going to inspire your costume.

This Halloween, skip the predictable costume aisle, get creative and make your own! Head to your local Goodwill, start digging, and see what you can find.

Halloween Comes Alive at Goodwill!

Find Your Nearest Goodwill Store

Don’t Forget to Give Your Costume a Second Life

When you’re ready to pack away the pumpkins and put the costume away, consider donating your gently used costumes, accessories, décor, and other Halloween finds to Goodwill instead of throwing them in the trash.

With convenient donation centers and donation bins throughout our community, giving your Halloween items a second life is easy. You had fun finding it—now let someone else find it, too. Your donation can keep useful items in circulation, help keep them out of landfills, and support Goodwill’s mission to help Oklahomans overcome challenges to employment.

Find Your Nearest Goodwill Donation Center