Get ready to thrift your Halloween! Discover ideas for finding costumes, decorating your space, and creating fun DIY Halloween looks with secondhand finds from Goodwill.
Halloween is all about getting creative, and you don’t have to spend a lot to create a look that’s ready for trick-or-treating, a Halloween party, or a night of spooky fun. According to Goodwill’s annual Halloween Shopper Survey, 85% of surveyed costume shoppers plan to incorporate thrift shopping or DIY elements into a costume for themselves this year. Only 2% of those surveyed say they have not used secondhand items and prefer to buy new.
At Goodwill, you’ll find racks and shelves full of pieces that can become something completely different with a little imagination.
Whether you’re looking for a ready-to-wear costume or planning to DIY your look, Goodwill is a great place to start your Halloween hunt
Why Thrift Your Halloween?
One of the best things about creating a Halloween costume from secondhand finds is the freedom to get creative.
Instead of searching for one specific costume in a box, you can mix and match clothing, accessories, shoes, and other items to create a look that fits your idea. You may even find pieces that inspire an entirely different costume.
Thrifting can also give you more flexibility when you’re dressing as a character. You don’t necessarily need an exact costume. Sometimes, a few recognizable details are all it takes to bring a look together.
And because Halloween merchandise can be repurposed in so many ways, don’t limit yourself to the costume section. Check the entire store for pieces that could become part of your look.
Trending Halloween Costume Ideas for 2026
Looking for some inspiration? Pop culture, nostalgia, movies, music, and social media are bringing plenty of ideas to Halloween this year. Here are some trending looks you can recreate with thrifted finds:
- Doctor Doom: Look for a long dark coat or jacket, black clothing, boots, gloves, and metallic accessories. Add a DIY mask for the finishing touch.
- The Devil Wears Prada: Channel Miranda Priestly, Andy Sachs, or Emily with blazers, polished dresses, skirts, heels or boots, handbags, sunglasses, and statement accessories.
- The Odyssey / Greek Mythology: Look for flowing dresses, white or neutral fabrics, sandals, gold jewelry, scarves, sheets, and draped fabrics to create a mythology-inspired look.
- Practical Magic Witches: Search for long skirts, flowy dresses, boots, shawls, cardigans, layered jewelry, and other witchy accessories. And don’t forget the signature black umbrella!
- Spider-Man: Start with red, blue, or black clothing and add a DIY spider emblem or mask. Look for athletic wear, hoodies, leggings, gloves, and sneakers.
- Supergirl: Look for a blue top or dress, red skirt or bottoms, boots, and a DIY cape. A red-and-yellow logo can be created with felt or fabric.
- Sabrina Carpenter: Pastel mini dress, platform heels, white socks, microphone, and a retro-inspired hairstyle.
- Hannah Montana: Bring back the 2000s with colorful tops, denim, boots, statement jewelry, sunglasses, and sparkly accessories.
- Moana: Flowing skirts or dresses, tropical prints, sandals, shell or flower accessories, and DIY jewelry can create the look.
- Wednesday Addams: Look for a black dress or skirt, white-collar shirt, black shoes, and accessories. Add braids for the finishing touch.
- Stranger Things: Recreate the ’80s-inspired looks with denim, graphic tees, windbreakers, colorful sweaters, athletic wear, and accessories.
- Avatar: The Last Airbender: Look for clothing in character-inspired colors, robes, scarves, boots, and DIY accessories to create your favorite character’s look.
- 2026 Viral Memes: Turn a favorite meme or viral moment into a costume using thrifted clothing, cardboard, signs, props, and accessories.
Best Group Costume Ideas
Planning a Halloween costume with friends or family? These group ideas give everyone a character to create:
- K-Pop Demon Hunters: Rumi, Mira, and Zoey
- Wicked: Elphaba, Glinda, and other characters
- Fantastic Four: Create superhero looks with colored shirts, pants, boots, and DIY logos.
- Inside Out 2: Use colorful clothing, wigs, accessories, and DIY signs to represent different emotions.
- Toy Story 5: Look for denim, cowboy boots, vests, plaid shirts, colorful clothing, and DIY character accessories.
- Mario Bros.: Mario, Luigi, Peach, Bowser, and other characters make an easy group costume. Look for colorful shirts, overalls, hats, and DIY character logos.
What to Look for When DIYing a Costume
When you’re putting together a costume from thrifted finds, think beyond the costume section. Check clothing racks, accessories, shoes, home décor, and even craft-friendly items.
Keep an eye out for:
- Blazers and Jackets
- Dresses and Skirts
- Button-Down Shirts
- Jeans and Other Pants
- Boots and Shoes
- Handbags and Backpacks
- Hats and Scarves
- Jewelry and Costume Jewelry
- Sunglasses
- Belts
- Sheets and Fabric
- Wigs and Accessories
- Crafts & Materials for DIY props
You may not find an exact costume, but you can often find the pieces you need to create one.
Create Halloween Décor From Thrifted Finds
Your Halloween transformation doesn’t have to stop at your costume. Goodwill’s Halloween Survey found 72% of those surveyed plan to incorporate thrift shopping or DIY elements into Halloween home decorations.
Goodwill can also be a great place to find items that can be turned into seasonal décor. Look for vases, baskets, frames, candlesticks, glassware, fabric, artwork, trays, and other household pieces that can be incorporated into your Halloween decorating.
Try:
- Filling thrifted glassware with candy or seasonal treats.
- Turning frames into spooky wall art.
- Using black or dark-colored vases for Halloween arrangements.
- Creating a Halloween centerpiece from thrifted dishes and decorative pieces.
- Adding spooky details to baskets or containers for trick-or-treat supplies.
- Repurposing fabric into table runners, banners, or other decorations.
Enter Our Halloween Giveaway!
Ready to add a little extra fun to your Halloween shopping? Enter our Halloween Giveaway for a chance to win a $50 Goodwill Gift Card!
Whether you’re searching for costume pieces, Halloween décor, or supplies for your next DIY project, a Goodwill Gift Card can help you bring your Halloween ideas to life.
Enter today for your chance to win! Visit our giveaway page for entry details, official rules, and the deadline to enter.
Ready to Thrift Your Halloween?
Whether you’re recreating a favorite character, putting together a group costume, decorating your home, or creating something completely your own, Goodwill is a great place to start.
Bring your imagination, give yourself time to browse, and don’t be afraid to look at everyday items in a new way. Your next Halloween costume might already be waiting for you on the rack.
And remember, when you shop at Goodwill, you’re not just finding secondhand items. Your purchases help support our local mission programs and our work to help people in South Central Wisconsin live, work, and thrive.
Happy thrifting, and have a spooktacular Halloween!