Life

20 Super Easy Halloween Costumes For Lazy Couples

by Dacy Knight

Let's face it: complicated, punny, and often costly Halloween costumes aren't for everyone, especially when you're coordinating for two. Maybe you and your significant other are of the school of no-nonsense, and would rather spend your money on booze than a Beauty and the Beast getup you can only wear one night, or maybe Halloween's just around the corner and it's simply too late to order Belle's gown. Either way, if a fanciful, intricate ensemble is not in the cards for you and your partner this year, here's a list of 20 easy Halloween costume ideas for couples that should be much more up your alley.

Halloween costume execution welcomes a variety of approaches, and the lazy approach is no less effective. Unless you live in a college town (or Murray Hill), you probably aren't planning on spending in the triple digits for your one-night outfit. These options below not only cut the costs, but also the effort as they're comprised mostly of belongings you already have lying around your apartment (clothes in a variety of colors, blankets, toilet paper). For the lazy set, compromising on cost and effort doesn't mean you have to compromise on cleverness. It's possible to pull from the back of your closet and still be pop-culturally current ("we aim to please"), or deliver a nostalgic nod to the past ("here come the Men in Black"). The trick really is about over-accessorizing and driving the theme home, or over-simplifying and letting strong signifiers speak for themselves. Read on for 20 effortless Halloween couples costumes for twosomes who simply don't have time for that, but still want to look great.

1. Tourists

Grab your partner, your passport, and your Tevas, because it's time to go on vacation and be the world's most obnoxious tourists! All you and your travel companion have to do is under-dress (Aloha shirt and khaki shorts please) and over-accessorize (fanny-packs have made their come-back).

What You'll Need:

  • Sun hats
  • Fanny pack
  • Hawaiian shirts,
  • "I Love NY" Tee, $3, Amazon (or anything else only a tourist would sport sans irony)
  • Travel media e.g. travel guides, maps
  • Ridiculous footgear e.g. running shoes (with high socks), Tevas (with or without socks)

Costume tutorial: Polyvore

2. Pong

Love's just a game with this super simple archaic arcade ensemble. Head back to the '70s for some Atari action in matching turtlenecks, and a single accessory.

What You'll Need:

  • Black turtlenecks
  • White paint (or poster board cut into rectangles and double-stick tape)
  • A white cube (can be a painted block of styrofoam or wood)

Costume tutorial: Polyvore

3. Elderly Couple

You and your loved one can look just like the adorable elderly couple you hope to someday be with a few argyle and tweed tweaks to your wardrobe — anything with embroidery is a go — and several streaks of grey.

What You'll Need:

Costume tutorial: Polyvore

4. Zombies

For this number, the key is just to look as decrepit — and well, dead — as possible. Achieve this with dark makeup, and lots of fake blood. Cut up an outfit you were planning on donating anyway, grab a fake weapon of choice, and the world is yours to wander.

What You'll Need:

  • Fake Blood, $3, Amazon
  • Eyeshadow in black, green, and brown
  • Scissors
  • Clothes you don't mind cutting up
  • Zombie weapon of choice

Costume tutorial: Polyvore

5. Salt & Pepper

Decidedly less cool than teaming up with your squad and dressing up like Salt-n-Pepa, here's the second-best alternative that you can do with your boo. Spice up your love life with this 100 percent stress-free approach to Halloween. One of you wears all white, the other all black, then respectively pin a large cut-out "S" and "P," and you're good to go and get shakin.'

What You'll Need:

  • Outfits In All White and Black
  • Cardboard or Felt Cut-Out "S" and "P"

Costume tutorial: Polyvore

6. Pantone Colors

As easy as picking your favorite color and sticking to it, dress from head to toe in one homogeneous hue. Print out oversized Pantone swatches to eliminate any confusion from onlookers.

What You'll Need:

  • Clothes In One Color
  • Poster Board

Costume tutorial: Polyvore

7. Formal Apology

Simply don your best formal attire, and carry around a sign that reads: "I'm sorry."

What You'll Need:

  • Your Best Suit and Dress
  • Signs

Costume tutorial: Polyvore

8. Clark Kent & Lois Lane

Forget going the extra mile with full-out Superman tights and cape. Instead, keep it casual with the Clark Kent approach, which requires only a suit and the iconic superhero tee. Print out press passes.

What You'll Need:

  • His and Hers Suits
  • Superman Tee, $10, Amazon
  • Printed press passes for "Clark Kent" and "Lois Lane"

Costume tutorial: Polyvore

9. Mummies

Go old-school for one of the easiest costumes around. As for the toilet paper, ask your roommates first.

What You'll Need:

  • White Outfits
  • Toilet Paper

Costume tutorial: Polyvore

10. Robbers

Striped shirts and ski masks can really make a look. Add some gloves and a bag of Monopoly money, and you're ready to rob.

What You'll Need:

  • Striped Shirts
  • Black Pants
  • Black Gloves
  • Bag With a Dollar Bill
  • Play Money

Costume tutorial: Polyvore

11. Anastasia Steele & Christian Grey

One of the most talked about movies of the year has one of the easiest costume combos. All that's needed is a dark suit (preferably in a shade of grey), two men's shirts, and of course some playful penthouse accessories.

What You'll Need:

  • For Him: Suit with Grey Tie, $23, Kohls
  • For Her: His shirt
  • Red Room Paraphernalia e.g. handcuffs, whip

Costume tutorial: Polyvore

12. Grapes

Caution: Stay away from sharp objects while wearing this head-to-toe color block approach that allows you and your boo to be fruity cuties. Just go with purple or green, blow up balloons of the same, and attach all around.

What You'll Need:

  • Outfits In Purple and Green
  • Balloons In Purple and Green

Costume tutorial: Polyvore

13. Copy & Paste

If you're one of those couples who has gradually become more and more alike as your relationship has gone on, poke some fun at your closeness with these computer key tees.

What You'll Need:

14. Nerds

Unleash your inner nerd with a few well-curated accessories. Suspenders and calculator watch are essential.

What You'll Need:

Costume tutorial: Polyvore

15. Censored Couple

For a provocative night out, find garments in a shade closest to your skin's hue, and then cover up the personal bits with "CENSORED" bars.

What You'll Need:

  • For Him: Boxers or shorts in a skin-matching shade
  • For Her: Leggings and a tight top in a skin-matching shade
  • Cardboard signs reading "CENSORED"

Costume tutorial: Polyvore

16. Agent J & Agent K from Men In Black

You two can be defenders of the galaxy for the night by simply donning black suits and shades to match.

What You'll Need:

  • Black Suits
  • Sunglasses

Costume tutorial: Polyvore

17. Jack & Coke

Remake your favorite well-drink in these straightforward tees.

What You'll Need:

Costume tutorial: Polyvore

18. Chippendale & Bachelorette

No shirt needed for his costume in this seductive couples combo.

What You'll Need:

  • For Him: Stripper Bow Tie and Cuffs, Leather Pants (black slacks or jeans work too), Body Oil
  • For Her: Clubbing Dress (opt for white for added bride-to-be effect), Bachelorette Sash, Tiara, Other Party Paraphernalia

Costume tutorial: Polyvore

19. Netflix & Chill

What more comfortable way to go out than dressing like you're spending the night in? Put on what you'd both wear if you were staying home for a night of Netflix and chill (in its literal meaning, please).

What You'll Need

  • Sweats
  • Slippers
  • Popcorn
  • Blanket
  • Netflix

Costume tutorial: Polyvore

20. Ghosts

The laziest Halloween costume of them all, this classic go-to gives new meaning to the word "effortless." If the above list still made your head hurt, this is the costume for you and your mate.

What You'll Need:

  • White Bed Sheets
  • Scissors

Costume tutorial: Polyvore

Images: Polyvore (20)