20 Easy, Last-Minute Costumes You Can Make Using Your Handbag
There have been a handful of Halloweens where we've been ready to go, rocking our cutest zombie/baby/teddy bear getups, only to realize a little something: zombies/babies/teddy bears don't carry purses. Crap, we think to ourselves, shoving our makeup, phones, and wallets into our pockets (and the pockets of friends). We should have considered this beforehand, as in way before we picked out our looks.
So this year, we're doing just that and going a step further, too. Ahead you'll find some easy costumes that don't just pair well with your trusty ol' bag, they revolve around it, from Dora the Explorer to Mary Poppins. Now you can hold whatever junk, layers, and candy you don't mind carrying. Ahh, yes. Problem solved.
Dora the Explorer
Dora's must-have accessory? A purple backpack, which holds her map and other trusty traveling staples. Otherwise, she's just another chick in a monochrome look!
A Smiley Face
Trust us — this tote is so large, it'll distract from whatever else you've got on (but we'd stick with one color, such as black, so it really stands out).
A Turtle
This backpack may not be big enough to crawl into, but pair the quilted design with a full green look and people will totally get it.
M Z Wallace Oxford Small Metro Quilted Nylon Backpack ($225)
A '90s Mom
A fanny pack was a '90s parent staple. Rock it with a visor, ribbed ankle socks, and sneakers, and no one will have to second guess who you are *annoyed kid voice*, Moooom.
Part Mermaid
The tote speaks for itself!
A Cartoon Character
Trippy? Yes. But you'll definitely want to rock this baby long after Oct. 31.
Aoibox Funny 3D Cartoon Backpack Students School Campus Bags Satchel ($22)
A Pokémon Trainer
Easy and pretty timely. Shrug on this Pikachu backpack, add a poké ball, and you're set.
Kids' Pokémon Backpack ($13)
A Piano Player
Maybe pair it with a suit jacket. Now you're a classy piano player.
A Mail Person
Someone's got a letter from Karl Lagerfeld!
A Monster
You've got eyes on your back. And they're winking, too.
A Hiker
Throw on your fitness gear and you're pretty much set.
A Dog Walker
Or a socialite like old-school Paris Hilton, aka a costume you can make using pajamas.
Thom Browne Gog Small Tote ($2,249)
A Burglar
You obviously found the good stuff! Pair this pouch with an all-black look.
Clare V. Velvet Bucket Pouch ($245)
A Jazz Musician
A one-and-done kinda costume.
A Mermaid
Styled with a metallic dress or skirt, you'll look like you've just arrived from under the sea.
Missco Girl Shell Clutch ($41)
Mary Poppins
Rock the weekender with a brimmed hat and long coat and you'll be "practically perfect in every way."
ANDM (Nila Anthony) Clever Endeavor Weekend Bag in Bloom ($70)
The White Rabbit From Alice in Wonderland
A clock is a great way to make that trusty ear headband a bit more interesting.
A Game
Carry around an old controller for the full effect.