We all have those friends who live for Halloween: You know, the ones who plan months in advance, and will spend a small fortune on their costumes without blinking an eye. Then there are the rest of us - adults who dread the whole dressing-up tradition, save for its inherent promise of a few killer parties. After all, Halloween really is a holiday for kids… candy, costumes, trick-or-treating. Yet, no matter how much we try to avoid it, most of us will end up sporting some sort of last minute concoction for the sake of not looking like the sole partygoer who’s too cool for costumes.

Whatever you do, don’t panic… it’s not too late to pull it together. We’ve created a list of low cost, low commitment costumes that are just enough to get you into the parties you want to hit, without spending a lot. And, as one of the hardest parts of the costume process is facing all of the obnoxious freaks and the obscenely long lines at NYC’s countless Halloween shops, we found the two best Halloween websites – both of which boast huge selections and amazing deals – so you can do all your browsing online. Halloween Express has same day and free shipping, as well as easy return offers for qualifying purchases. And, Buy Costumes offers FedEx delivery to guarantee you’ll get your purchase before Halloween. Looking to ornament your outfit? For make-up and hair accessories Ricky's NYC remains one of the best. Now for the looks:

Beastie Boys Cop: Old-school 1970’s detective. Men, do it right and the ladies won’t be able to resist your charm.
Minimum Effort: cop-killer sunglasses, mustache, tie, comb-over, badge.
The Real Deal: Wig, suspenders, vintage suit.

Redneck: Get in tune with your inner party animal. Great excuse to act like a rude drunk all night.
Minimum Effort: Stained T-shirt, Jeans, Trucker Hat, Beer huggy or 40 oz.
The Real Deal: Bubba Teeth, mullet wig, overalls, flannel.

Kitty Cat or Bunny: Ladies can’t go wrong being a bunny or kitty. And, American Apparel has great body suits that are worth the splurge since you can wear them again. To add some sex appeal make sure to wear stilettos.
Minimum Effort: Ears and tail.
The Real Deal: Unitard or body suit and tights, whiskers, face make-up, bow tie, kitty sequined face mask.

Waldo: Everyone’s eyes will be on you, as that’s the name of the game.
Minimum Effort: Red-and-white-striped shirt and pom-pom cap, and glasses.
The Real Deal: Pack a scroll, a pooch named Woof and enlist a friend as your wizard.

Kogal (à la Go-Go from Kill Bill) or Harajuku girl: This is a modern twist on the classic schoolgirl, meets Lolita, meets Marilyn Manson. Pile it all on - just make sure nothing matches. Besides, it’s a great way to utilize all those tacky sale purchases you’ve never worn.
Minimum Effort: Bold make-up, tons of hair accessories and jewelry, mismatched outfit.
The Real Deal: Fake eyelashes, punk wig, knee socks, fishnets, schoolgirl skirt, colorful umbrella.

Hippie: Peace, love and happiness… be the original hipster - a hippie. This is a great co-ed look and easy for couples.
Minimum Effort: Headband, peace sign, hair parted down the middle.
The Real Deal: Beads, turquoise, bellbottoms, flowers, vest, tie-dye, bandanna, beatnik dress, braids, groovy glasses.

Mardi Gras Princess: Be the belle of the ball and make new friends with your Mardi Gras beads. The Mardi Gras masks are great since they don’t impede with eating, drinking or smoking activities.
Minimum Effort: face mask, Mardi Gras beads, glitter make-up.
The Real Deal: gown, opera gloves, tiara, fake eyelashes.

Urkel: Everyone has a soft spot for a nerd, so be the geek of the party.
Minimum Effort: Taped-up glasses on a chain, pants pulled up high, cardigan, suspenders.
The Real Deal: Have a friend go as your alter-ego, “Stefan Urquelle.”

Carrie: This isn’t pretty, but it’s a good option if you’re in a last minute jam. (See the recipe for fake blood you can make at home below.)
Minimum: Thrift store prom dress, cover yourself in fake blood.
The Real Deal: Pale skin, long strawberry blond wig, perfect your blood curdling scream. Fake Blood Recipe: 1cup Karo/Corn Syrup; 1 Tbsp Water; 2 Tbsp red food coloring; 1 tsp yellow food coloring; 1 tsp blue food coloring.

~Joanna Kunze

For more Halloween costume ideas, go to 80s Tees.