Athlete

• Sports equipment often occupies closet space in homes. Whether it's a football helmet from a college career, a soccer or basketball or a batting helmet from summer leagues, amateur athletes often accumulate equipment. That sports gear sitting unused might start an athlete costume. Combine it with a jersey from a favorite team worn to watch games. Add appropriate pants and shoes (varies by sport). Football player costumes benefit from a little black makeup under the eyes.
  
  

Witch

• Creating a witch costume at the last minute requires a little work. A hat is necessary to really get the witch look right. Sometimes, though, previous Halloweens leave one in the closet. If not, construct one with some cardboard. Wear a dark dress, or shirt and dress combination. If one isn't hanging in the closet, a dark shroud-like robe or even a blanket or sheet could work. Carrying an old broom adds to the look.
  
  

Hippie

• A pair of jeans or a flowing skirt or dress starts a hippie costume. Tie-dyed clothing works extremely well for a hippie costume. That translates to shirts for men and dresses or shirts for women. A little makeup on the face, a flower, peace sign or rainbow, adds to the outfit. Wear old-fashioned sandals. Add some beads and a headband. Even a rolled bandanna works. Men with short hair should wear some kind of wig, if available.
  
  

Zombie

• Leftover costume makeup from previous uses fills the makeup need for a zombie costume. However, if that option eludes you, standard makeup in dark colors works. Dress in formal clothing that's dirty and tattered for a zombie that was buried before returning to the world. A killed and reanimated zombie appears in any type of clothing but should show signs of injury in the form of torn or cut clothing with blood stains.