Life Hack: How to DIY some of this year's most popular Halloween costumes

Easy options for last-minute spooky looks

‘How to make ghost costume for kids’ is the most searched ‘How to Make’ costume question Irish people are putting into Google this season

Trick or treat! It’s Halloween on Friday and whether it’s last-minute party plans, a hasty trick-or-treating expedition, or a forgotten school costume contest, it's good to know how to throw together a Halloween costume that looks good in a pinch.

Ireland ranks just behind the USA as one of the most Halloween-obsessed countries globally — no surprise given its origins here. New Google Search Trends data has revealed that this year, Irish people are embracing creativity and nostalgia in their costumes. With DIY remaining at the heart of the Irish Halloween experience, the stats also show that we have been searching for plenty of crafty queries. 

Here are some of the top trending costumes searches and tips on how you can create the look with items you already own, saving money and allowing for a more sustainable choice.

Easy classic looks 

Ghost: ‘How to make ghost costume for kids’ is the most searched ‘How to Make’ costume question Irish people are putting into Google this season. The key to this look is, unsurprisingly, white fabric. Dig out an old bed sheet and find the centre of the fabric – this will be the bit that sits at the top of the head. Place it on the person who will be wearing it to measure – if it’s a child, you may need to trim the ends so they don’t tip. Mark where you want the eye holes to be located so they can see easily. Remove the sheet and cut out the holes. Pro tip: wearing a pale woolly hat under the sheet will prevent the sheet from slipping.

Ninja: Even simpler than the classic ghost is a ninja costume. Dress entirely in black clothes and wind a black scarf around the head and the lower half of the face. Pop a red scarf or belt around the waist to complete the look.

Trending options

Minion: Got a little Minion looking to show their true colours this Halloween? No need for shop-bought costumes: pull out some dungarees and yellow face paint and they will be transformed in no time. Don’t forget a banana to accessorise.

Jack Sparrow: Channel your inner pirate by wearing a white shirt with black pants. A dark waistcoat will add to the look, but may not be necessary if you don’t own one. Tie a dark scarf on your forehead and dangle a few beaded necklaces from it. Finish with copious amounts of smoky eyeliner.

Wednesday Addams: Much like the ninja look, the key to Wednesday Addams is to wear your dark colours. Think dresses and patent shoes paired with pigtails. Practice the Stanley Kubrick stare to scare as many sweets as possible out of your neighbours.

What about nails?

Nail art for Halloween has been growing in popularity and 2025 is no different. Google Search Trends show ‘Halloween nails’ was a breakout search in the past 30 days, with ‘ghost nails’, ‘orange Halloween nails’ and ‘Halloween Disney nails’ the top trending related searches.

While you may want to visit the salon, for an easy DIY version you can make at home, keep it simple. An orange base with black eyes and a smile will scream pumpkin, while a white nail and black eyes are a cute and easy ghost look. You can use cotton buds or cocktail sticks dipped in nail polish for those fiddly drawing parts. And if you’re not blessed with a steady hand, a nude nail with drippy red tips will look the part too.