Last-Minute Chicago Halloween Costumes

There’s no shame in being a procrastinator. But waiting till the last minute doesn’t mean you can’t get creative. Especially in Chicago.

The Blues Brothers, obviously: It’s not cliche, it’s classic. This was my favorite childhood costume alongside my best friend Kieran. Jake and Elwood Blues were our superheroes.

A Chicago Handshake: Dress old-timey — in an old style, if you will — and walk around with a bottle of Malört shaking people’s hands.

The Bear: I’m over “The Bear,” TBH. But if you’ve got good arms, flaunt it!

Dennis Rodman: You don’t even need a Bulls jersey for this one. Take some drag inspo from Dennis Rodman’s gay ‘90s.

A Ghost bus: Keep it simple: a single white sheet with eyes cut out. Then run around the room, going “Vroom, vroom!”

The Morton Salt Girl: Thanks to Gina H. from Jefferson Park for this idea. Extra points if you walk around looking ticked off all night, like a true salty babe.

A meter maid: You can go sexy, French-maid style, and pass out homemade tickets. Or, if you have a city vest lying around, be more literal. You can even accessorize with a bag of boots!

A cursed billy goat: Stop by Spirit for one of those creepy rubber animal masks. Or just horns and a fake beard. The key, really, is maintaining a menacing air. Maybe bleat out curse words every few minutes?

Mrs. O’Leary’s cow: Simple, elegant: a black-and-white get-up with a lantern. Even better if you have cow print leftover from 2019. This can work as a couple’s costume too, if you want to add Mrs. O in the mix.

Harry Caray Bradshaw: Big ol’ glasses on top and a tutu skirt on the bottom. Holy cow! It’s the merging of two icons. (Or, if you plan on watching the World Series, be a sad Cubs clown 🤡)

A Hot Dog University Professor: Lean into the old-school Vienna vibe or go more Hyde Park professorial. See our adventure through Hot Dog U for inspo.

The Bean: Throw on all the silver, or tin foil, you own … and post up at the party in a sort-of downward dog pose? Or, get topical and be THE MAN IN THE BEAN! If you figure out what that looks like, I want to see: HMU at [email protected].