While it's always fun to dress up as your favorite pop culture icon or television character for Halloween, you can't go wrong with a classic DIY zombie costume come October 31.
Whether you're inspired by examples from popular shows like The Last of Us or The Walking Dead or simply want to freestyle your own spooky getup with whatever you have in your closet, there's no wrong way to approach it.
For some more inspiration, we've rounded up the best zombie costume ideas for kids and adults, including outfits inspired by specific characters and more general looks and costume makeup tips. The best part? You probably already have some of the materials, and if you don't, we've included where to find all the essentials.
DIY Clicker Costume
Sure, Clickers from Amazon Prime's The Last of Us might not technically be zombies, but they are certainly just as scary. Take inspiration from the hit show and go with a mask and some worn-out clothes from your closet. Rip or cut a few holes in the clothing and don't forget to add some fake scars and fake blood to finish off the look.
What You'll Need for a DIY Clicker Costume
DIY Simple Zombie Outfit
YouTuber Kait Nichole shows how she made a complete zombie outfit in under seven minutes. In the video, she explains how you can create a spooky ensemble with just a craft knife and some food coloring. Some users also suggest using tea bags to stain your shirt. If you go that route, just know that the stains probably won't come out.
What You'll Need for a DIY Zombie Costume
DIY Disney's Zombies Costume
The characters in the Disney hit movie Zombies are great sources to draw inspiration from when recreating zombie costumes for teens. Here, actor Milo Manheim wears a faded gray vest, red trucker pants, and green hair dye. He also has burgundy eyeshadow dusted on his eyelids. Check Disney's Youtube for the full tutorial.
What You'll Need for Disney's 'Zombies' Costume
DIY The Walking Dead Zombie Costume
For an epic trio group costume, two friends can be the zombies and one can be Michonne Hawthorne. For Michonne, make sure you have a sword, and for the zombies, pick up an inexpensive t-shirt and cut it up. Don't forget the makeup, of course!
What You'll Need for 'The Walking Dead' Zombie Costume
DIY Zombie Costume for Girls
For kids, you want the costume and makeup light and not too scary. For girls, any clothing that's faded, dark or patterned will work. Bonus: You can make this a fun activity for you and your daughter to do together by tie-dyeing a white dress or shirt with blue or green dye. For hair, tease it up and make it as unruly as you'd like.
What You'll Need for a Girl's Zombie Costume
DIY Zombie Costume for Boys
Or they can wear pajamas they might already have in their closet. Use white or green face paint to cover their entire face, plus gray and red marks for a more zombie effect. Just make sure to not get paint too close to the eyes, face, or mouth.
What You'll Need for a Boy's Zombie Costume
DIY Zombie Costume for Teens
Older kids can start experimenting with more intricate makeup and hair dye, if desired. Many temporary hair colors rinse out within just a few washes and won't cause as much damage as more permanent dyes. Some teens might forego the actual outfit, and just concentrate on the makeup, but if you still want the full look, tatter and stain a worn dress or overalls with food coloring or fabric dye.
What You'll Need for a Teen's Zombie Costume
DIY Zombie Costume for Couples
Dressing up as a zombie with your significant other can be fun too—a classic idea is portraying a zombie bride and groom.
Any dress and suit can get the scare factor instantly if you already have a face mask or makeup in play. You can also opt for zombie t-shirts that look realistically horrifying, or fabric dye clothing you no longer care about.
What You'll Need for a Couples Zombie Costume
DIY Zombie Costume Makeup
If you're just starting with face paint and character makeup, you can purchase costume makeup kits that include the supplementary items and instructions you need to create basic costume makeup looks, complete with skin prosthetics, hair color, and brushes.
What You'll Need for Zombie Costume Makeup
Shanon Maglente is a writer and editor who specializes in deals, trends, and best-of product roundups. She has about a decade’s worth of experience, and has worked with Good Housekeeping as a writer and editor since 2019.
Laura Millar (she/her) is a freelance lifestyle journalist for Good Housekeeping. She holds a degree in Film, TV & Media from the University of Michigan, and was previously the assistant lifestyle editor for GH, where she covered home design. Her byline has appeared in NBC's TODAY.com, PEOPLE, Real Simple, and Business Insider.
