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8 DIY trending Halloween costumes that you can get last minute in Leeds
Think Squid Game, Cruella, Hocus Pocus' Sanderson Sisters, Netflix's You, Peaky Blinder, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Alice in Wonderland characters and even spooky costumes for your dogs.
If you're anything like us, we need a last-minute costume and queuing up down the streets of Headingley, desperately trying to get into the fancy dress shop is not how we plan to spend our evenings.
Instead, we've taken inspiration from celebrities, movies and classic horror costumes to create some easy last minute Halloween costumes that you can easily pick up in the city centre.
Forget the bargain witch hat from the supermarket, we've got some far more exciting ideas for you to try this Halloween.
Squid Game Contestant
Hayley Kiyoko makes this Squid Game costume look effortless and its given us a few ideas... / Image: Hayley Kiyoko, Instagram
If you saw Hayley Kiyoko's amazing Squid Game costume appear on your feed over the weekend then you'll know this is one of the best costumes from the Korean-Netflix hit around. It's also really easy to recreate: all you need is a green striped jacket, think 80s Adidas, and a number tag.
Both stores stock what feels like an unlimited stock of brightly coloured sportswear. Their selection of Adidas jumpers will be perfect for this and by shopping vintage, you're helping the planet: win, win.
Emma Stone's Cruella
This Cruella look is so simple and you should have a few items you can use at home already. / Image: Tamara Stilley, Instagram
All you need to transform into Emma Stone's version of Cruella is a satin-look white shirt and plenty of bling. This easy outfit just requires some red lipstick and monochrome eyeshadow to complete the look. Dalmations are a bonus, but not essential.
Where you'll find your costume in Leeds: Mki Miyukoi Zoku in the Corn Exchange or Zara on Briggate are your shops for a crisp white shirt.
If you're not ready to commit to the two-colour hair do, then that doesn't mean you have to miss out on this easy Halloween costume. Grab some white colour hair spray from your local beauty store and spray half of your head for the same effect.
Joe from You
https://www.instagram.com/p/CUc6IXTlgTK/
The serial-killer from hit Netflix show is such an easy costume to pull off. All you need is Joe's signature baseball cap and a shirt to pull off the costume. If you don't already have these items lying around in your wardrobe, we're certain a friend will. If all else fails, head over to Trinity and you'll find some great options for under £10.
Where you'll find your costume in Leeds: Clothes store in Trinity Shopping Centre have some great options. In H&M in particular you can grab a cap and shirt for around the £10.
This costume is so simple that anyone can find a Joe outfit in five minutes but the same also goes for the rest of the characters. Grab your mates and together you can create the whole cast: Love, Beck, Candace and Forty, all have similarly easy signature looks that are probably already in your home.
Crushed velvet and plenty of pink is all you need to channel your inner Sanderson Sister. This costume will also keep you cosy and warm if you choose to grab yourself a cape made from the comfy material: vintage stores are you go-to for this.
Where you'll find your costume in Leeds:Blue Rinse opposite the Corn Exchange or Sue Ryder Vintage on Otley Road are great bets for this one.
Laura Whitmore shared this incredible Halloween outfit with her followers over the weekend, and if you've already got the blonde hair, this costume will be a breeze. Why not head to the Hocus Pocus Bottomless Brunch in this get-up for a test run before Halloween?
Alice from Alice in Wonderland
Real-life American Disney Princess Kate has given us all the inspiration we need to recreate this look in Leeds. / Image: Parties and Paint by Kate, Instagram
Curiouser and curiouser, this is an easy-to-recognise costume that can be recreated at home. Grab yourself a pastel blue dress (or dye an existing dress blue with ink) and add frilly material and you're good to go. You can even cut up an old shirt into the apron shape for an inexpensive solution.
Where you'll find your costume in Leeds: Hidden Wardrobe should be your one stop stop for all things Wonderland.
If you're doing group costumes, you'll also find bandanas to use as neck scarves for a Mad Hatter look and perhaps even a red printed dress for the Queen of Hearts. There's also an Alice Immersive Experience coming to Leeds in the next few weeks that these costumes will be perfect for, so why not ahead and get a costume you can reuse?
The biggest gang in Birmingham are set to return to our screens soon for the final season of Peaky Blinders, making this year the perfect excuse to dress up in your best vest. To channel your inner Shelby, all you need is a waistcoat and hat but you can use makeup to chisel your cheekbones and add some fake blood for an extra spooky look.
Where you'll find your costume in Leeds: The British Heart Foundation opposite Kirkgate Markets has a great selection of Peaky Blinder-esque hats.
The charity shop have loads of options in a range of neutral colours: perfect to differentiate costumes if you're going as a group. They also have a full rail of 20s Gatsby dresses and glamorous accessories for anyone wanting to dress as Ada or Polly.
Group costumes can be stressful, especially when it comes to knowing how many costumes you need. This Oompa Lumpa costume from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is the ideal quick-fix as you can have as many or as little as you like: all you need in green hair.
Where you'll find your costume in Leeds: Superdrug sell spray-on hair colours that wash out. Grab a neon green bottle and a white eyeliner for your brows and you're sorted.
If you're feeling creative, you could also try and create costumes for Willy Wonka or the five lucky golden ticket winners.
Let your pooch do the talking
How adorable is this pumpkin-themed selection from Pets at Home? / Image: Pets at Home UK, Instagram
Let's face it. If you take your four-legged friend anywhere this Halloween, they're going to be the centre of attention. So why not just become their side-kick for the night? Dress up your dog to the nines and then dress in the same colour.
Where you'll find your costume in Leeds: Pets at Home in Headingley, Kirkstall Bridge Shopping Centre or Crown Point in the city centre have all the dog-friendly costumes you need.
For a pumpkin, throw on some orange tights or draw on a spooky pumpkin-style grimace with makeup to match. Pets at Home are also offering Halloween spa treatments in their Groom Room for all pooches where your pride and joy will get a free Halloween bandana that will also do just the trick.
There's a gothic hall in the heart of the Peak District where you can enjoy a staycation with a difference - because it's completely TV-free.
Get ready to cosy up by the fire while soaking up everything this screen-free property in the Peak District has to offer.
This two bedroom, three bed gothic hall looks out onto some stunning views through its unique framed windows.
If you're up for a stroll, this staycation has many popular walking routes to the unique village of King Sterndale, Cheedale Stepping Stones and more.
There's a gothic hall in the Peak District that's completely TV-free / Credit: Airbnb (supplied)
Only 10 minutes from Buxton and 15 minutes from Bakewell, this historic property is the perfect location for anyone wanting to explore more of Yorkshire.
Pictor Hall has a gorgeous landscape that can be enjoyed simply by opening the front door with an abundance of foliage and greenery surrounding the property.
And if you're still worried about the idea of being stuck without a TV, the Airbnb host has noted that the property has a variety of board games, books and free wifi.
Although, with Pictor Hall dating back to the 1700's, you'll probably spend a considerable amount of time gawking at all the impressive features and characteristics throughout.
Pictor Hall is an impressive 1700s property where you can have your own Yorkshire staycation / Credit: Airbnb (supplied)
There's striking wooden beams, a vintage writers' desk, tables with old-timey carvings etched into the side, an array of big clay pots and a carved log that greets you upon arrival.
Previous visitors to this property have commented on Pictor Hall's "peaceful location", listing it as "amazing spot for a woodland getaway" and labelling the property as a "storybook cottage".
If you're up for staying in this gorgeous gothic Airbnb property while also having a mini digital detox, you can find out more and book your stay HERE.
Struggling to book a date? It's probably because our whole office is scrambling to enjoy their own staycation in this gothic hall.. sorry not sorry.
Audio North’s Artist of the Month: Cruz | July 2026
Thomas Melia
July already? We're Cruz-ing through the year. Meet this Northern Indie rock band who've been crowned Audio North's latest Artist of the Month.
Sam, Tom, Jamie and Ethan, better known by band-name Cruz, are well and truly making a name for themselves with a whole host of gig dates scattered throughout the Summer.
Live music lovers are about to become very familiar with the 'Disco Colour Beams' songwriters, as Cruz' Summer schedule includes Isle of Wight Festival, Truck Festival and two Sheffield dates.
The Sheff-based shows are special for the fourpiece as they're hometown shows at both Everywhere At Once Festival and the incredible Tramlines Festival - Congrats lads.
Cruz are feeling the love, as the reason they're heading out to Tramlines is because they were voted the Fans' Pick, and this recognition continues as they've been chosen by Audio North to be our Artist of the Month.
An interview with Cruz | Audio North's Artist of the Month: July
Cruz-ing there way from festival to festival this Summer, the Sheffield band sat down with Audio North to talk Artist of the Month title / Credit: Press Shots (supplied)
For those who don't know, introduce us to Cruz
Tom and Sam were jamming in early 2022 before deciding to start a band while looking for other members, with Ethan and Jamie finding out through friends of friends.
Ahead of their first live gig, Cruz were drummer-less, Ethan's recruitment was lifesaving for the band as he stepped up a week before and never looked back since, four years strong.
How has Sheffield shaped you as a band?
It's such a rich city full of creatives, music-based as well as even broader to art and culture, Sheffield isn't just a city, it's a support system.
When we were starting out we got involved with all the local gig venues, who are always on the lookout to champion upcoming bands, it was so nice.
Do you feel any connection to this city's musical heritage?
Pulp, Arctic Monkeys and Richard Hawley of course, Human League and Def Leppard, the list goes on.
Growing up in Sheffield and going to gigs at The Leadmill was so incredible too.
What have been some of your favourite live shows so far?
Sidney and Matilda is prominent to us because it's where we played our very first headline date. We also supported Overpass, which was our fifth show ever as the band as we know it, then playing our headline in the same room was awesome.
Sam, Tom, Jamie and Ethan, better known as Cruz, are making waves in the Sheffield music scene / Credit: Press Shot (supplied)
If someone wanted to experience the Sheffield music scene, where would you take them?
The Washington does free shows with bands and acoustic sets, making it accessible for everyone. The majority of venues in Sheffield are always hosting gigs.
Kelham Island has a lot of free entry venues too, it's great, getting to watch four or five bands playing out all on one night in this current economy is top tier.
Tramlines and Tramlines Fringe is chaotic in the best way, you never know what to expect but you'll leave with a buzz of energy every single time.
What's some of your favourite songs by these artists?
'Soundcheck Your Soul' by The North they've got so many great tunes, they're an amazing band. Montello's 'Suit and Tie', 'Runaway Instead' The Rosadocs.
Playing out at various festivals across the UK, for this Sheffield act it's Tramlines which is the most important to them / Credit: Press Shot (supplied)
What's your favourite track off your newest EP?
Jamie picked 'Man of the People' quoting it as a 'Proper anthem', 'I Get By' is Ethan's pick, it's a track which has been in the works for a while but now the band have finally cracked the code.
While Sam's favourite song is 'Amsterdam' as it's the most personal to him and it's a chilled out number.
Sophie Smith -
27th October 2021 
