Dressing up for Halloween becomes trickier as you get older. The pressure to decide on a costume, then find the time to actually put the look together, looms in the back of your mind like a silent slasher villain waiting to strike. Suddenly, it's weeks or days before October 31st, and you're scrambling. You could poke around the clearance section of Spirit Halloween, or piece together a makeshift getup out of whatever's in your closet. Or, if you want to go the lazy route, you could treat yourself to a Halloween T-shirt or sweatshirt that poses as a costume - or, at the very least, proves you're celebrating in some way or another.
Have you noticed the surplus of spooky and cutesy Halloween T-shirts invading your social feeds over the last few years? We have a feeling that's by design. Adulting is hard, and adhering to the same holiday traditions you once loved as a kid can be challenging. Even the easiest last-minute costumes require some amount of effort, and between juggling work obligations, friends, and family obligations, energy is of the essence these days.
So whether you're desperate to don some kind of costume on All Hallow's Eve or have decided that this year, you'll just have to accept defeat and go for convenience over creativity, we've rounded up some of the spookiest and quirkiest Halloween T-shirts and sweatshirts on the market. From costume substitutes to movie homages, there's something for everyone.
Nothin' Chillin Killin Horror Sweatshirt
Available at Etsy
Do you like scary movies? What's your favorite? If you answered Scream, this is the graphic tee for you. Wear this funny tee solo or add a ghostface mask for fun.
Doesn't Even Go Here Hoodie
Available at Shop.betches
Mean Girl stans will immediately get the reference, and this one works for after the holiday, too.
Halloween Skeleton Print Long Sleeve Casual Shirt
Available at Chicme
If you’re observing Halloween at the office, this button-up from Chic Me is festive and appropriate for the workplace. Pair the skeleton print top with a pencil skirt and heels and act confused when co-workers stare.
Horror Movie Characters Sweatshirt
Available at Etsy
Freddy, Jason, Michael, Pennywise, Chuckie, Ghostface, Jigsaw — the gang's all here!
Star Wars™ Graphic Gender-Neutral T-Shirt
Available at Oldnavy.gap
While you could go all-in on a Storm Trooper costume this Halloween, it's probably safe to assume that, if you're reading this, you're looking to do the bare minimum. Claim your fandom — the easy way! — with this comfy tee from Old Navy.
Tipsyelves Women's Skeleton Sweater
Available at Tipsyelves
Tipsyelves is a go-to for easy Halloween costumes. While its skeleton onesie will forever have our hearts, the brand's cozy skeleton sweater is also a genius Halloween garment. If your celebratory plans involve lounging on the couch and watching scary movies, just pair the sweater with some biker shorts or yoga pants and call it a night. Heading out in search of boos? Take the look to the next level with this easy skeleton makeup tutorial.
OUNAR Basic Witch Top
Available at Amazon
Just add a pointy hat, UGG boots, a Starbucks to-go cup, and you're set.
Sanderson Sisters Vintage Band Tee / Halloween T-Shirt
Available at Etsy
If you've recently watched Hocus Pocus 2 and feel like rocking some Sanderson Sisters gear this year, the band tee is a unique way to reference the movie without being cheesy. Just add a pair of jeans and your favorite sneakers to complete the ensemble. If you have to layer up because it's chilly, opt for a chunky knit cardigan, worn open to make sure the logo remains on display.
I'm Fine Graphic Novelty Zombie T-Shirt
Available at Amazon
Zombie costumes are cool. Zombie victim costumes? Even better, not to mention easier. Throw on this tee with your favorite pair of jeans and running sneakers (as proof that you at least tried to get away) and voila! You don't have to add blood splatters and scars on your arms and neck, or dust on powdery makeup to give the impression that you're 'turning,' but it's highly encouraged if you're willing to put in the effort.
Goldenshineart Dancing Skeletons Crewneck Sweatshirt
Available at Etsy
Who says skeletons can't be lively? This dancing skeleton sweatshirt is all over social media, so you know this pick is, at the very least, photogenic AF. It's also extremely comfortable and slightly oversized, best paired with leggings and combat boots.
boohoo Witch Halloween Printed Oversized T-shirt
Available at Us.boohoo
Sure, it's simple, but it still gets the spooky point across — without the annoying pointy hat.
Vlcraftworks Halloweentown University Sweatshirt
Available at Etsy
If you were a '90s kid, chances are you couldn't wait for Disney to air Halloweentown every year after its initial release in October of 1998. You also probably wished you could visit the holiday-themed realm and go for a ride on a Windsweeper 5000 (the 'It' broomstick before Harry Potter's Nimbus 2000 came on the scene) with Grandma Aggie. With this Halloweentown University Sweatshirt by FlameDesignUS on Etsy, you can live out the fantasy this Hallow's Eve, while simultaneously representing one of the best DCOMs there ever was.
Hot Topic Monsters Inc. Mike Wazowski Eye T-Shirt
Available at Hottopic
Technically, this is a nod to Mike Wazowski, but depending on what you wear on the bottom or the pieces you layer over it, you can be any old monster. We suggest going all out with some sort of fuzzy coat or working animal prints into your look for a fashion-forward spin.
ShopForeverFriday Max Likes Your Yabos Unisex Sweatshirt
Available at Etsy
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Ouija Board Graphic Sweatshirt
Available at Target
This graphic t-shirt from Target has us reliving middle school sleepovers spent hovering over the photographed letter board, hoping to make contact with a spirit. Whether or not you’re a believer is irrelevant; if you’re a 90s kid, just looking at this tee will have you feeling nostalgic.
Beetlejuice Suit Cosplay T-Shirt
Available at Hottopic
You don’t need a three-piece suit to pose as “the ghost with the most” this Halloween, thanks to this Beetlejuice-inspired cosplay t-shirt from Hot Topic. Just pair with black bottoms, and leave your hair and makeup a mess to channel Michael Keaton’s character’s rambunctiously repulsive spirit.
Sunday Scaries Sommers Sweatshirt
Available at Wildfox
Halloween 2022 may fall on a Monday, but riddle us this: Is there anything scarier than a Sunday evening? We think not.
FIFTH SUN Wednesday T-Shirt
Available at Pacsun
She’s baaack! Jenna Ortega is Wednesday Adams in the new Netflix series, Wednesday, and the actress is serving up all of the spooks. But rather than getting all dressed up in your little black dress, you can opt to cause a creepy disturbance with this T-shirt from PacSun, featuring a graphic of Wednesday Adams and a multiple-choice question, asking whether or not you're feeling happy inside.
Tattoo Bones Cozy Fleece Glow In The Dark Sweatshirt
Available at Torrid
At first glance, this sweatshirt looks like your average skeleton graphic, but upon closer inspection, you'll find it's actually a mix of all things Halloween: cats, bats, spiderwebs, and more. The added bonus? It glows in the dark!
EveryWear Matching Graphic T-Shirt for Women
Available at Oldnavy
Going as a ghost? Keep your sheets on your bed and opt for this white t-shirt instead. Trust us, you'll breathe better. Plus, there's the option to match the little ones in your life.
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