So many things go into dressing up like a zombie for Halloween — there's the scary Halloween masks, the unruly hair and most importantly, the costume makeup. But that doesn't mean making your own zombie costume has to be complicated.

Dressing up as a zombie is super easy and can be a lot of fun when you get creative with it, because with zombie costumes, there's no right or wrong. Below you'll find zombie-themed homemade costume ideas you can recreate at the very last minute for children and adults. Also included are famous zombie characters you can emulate from your favorite movies (like Disney's Zombies) and TV shows (like The Walking Dead).

DIY Simple Zombie Outfit

zombie halloween costume diy zombie outfit

DanielBendjy // Getty Images

YouTuber Kate Nichole shows how she made a complete zombie outfit in under seven minutes. She breaks down her process, explaining how a craft knife and some food coloring can go a long way in creating a horrifying ensemble. Some comments also suggested using tea bags to stain your t-shirt, which is pretty smart (just know that the stains likely won't come out).

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What You'll Need for a DIY Zombie Costume

Red Food Color

McCormick Red Food Color
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Long Sleeve Oxford Shirt

Lee Long Sleeve Oxford Shirt

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No. 1 Precision Knife

X-Acto No. 1 Precision Knife
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Satin Purple Necktie

Soophen Satin Purple Necktie
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DIY Disney's Zombies Costume

zombie halloween costume disney channel's "zombies"

Bob D'Amico // Getty Images

The characters in the Disney hit movie Zombies are great sources to draw inspiration from when recreating zombie costumes for kids. Here, actor Milo Manhiem 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

Disney Zombies Movie Zed Vest

CUSTOMDesignsBySavi Disney Zombies Movie Zed Vest
Credit: etsy

Green Color Depositing Conditioner

KERACOLOR Green Color Depositing Conditioner
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The Saharan Eyeshadow Palette

Juvia's Place The Saharan Eyeshadow Palette
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Boys' Chino Pants

KID1234 Boys' Chino Pants
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DIY The Walking Dead Zombie Costume

zombie costume

Gene Page/AMC

For an epic trio group costume, two friends can be the zombies and one can be Michonne Hawthorne. For Michonne, make sure you have your 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

Plastic Sword

Forum Novelties Plastic Sword
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Leather Fingerless Gloves

MATACORE Leather Fingerless Gloves

Zombie Makeup Kit

Mehron Zombie Makeup Kit

Oversized Short-Sleeve T-Shirt

Goodthreads Oversized Short-Sleeve T-Shirt

DIY Zombie Costume for Kids

zombie halloween costumes girl zombie costume

Brooke Humphries / EyeEm // Getty Images

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 Kid's Zombie Costume

Tie-Dye Kit

Tulip One-Step Tie-Dye Kit Tie-Dye Kit

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Face Paint Set

JOYIN Face Paint Set

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Teasing Brush

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Child Zombie Girl Costume Small

California Costumes Child Zombie Girl Costume Small

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diy zombie costumes   zombie skeleton boy

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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 Kid's Zombie Costume

Skull Pajamas

MyFav Skull Pajamas
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Face Paint Kit for Kids

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Skull Sneakers

Pyramid Skull Sneakers
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Kids' Zombie Monster Costume

Morphsuits Kids' Zombie Monster Costume
Credit: morphsuits

DIY Zombie Costume for Teens

zombie halloween costume teen zombie

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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, but if you still want the full look, tatter and stain a worn dress with food coloring or fabric dye. Fun accessory ideas include a faded rose hair clip, a rag doll and maybe some fake fangs.

What You'll Need for a Teen's Zombie Costume

Green Hair Color Wax

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Button Front Dress

Halife Button Front Dress
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Black Mao Mao Plush Doll

SUMMIT COLLECTION Black Mao Mao Plush Doll

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Rose Hair Clip

FIOBEE Rose Hair Clip
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DIY Zombie Costume for Couples

zombie halloween costumes bridal couple zombie costumes

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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 be dressed up isntantly 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 Woman's Zombie Costume

Gothic Victorian White Fancy Dress

EraSpooky Gothic Victorian White Fancy Dress
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Lace Party Veil

Wilton Lace Party Veil
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Silver Grey Costume Wig

Beautyself Silver Grey Costume Wig
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Coagulated Blood Gel

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What You'll Need for a Man's Zombie Costume

Men's Zombie Mask

Smiffys Men's Zombie Mask
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Men's Zombie Shirt

Faux Real Men's Zombie Shirt

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Scary Prop Hands

XONOR Scary Prop Hands

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Liquid Face and Body Paint

Mehron Liquid Face and Body Paint
Credit: mehron

DIY Zombie Costume Makeup

zombie halloween costumes creepy zombie makeup

princessdlaf // Getty Images

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.

You can also attempt painting your own face with bright colors, the way this creator did here. It does take some skill and a lot of patience, but the results will be so worth it.

What You'll Need for Zombie Costume Makeup

Liquid Face and Body Paint

Mehron Liquid Face and Body Paint
Credit: mehron

Take Me Back to Brazil Color Palette

bh Take Me Back to Brazil Color Palette
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Hollywood Makeup Kit

Rubie's Hollywood Makeup Kit

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Jumbo Eyeliner Pencil in "Milk"

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Jumbo Eyeliner Pencil in "Milk"
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