Halloween’s just around the corner, and if you’re struggling on what to wear (or were roped into a last-minute party), no fear. Forget the generic, pre-bagged, overpriced costumes—we’ve outgrown those. Get creative instead and use these Halloween costume ideas as a starting point:
- BALLERINA. Take cues from Misty Copeland and peruse her Instagram for inspiration. Check out your nearest dance store (though I prefer sites like Discount Dance and Dancewear Solutions for good quality stuff at a fraction of retail price) or American Apparel for tights, legwarmers, and cool bodysuits.
- JENNIFER LOPEZ IN HER MUSIC VIDEO “I’M GLAD“ and/or JENNIFER BEALS IN FLASHDANCE. You already know what to do. This one’s for the edgier ladies and 80s babies. Grey off-shoulder, cut sweatshirt and/or a black tee, black high-cut bootyshorts, legwarmers, boom. I know everyone’s obsessed with Beyoncé, but J. Lo in “I’m Glad” has been my ultimate inspiration since 2002.
- THE MOON. How about a chic interpretation? Get an ivory or silver silk kimono robe. If the former, buy a few packs of clear (which reads silver under the light) crystals and Gem-Tac it on all over the robe to give it a silvery gleam; if the latter, feel free to leave as is. Deck out your neck and wrists in statement pieces dripping with crystals and slip your feet into a pair of simple-strapped silver stilettos. Enlarge an image like this, print it out on cardstock (and glue it onto cardboard for extra reinforcement if needed). Trace over the illustration in a thick black marker to further emphasize the design, then color in using a silver marker or silver paint. Let dry, then start coating small areas—you want to work section by section—with glue. Cover with silver glitter, shake off the excess, and let dry. The last step? Punch a hole on either side and thread an elastic cord through. The beauty of the crescent shape is that it acts as a mask and let’s you see, too.
- VERUSCHKA IN 70s YVES SAINT LAURENT. Another inspiration of mine worthy of a DIY. You need a floppy-brim suede hat, deep-V halter bodysuit, and leather cord. Use a light eyeliner to mark along the edge of the neckline (leaving a quarter-inch space between the hem and dots) as high as you want, then use a scissor to make tiny snips over the marks. Start threading, and voilá, a lace-up bodysuit without spending big bucks. Set your hair in large heated rollers, tease it, and add some volumizing powder for extra va-va-voom. But the makeup is what makes it: think lots of bronzer, frosty nude lips, and a defined cut crease.
- CLARK KENT/SUPERMAN + LOIS LANE. Super easy and cute without the tackiness that oft comes with couples’ Halloween costumes. Every guy owns a suit (and if doesn’t, have him hit up Zara’s men‘s section, stat); all he needs are a pair of glasses and Superman t-shirt. (Bonus points if he does the whole unitard thing). Lois is just as easy: think of it as an excuse to spruce up your work wardrobe. Get that skirt-suit set you’ve been eyeing at Zara and you’ve got yourself a Halloween costume and something to wear to the office on Monday morning.
- MR. AND MRS. SMITH. So much yes, because this movie isn’t just about the archetypal James Bond: There’s a Jane Bond (no Bond ‘girl’ to be found here), too. It’s another easy one: have your guy don a tux or well-tailored black suit, and slip into a black gown with a thigh-high slit. (Quick tip: a black jersey maxi is a cheap and easy find, but you could also the real deal and save it for a special occasion in the future. You’re bound to know someone who’ll get married…eventually.) Accessories are just as cheap and cheerful: just slap on a single black garter and slip in a toy gun/knife.
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More Halloween inspiration here.
xx
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Your turn. Thoughts?