Halloween is definitely a love-it-or-hate-it holiday. My friend group is divided into two resolute camps: those who throw themselves into dressing up, spending time and money artfully assembling the perfect costume, and those who treat it like any other day. At a push, they might entertain a scary-movie night or pumpkin-picking activity.
Whichever side you sit on, there might come a time when you’re invited to a party or event where the dress code is strictly "fancy dress”. In these cases, it’s common to make panic purchases online and wind up with a cheap-looking costume that you’ll only wear once. Not only is this unsustainable, but you probably won’t feel great in it. Instead, it's possible to build an outfit with items you already own, and perhaps one or two spooky extras.
Need some visuals to inspire you? I scouted six great (and fashionable) Halloween costumes from Instagram, one of which requires little more than an LBD and a pair of knee-high boots. Yes, really. The beauty in all of these "costumes" is that you can re-wear the pieces time and again, and not just on 31 October. Check them out below, and have fun re-creating your favourite.
1. Wednesday Addams
Style Notes: It's no mystery why Wednesday Addams makes a great Halloween costume, and all you really need is a black dress (ideally collared) and two braids. Plus, she's a beloved character, so everyone will recognise your efforts right off the bat.
Shop the Costume:
I'd wear this post-party, too.
An essential part of the look.
Go heavy with the eyeliner to achieve the Wednesday aesthetic.
A worthwhile buy whether you're celebrating Halloween or not.
2. Barbie
Style Notes: It's 2023, which means you definitely won't be the only Barbie at your party. But that just means you can have your very own "Hi, Barbie!” moment. To achieve a similar look, just wear all the pink in your wardrobe at once. It's that simple.
Shop the Costume:
To keep you warm on those cold October nights.
This set has Barbie written all over it.
I love the asymmetric detailing on the skirt.
H&M has delivered on the boot front yet again.
3. Dorothy
Style Notes: For a dose of nostalgia, look to The Wizard of Oz's Dorothy for outfit inspiration. You can easily create a cute costume with just a blue gingham dress and patent shoes. Bonus points if you have your very own Toto.
Shop the Costume:
This is on sale, too, just to make it all the more tempting.
Not only is this adorable, but it feels very Dorothy-esque.
You can always do with new socks.
Red mary janes happen to be huge for autumn. It's like it was meant to be.
4. Poison Ivy
Style Notes: This might be the most "costume-y” outfit on the list, but minus the bright green tights, it's really just a medley of forest-green items. Oh, and the iconic red hair, of course—coloured hairspray or a wig will take care of that.
Shop the Costume:
You can easily wear this into the festive period.
Wash out at the end of the night. Easy.
A comfortable and affordable option to pair with your bodysuit.
These are just stunning.
5. Chic Mushroom
Style Notes: This one will make people laugh, but also wonder how you possibly made a mushroom look so chic. Props to Aimee Song (and her sweet family) for thinking this up; we definitely wouldn’t have thought of it ourselves.
Shop the Costume:
Impossibly cute—and it's handmade!
You'll live in this once the temperature drops.
Very on-theme.
Suede boots always feel classy.
6. Olive from Easy A
Style Notes: Easy A remains a classic movie in the minds of millennials. Emma Stone's character is recognised by the letter "A" pinned to her chest—and aside from a corset-style top, this is all you need to imitate her look.
Shop the Costume:
There are so many corset tops out there, but I'm into the simplicity of this one.
It takes just £2 to transform this outfit into a Halloween look.
You'll cherish this necklace for years to come.
If you don't already own a pair of leather-look trousers, consider this your sign.
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