Halloween is officially right around the corner. Each year, deciding what to wear is a challenge for us all. Do we want to go classic? Sexy? Funny? Elaborate? Fashion forward? From a classic black cat to sexy Gru like Alex Consani that one year, the options are endless. Pop culture tells us that the Coldplay concert couple will suffice, Heidi Klum encourages us to aim higher. But what if we just want to replicate obscure fashion references that few will understand?
Over the decades, some of fashion's best runways have been completed by their beauty looks. John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, and Thierry Mugler are all designers who, throughout their careers, have incorporated off-beat beauty looks into their shows to tell the stories of the collections, with help by legendary makeup artists like Pat McGrath and Val Garland; some of which felt particularly fantastical and spooky.
Who can forget the iconic makeup looks from John Galliano's Fall 2008 and 2009 shows led by McGrath? Or the clown makeup from Alexander McQueen's Fall 2001 collection? If you’re running low on time and preparation this year and are needing some beauty inspiration to kickstart your makeup look, ahead, we’re rounding up the best Halloween beauty looks straight from the runways for your high-fashion Halloween moment.
Alexander McQueen Fall/Winter 1998
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Colored contacts and a bald cap can get you far in the realm of sci-fi.
John Galliano Fall/Winter 2008
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Why not experiment with one of the most iconic runway beauty looks of all time and lean into the creepy doll energy?
Alexander McQueen Fall/Winter 2002
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Who's the clown?
Alexander McQueen Fall/Winter 2002
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McQueen's finale for F/W2002 was filled with different types of jesters. All you need is some face paint and a great suit.
Alexander McQueen Fall/Winter 2002
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Or lean into the mime energy with a bowling hat.
Rick Owens Fall/Winter 2019
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Drawn to otherworldly creatures? Let Rick Owens guide you.
Thom Browne Spring/Summer 2014
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Thom Browne's Spring/Summer 2014 collection had a vague ode to mad queens within the show. This look is both relatively easy to create and part of Browne's history as an iconic American house, for the superfans.
Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2006
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Deceased priest but make it fashion.
Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2006
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Let them eat cake!
Diesel Spring/Summer 2025
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If all fails, a slicked back style with colored contacts is always the perfect sci-fi look.
Diesel Spring/Summer 2025
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Or lean into the creepiness with red lenses.
Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 1998
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A true fashion reference. Why be anything else when you could be Gisele at Alexander McQueen's Spring/Summer 1998 show in body paint and a wig?
Marc Jacobs Fall/Winter 2016
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For all the "Wednesday" lovers.
Mugler Haute Couture Fall/Winter 1998
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If you're looking for Maleficent-esque makeup for a spooky queen, look no further.
Mugler Haute Couture Fall/Winter 1998
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A stunning but slightly horrific feathered creature? Mugler has you covered.
Gareth Pugh Fall/Winter 2017
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Go full alien like Gareth Pugh for F/W17
John Galliano Fall/Winter 2008
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Another makeup reference from John Galliano's seminal F/W2008 collection.
John Galliano Fall/Winter 2008
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Beautiful, haunting, gothic. Perfect!
John Galliano Fall/Winter Menswear 2008
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No explanation needed. A sexy Galliano boy!
John Galliano Fall/Winter 2008
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The most perfect corpse bride/ice queen inspiration one could need.
