I have a friend with a bin of old Halloween costumes underneath their bed. In that bin lies a wig from when they were Lady Gaga alongside some classics: devil horns, a witch hat, tubes of fake blood, most likely a pair of elf ears, etc. These items are kept just in case they might come in handy for Halloweens to come, which they never do.
I wait until the last minute to put together Halloween costumes and, sometimes, to even start brainstorming concepts. This happens every year without fail and I'm beginning to think that there's more behind it than my general indecisiveness: I don't think I want to buy costumes. Why? Because it feels like a complete and utter waste of money that will, inevitably, result in me dedicating an entire bin underneath my bed to items that I know, deep down, I will never again have use for. But I'll hold onto those things because, in my opinion, being cluttered is more respectable than being wasteful. I, on the other hand, also have a friend who is the same thing for Halloween every year: a black cat. Perhaps I should aspire to be more like him.
How, as self-proclaimed fashion people, can we do Halloween in a way that is not wasteful while still feeling true to ourselves? And how can this, at the same time, encourage us to branch outside of our clothing comfort zones? Long story short: buy clothes, not costumes. Short story long: think of characters that you know and love with distinct style. Also consider concepts instead of characters. Lastly, think about how you can put your own spin on tried and true Halloween classics with a garment that you are happy to own and wear again in the future. At the end, you might end up with unexpected pieces and perhaps your personal style will even evolve. Think of Halloween as an excuse to pick up items that you've been wanting to splurge on.
Below, I've dropped a few classic costume ideas alongside investment pieces to get your look started. Halloween is the perfect excuse to shop, after all.
"The Matrix"
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For a look that's effortlessly cool, pair a pvc leather trench coat, pvc leather top, and oval sunglasses to channel "The Matrix". Post-Halloween, the coat will serve as both a staple and statement piece throughout fall, the top will be easy to throw on for a night out, and the sunglasses will match anything and everything in the summer.
Penny Lane From "Almost Famous"
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Penny Lane's distinct '70s style choices remain popular to this day thanks to the likes of Bella Hadid. In "Almost Famous", Penny Lane often sports her iconic Afghan coat, crochet, and perfectly fitting jeans. This costume is the perfect excuse to invest in a statement coat that will elevate all of your fall and winter outfits. A crochet top is a great piece to have in your wardrobe come spring and summer, while a slightly flared jean can be worn year round.
"Practical Magic"
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Rather than being a prototypical witch, be specific. All that's needed is a long black dress with flared sleeves, a closet staple that can be dressed up and down on future occasions, and a pointy boot that you'll find yourself throwing on all fall and winter. Complete the look with a wooden-handled umbrella and you're a witch from "Practical Magic".
Cowboy
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With western-inspired pieces on the rise and with cowboy boots having solidified themselves as a staple over the past few years, this is a go-to, tried and true costume. Invest in a solid pair of cowboy boots, suede pants, and a western-inspired belt. After Halloween, throw on the on with dresses, skirts, and shorts all spring and summer long. Pull the western-inspired belt to accessorize an otherwise simple jean and plain t-shirt look, and wear your suede and leather pants with heels on a night out.
Marilyn Monroe in "The Seven Year Itch"
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To recreate this iconic Marilyn Monroe moment from "The Seven Year Itch", all you need is a white midi halter dress, white strappy heels, and oversized white earrings. Come spring and summer, the dress can be paired with sandals and ballet flats for a quick outing, the heels will be perfect for a night out, and the earrings will complete otherwise minimal looks.
"Black Swan"
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Channel Natalie Portman in "Black Swan" in a Black corseted mini dress with a tutu-like skirt, black ballet flats, and a feather bag to play into the feathers of the original costume. Do formal events ever come up at the last minute and you find that you have nothing to wear? In those moments after Halloween, this dress will be an easy grab. The classic black ballet flats can be paired with any outfit or aesthetic and the statement-making bag will add an element of fun to any nighttime look.
Classic Ballerina
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Feeling less dark and more girly? Dress up as a classic pink ballerina in a tutu dress that can be worn to formal events in the future, pink ballet flats that will complete your spring and summer looks, and a tulle bag for a playful element.
