I Love Halloween, But I Like My Costumes to Be Stylish—Here Are 5 That Work

I love summer. Bare shoulders in the sun, sandy toes, outdoor drinking… What’s not to enjoy? But one thing that makes me ditch a Hot Girl Summer faster than a tan fading away after a holiday is Halloween. I know that the festive period is the real highlight for most in winter, but spooky season is up there as one of my favourite times of year. Watch old movies, play dress-up and binge-eat sweets? Yes, please. And then there’s the celebrity dressing! I can safely say that Heidi Klum’s infamous Halloween party for me is like the Met for everyone else. I will spend hours scrolling my feed the following morning sending the best and worst costumes to friends, colleagues or really anyone who’ll listen. This all being said, I’m aware that fancy dress is some people’s nightmare, and although Halloween is supposed to be filled with scary situations, looking like you’ve made an effort with an original costume idea is a legitimate reason to be terrified. 

As a big film buff, pop-culture obsessive and costume-party lover, I’m often asked by friends for Halloween ideas that they can make using their own wardrobes and maybe—just maybe—actually look quite good in the process. And I get it! As much as I love fancy dress, I’m a fashion person at heart who likes the recognition of a well-planned outfit. Like most, I too fear the situation where you turn up to a party in the same garments as someone else. As Cady Heron from Mean Girls famously said, "In girl world, Halloween is the one night a year that a girl can dress like a total slut, and no other girls can say anything about it.” But fear not: My suggestions don’t involve derogatory slurs but will earn you nods of approval at a party, in the office or on the dance floor. So forget Vecna or Hocus Pocus 2, which are set to be heavy hitters for Halloween this year. Here are some original costume ideas for fashion lovers of true Hollywood villains that you can choose based on your actual style aesthetic. 

1. Into tailoring? Patrick Bateman, American Psycho

American Psycho is a cult-classic thriller, and even outside of fancy dress, I have long been obsessed with the yuppie styling in this film. Chloë Sevigny’s secretarial skirt suit, Reese Witherspoon in an appropriately bouffant 1980s red velvet dress with a matching headband. What about Patrick’s huge mobile phone? I get endless pleasure from thinking about the costume design but not as much as I do as a major suit wearer thinking about how I could actually get away with just wearing my office attire to a Halloween party. 

Style tip: Been wanting to try slicking back your hair with gel but not found the right opportunity? This is it. Patrick’s gelled hair is an integral part in nailing this ensemble. 

 2. Y2K-Obsessed? Regina George's Mom, Mean Girls

This one is a favourite because it’s fun, easy, cool and comfortable. And most importantly, it gives me a valid excuse to wear my pink velour tracksuit out of the house and say things to my guests like, "You guys need anything? Snacks? A condom?” Busy Philipps almost broke the internet when she did this a few years back, and as Juicy Couture made a big comeback last year, plenty of us have one of these two-pieces lingering in our bottom drawer. Ganni lovers amongst us may have copped the Ganni x Juicy Couture set. (I didn’t, and there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about it.) And before you tell me Regina’s mom isn’t scary, ask yourself, can you imagine having a mother who describes herself as a cool mom?

Please note: Breast implants are not required, but push-up bras are encouraged.

Style tip: If you don't have a pet Chihuahua, then a video camera or a martini will serve you just as well as an ideal accessory. 

3. Fancy Folk? Dani, Midsommar

Honestly, each year since this film’s release, I am so perplexed as to why I’ve never seen someone do this. Perfect for anyone who wants a legitimate horror movie costume but still wants to look pretty, this folky embroidered dress is 100%t something I would wear in summer, and that floral crown is definitely something I took to Glastonbury during the peak of my Lana Del Ray phase. Time to dig out that faux-floral crown and reimagine it! 

Style tip: Didn’t have the same Lana phase I did? Instead of buying a plastic floral garland, try making one with fresh flowers or what you can find in your garden or local park.  

4. Love Leather? Trinity, The Matrix

Being a leather lover pays at this time of year. There are so many costume options depending on the cut or fit of your pieces. For example, if you just so happen to own a leather catsuit (come on—who doesn't?), it would be amiss to not attempt Catwoman. But for me, especially when leather blazers and trench coats are so popular, the obvious cool leather reference is Trinity of The Matrix. With the original released in 1999, the overlap of the late '90s and early '00s means the styling is impeccable. The tight tank top, the knee-high boots and those sunglasses. Is this 1999 or 2022?

Style tip: Want to go all out? Add a pair of leather gloves. 

5. Dressing Up With Your Other Half? Kourtney Travis

You may be thinking the obvious king and queen of darkness are Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, but with their unrelenting emo style and Instagram PDA, these two are the pop-culture answer to Gomez and Morticia Addams. From their Vegas-wedding snaps to their red carpet getups, there is an abundance of looks to replicate that always seem to coordinate. You can do sexy with an LBD or casual with jeans, combat boots and a biker jacket, but regardless, just think black, black, black! 

Style tip: Find two more friends to go as Pete and Kim, and then you'll really have yourself a winning couples costume. 

Next up, are you looking for the perfect pair of boots?