6 Fashion-Editor-Approved Halloween Costumes You'll Actually Feel Stylish in

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

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(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

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:

2. Barbie

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(Image credit: @karodall)

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.

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3. Dorothy

A photo posted by on

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.

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4. Poison Ivy

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(Image credit: @rendagrella)

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.

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5. Chic Mushroom

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(Image credit: @aimeesong)

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.

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6. Olive from Easy A

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(Image credit: @ariannabaq)

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:

Next Up: Going to a Concert? 10 Fashion-Editor Approved Looks That Work Every Time

Freelance Fashion Editor

Bébhinn Campbell is an Edinburgh-based fashion and lifestyle writer and editor. She started her first blog at age 14 and went on to intern at print and digital publications in Berlin and London, including Dazed Confused and Indie magazine.

A job at a fashion startup took Bébhinn from Ireland to Scotland in 2019, where she now works as a freelance journalist and copywriter covering everything from travel and interiors to styling advice. As a contributor toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , Bébhinn always keeps her eyes peeled for emerging trends and looks worth writing about. She prides herself on her ability to cut through the noise and identify solid investment buys, exciting new brands and fresh takes on classic design.

In her spare time, Bébhinn enjoys perusing Edinburgh’s best vintage shops, working through her out-of-control book collection and watching dog reels on Instagram.