We’ve all been there: it’s October 30th, and we have NO idea what to wear for Halloween. Yes, we received the party invite at the beginning of the month, but after five years of being a black cat, we’ve run out of ideas. Plus, do we want to delve into our purses to spend the cash?
With the cost-of-living crisis on everyone’s mind, it’s no surprise that the average Brit doesn’t want to blow their budget on a new Halloween costume. So how can we nail spooky season without breaking the bank?
Luckily, our resident Head Stylist, Megan Watkins, has revealed her five ultimate DIY Halloween costumes that are sure to save us money, show our creative side and still keep us in the running for the best costume award.
Harley Quinn
Harley Quinn’s signature look was made famous by Margot Robbie’s portrayal in Suicide Squad, and it has been a staple at every Halloween party since its release in 2016 – probably because it’s so easy to recreate this look out of your existing items.
Want to give it a go yourself? Megan recommends: “Dig out your favourite crop top, coolest denim shorts and least favourite tights (you’ll have to rip them) from the back of your wardrobe and voila, you’re Harley Quinn. The only thing you may have to purchase is some bubblegum pink and blue hair dye to complete the look.”
Regina George
Cult-classic Mean Girls delivers one of the most iconic lines from any movie Halloween party ever: ‘I’m a mouse, duh’. Synonymous with the atypical noughties high-school teen, a Regina George-inspired costume is all about flat-ironed hair, a french manicure and that initial necklace (we know you have one).
Megan suggests: “Regina George serves us some serious noughties fashion inspiration throughout Mean Girls, and luckily, you probably have these items somewhere in your wardrobe. All you’ll need to do is dig into the back of your closet and pull out some classic early 2000s staples: a mini skirt, bootcut jeans, a baby tee, a preppy shirt, off-the-shoulder sweater and the tiniest handbag you have. All these pieces will help you pull Regina George’s signature bad girl look.
Elle Woods
With the viral Barbiecore trend popping up on the Lanvin, Versace and Rick Owens runways this Fashion Week, you can stay in style by channelling our favourite fictional lawyer this Halloween season.
Megan adds: “If you’re a pink lover, dressing up as Elle Woods this Halloween could be your easiest costume yet. All you’ll need is a pink top, pink skirt and some ’90s pink sunglasses, or keep it simple with a pink overcoat. Elle regularly mixes and matches her pink tones so don’t worry if your top and bottoms aren’t a complete match. (Toy dog is optional.)”
Flight Attendant
Who doesn’t want a job that takes them all over the world whilst looking incredibly glam? Live your sky-high fantasy by dressing as a flight attendant this Halloween.
Megan suggests: “All you need to pull off a flight attendant costume is a blazer, blouse, pencil skirt and a silk scarf to top off your look. Go for a red ensemble à la Virgin Atlantic or a navy blue for that instantly recognisable British Airways style. Plus, sans silk scarf, this makes for a cute office look.
“If the corporate look isn’t a bit of you, you can always ask your office-savvy friend to lend you an outfit.”
Posh Spice
As Mel C once said, “It must be so hard for you Victoria. I mean, having to decide whether to wear the little Gucci dress, the little Gucci dress, or… the little Gucci dress!” And although most of us may not be in possession of any Gucci, Posh’s look can be easily replicated without the designer price tag.
Megan suggests: “Become the ultimate Y2K icon and dress as Posh Spice this Halloween. All you’ll need is a little black dress, black heels, a killer smokey eye and some serious attitude. What’s more, you can repurpose this look for date night or when you’re going out-out.”
