There are two types of Halloween people. The ones who take it really seriously, and consider it the best holiday of the year . Or, the ones who let their vanity get the better of them by wanting to look half decent . So while I admire those of you who can really dive into the occasion, here are 10 suggestions for Halloween costumes that are in the cultural moment but not exactly ridiculous. Sure some people might not know who you are immediately, but perhaps that’s a great way to a) start a conversation with someone attractive? Or b) let them all know your pop culture knowledge. Happy Halloween.
Carol Aird (Cate Blanchett) Carol
Find a cast-off fur that might have belonged to your grandmother. Cover your head in a scarf that matches your gloves. Find big sunglasses and carry a square handbag. This is the ideal costume for smokers who need to spend long periods outside at the party.
Daisy Buchanan (Carey Mulligan) The Great Gatsby
There’s a little bit of Carey Mulligan in all of us. The smart, plaintive gal who looks good in everything. And who doesn’t wish they were a flapper. If you have short hair already you’re half way to making this costume fly, but key is finding the appropriate headgear for this outfit. Makeshift headbands with baubles could work and a fluffy boa.
Hilary Clinton (herself) The US Presidential Election
No lie. I’m wearing a red pantsuit RN so perhaps I’m already in costume. Teeth whitening and always looking up to the right of your screen as you speak will help this outfit.
Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) Stranger Things
I think this is going to be the break out (get it, she broke out) costume of the year. Get a blonde wig, pink dress and knee high sport socks, runners and carry an Eggos box. Fake blood at the nostrils. If people don’t know who you are? They’re no friend to you
Claire Fraser (Caitriona Balfe) Outlander
Love this one. Pull hair away from face into a bun, and find any long floor length billowy skirt, put another skirt underneath to add volume. Find a white shirt, put brown sweater over top and use either a shawl or scarf around your neck and you’ll look like you’ve slipped back in time to the 18th century.
Barbara Holland (Shannon Purser) Stranger Things
If you really want justice for Barb, let her live this Halloween. Key to this costume is a vintage 80s ski parka that can probably be found in a parent’s closet. Coke bottle glasses from a Value Village, use eye liner to apply freckles, and wear a side, wavy hair part. Wear any shirt with a collar and add any household gift wrap ribbon. Tie at the collar. High-waisted jeans are recommended.
Cookie Lyon (Taraji P. Henson) Empire
Two words. Animal and print. Once you’ve got the ensemble sorted, splash out on a glam side hair blowout, long acrylic nails and a red lip. Slay. Fedora is optional.
Chanel Oberlin (Emma Roberts) Scream Queens
This is an excellent last minute emergency costume. Although pink is preferred any fun fur bomber jacket will do. Pair with sleek side hair part, pussy bow blouse, houndstooth skirt, big sunglasses and square purse. Look bored.
Alex Parrish (Priyanka Chopra) from Quantico
At last, a brown-skinned (like me) Halloween-friendly option! If you really want to lock this look down, wear a short black leather jacket, get a side part Farrah Fawcett-style blowout. Then head to any Halloween dealer for a belt clip police badge. The badge is crucial. Carry phone at all times, and furrow your brow.
Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) Suicide Squad
According to Google Trends this Suicide Squad character is the top trending adult costume for 2016. Check out this awesome tutorial that we found on Pinterest which suggests a blonde curly wig, coloured hairspray in pink and blue, a baseball T-shirt, with shorts and studded black belt overtop fishnets. Don’t forget the baseball bat!
Fashion Magazine
