Fashion For Thought 3
5 Halloween Costume Ideas for the Fashion Girlies
Words by Shinnie Park
Alas, brat summer has passed and we are full throttle into autumn. And that can only mean one thing–it is time to think about what you are going to be on Halloween. Unfortunately, this year’s spooky day lands on a weekday, Thursday to be exact, but I don’t think that's ever stopped anyone from going to a couple parties. Over the years that I’ve dipped my toe into the fashion industry, when I see looks or runway pieces, I regularly think to myself, “that would be a great halloween costume.” So here are five capital ‘F’ Fashion costume ideas and a suggestion on how to make them. Because let's face it, homemade DIY costumes are always more fun than a $30 party city one.
Alexander McQueen Spring 1999 Robot Painted Dress
This dress needs no explanation. I remember watching this runway for the first time and ever since that, its been living in my head rent free.
What you will need: a tan leather belt, long strip of white fabric (bedsheet will probably work), a couple petticoats, green and black spray paint, and a friend to help you spray paint.
How to make it:
Step 1. Gather the white fabric to the measurement of your bust and secure right under the armpits with the belt. (Ask a friend who can sew to put on some belt loops to make it more secure.)
Step 2. Put on the petticoats under the ‘dress’ you just made. Don’t be afraid to double up on the petticoats. We want VOLUME!
Step 3. Grab a friend and start with the green and start spraying as you spin around. Repeat for the black spray paint.
Step 4. Use some hair gel to recreate the wet hair look. Throw on some sandals and voila!
This is a look I would like to be buried in. Fitting for going to sleep eternally, right?
What you will need: Two satin pillows, heavy duty wire, flat sheet, red duvet, corset, big tapestry safety pins, and red pumps.
Step 1. Sew or glue the two pillows.
Step 2. Make a ‘U’ shape out of the wire. Poke two little holes at the bottom of the pillow and insert the wire into the pillow.
Step 3. Put on the corset. The sturdier the better for this one. Slot the base part of the ‘U’ between the corset and your back
Step 4. Wrap yourself in the flat sheet and red duvet. Make sure the sheet is folded over the top. Secure both layers with a tapestry safety pin. Use as many as needed.
Step 5. Hair spray your hair onto the pillow. You can also crimp and tease your hair if it makes this easier. Put on the red pumps and you’re ready to be the coziest person at the party.
The easiest look of all is this one. A fashion mystery, never making it on the runway and only seen in an editorial once is the Margiela Kiss shirt.
What you will need: a white button-down shirt, better if it’s slightly weathered, and red lipstick.
Step 1: Put the red lipstick on.
Step 2: Kiss the shirt.
Who better to look at for a halloween costume than Moschino and Katy Perry? For an instantly recognizable fashion-pop culture crossover is the burger dress. Super camp.
What you will need: a burger costume, wig cap, cardstock, rhinestones in silver, red, orange, yellow, green, brown, and brown slip-on shoes.
*Disclaimer: This costume does need a ready made costume.
Step 1: Get yourself a burger costume from a party store. The bigger the better.
Step 2: Glue down the rhinestones according to the color of each ingredient.
Step 3: Roll the piece of cardstock into a cylinder and glue it on the top of the wig cap.
Step 4: Glue silver crystals onto the wig cap.
Step 5: if there are brown rhinestones leftover, glue it in the shoes as well.
Step 6: Put the wig cap on leaving out face framing pieces and put on the rest of the outfit. You will be the yummiest looking person at the party.
This could be an iconic group costume. Throwing it back to the 90s with Anna Sui’s iconic spring ‘94 collection.
What you will need: Sheer babydoll dress, wire, feather boa, silver crystal necklace, headband, flower appliqués, crystals, basket bag, frilly socks, ribbon, and silver pumps.
Step 1: Cut out 3 pieces of the feather boa and attach wire to it.
Step 2: Glue on a floral appliqué at the center of the headband. Embellish the headband and appliqué with crystals that match the color of your feathers.
Step 3: Attach the feather boa with wires on the back on the floral appliqué to complete the headpiece.
Step 4: Glue the remaining floral appliqués on the basket bag.
Step 5: Put on the sheer babydoll dress and accessories with the chunky silver necklace.
Step 6: Put on the frilly socks and silver pumps, and tie a bow with the ribbon across your foot.
Step 7: Wear the headband you created and sling the remaining feather boa across your arms to complete the Fashion babydoll look.