If you're eager to make a statement and showcase your unique style this Halloween, you're in the right place.
Say goodbye to clichéd costumes and embrace the cool, chic, and contemporary. Whether you're into pop culture references, timeless classics, or imaginative twists on familiar themes, we've got you covered. We break down the trendy spooky season attire, to inspire and empower you.
We've curated a list of 10 cool and easy to DIY Halloween costumes for 2023 that will not only turn heads but also reflect your personality:
Margot paid homage to different Barbie's throughout the press tour
'Barbiecore' swept the globe over the last year, making Barbie the anticipated top choice for Halloween costumes this year. According to Boohoo the phrase ‘Barbie costume’ “receives a huge average of 18,000 monthly Google searches worldwide.” Fortunately, Greta Gerwig's movie offers numerous Barbies to draw inspiration from, and Margot Robbie's Barbie press tour offered up plenty of Barbie style inspo. As a result, this October, we can anticipate a variety of Barbie costumes ranging from cowgirl Barbie to roller-skating Barbie. (Bonus points if you rock up as weird Barbie.) If you're stuck on makeup watch this Barbie-inspired makeup tutorial for the ultimate pink beauty look.
Princess Ariel from The Little Mermaid
Halle Bailey gave an incredible performance in the live-action iteration of the movie
The term 'Ariel costume' is currently a hot topic, with approximately 8,000 monthly searches worldwide. Dressing up as Ariel is expected to be a major trend in 2023. This surge in popularity is attributed to the July 2023 release of the live-action version of The Little Mermaid starring Halle Bailey. To capture Ariel's iconic appearance, style your hair in Botticelli waves, combine a seashell or crochet bikini top with a mermaid tail or net skirt and dig out your summer seashell jewellery.
Netflix's Queen Charlotte will be a popular costume this year
The popular Netflix series, Bridgerton, has become synonymous with opulent ball gowns, lavish jewellery, and elaborate hairstyles. For fans of the show, Halloween offers a perfect opportunity to become the ‘talk of the Ton’ by embracing the regal persona of Queen Charlotte portrayed by India Amarteifio. Get your corset from Vinted, add a flowing skirt and adorn yourself in pearls.
M3GAN
M3GAN is the AI doll that makes Black Mirror look tame
Released in the beginning of 2023, the character M3GAN remains a top choice for those seeking a frighteningly good costume this year. To emulate the eerie doll wear a beige dress over a striped long-sleeve top, complemented by white tights and ballet flats. Complete the outfit with M3GAN’s recognizable blue and red striped scarf. To enhance the effect, practise some of M3GAN’s deadly dance moves.
It's pretty much a guarantee that Elvis and Priscilla Presley will be among the most sought-after couple costumes this Halloween. Following Austin Butler’s dazzling portrayal of the King of Rock in Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 biopic and Sofia Coppola’s upcoming film Priscilla, this year offers a great opportunity to channel the iconic pair. To embody Priscilla’s timeless style, opt for a swinging 60s mini dress and embrace the bouffant hairstyle. To get the quintessential Elvis look, choose a white jumpsuit or a two-piece, and slick back your hair with gel.
Sarah wore bold fit and flare dresses as Carrie Bradshaw in the SATC spin-off And Just Like That
Inspired by the buzz surrounding the hit show's reboot, And Just Like That… we have a feeling 2023 is the year to channel the classic Carrie Bradshaw wardrobe. Grab a tulle skirt, blue Manolos and laden your arms with shopping bags.
For the creatively blessed, recreate Carrie Bradshaw's iconic Dior newspaper print dress by taking yesterday's papers and testing your sewing abilities. The fish & chip shop could never. For larger friend groups; going as Samantha, Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte from Sex and the City is an effortless way to get your pals in on the action.
Jenna Ortega plays Wednesday Addams in the hit Netflix series
To dress as Wednesday Addams, embrace her iconic Gothic and macabre style. Start with a knee-length black dress featuring a white collar and cuffs. Pair it with black tights or leggings and black shoes, preferably Mary Janes. Style your hair into two plaits and enhance the look with dark eyeshadow, black eyeliner, and a touch of pallor. Don't forget Wednesday's deadpan expression to complete the character. You'll embody the spooky charm of Jenna Ortega’s Netflix character perfectly.
This incredibly captivating film stands out as one of the finest in recent years thanks to the brilliant performance by the legendary Michelle Yeoh in the role of Evelyn Wang. Evelyn is portrayed as a character who is not only funny and intelligent but also exceptionally strong and formidable. To capture her persona, grab a red quilted gilet, a paisley shirt, and add a googly-eye and fake blood to your forehead for an authentic touch.
Rue from Euphoria
To dress like Zendaya’s character Rue in Euphoria, embrace her edgy, eclectic style. Opt for oversized hoodies, vintage band tees, or crop tops paired with baggy pants or distressed denim. Add platform boots or sneakers, and layer with statement jackets. Experiment with bold makeup, including glitter and vibrant eyeshadows. Don't forget Rue's signature messy hair for the finishing touch. An incredibly easy costume to DIY.
The V&A is putting on an exhibition about the life and work of Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel
With the advent of the V&A’s latest exhibition dedicated to the work of the iconic designer, there has never been a better time to don your tweed and pearls. To embody Coco Chanel's timeless style, opt for a little black dress, pearls, and a chic boucle jacket. Adorn your wrists with bangles and carry a quilted handbag. You'll represent the epitome of fashion
For the Y2K girlies, Paris Hilton's 21st Birthday Party outfit will be a doddle. Slip on your shimmery chainmail slip dress that you were saving for party season, crack out the diamanté choker and go heavy on the lip gloss.
If you're set on Julia Fox, with so many wild looks to choose from you'll be split for choice. Our personal recommendation? Her voluminous Zac Posen silver gown worn to the New York City Ballet's Fall Fashion Gala – whip out the tinfoil and consider yourself sorted. There's also plenty of iconic double denim moments to choose from. Just remember to say "Uncut Jahhhhhmmmssss" to eveyone you meet.
Florence Pugh's Don't Worry Darling character Alice Chambers is a seriously brilliant shout. Don your best white broderie anglaise midi dress and go to town with the fake blood. You definitely won't regret it. At all.
Borrow your elderly neighbour's bouclé skirt suit, preferably Chanel, don some dark shades and take a quick trip to the hair salon to replicate Anna's trademark blunt bob.Add a statement necklace, preferably a chunky pearl one, and carry a stylish handbag. Finish with classic heels and maintain confident, poised posture. Master her signature icy demeanor, and you'll embody the essence of Anna Wintour's iconic style for Halloween.
If you fancy a spot of DIY, Liz Hurley's iconic Versace gown is just dying to be recreated. Pop to the chemist for a box of safety pins and put your skills to the test.
While filming for Breakfast At Tiffany's Audrey Hepburn wore one of the store's most expensive diamond necklaces.
Aka Hubert de Givenchy on a budget, Audrey Hepburn's Holly Golightly is a homemade Halloween dream. All you need to emulate the hugely recognisable Breakfast at Tiffany's character is a bouffant updo, a LBD, and a chaotic, yet utterly endearing, attitude.
Lydia Deetz from Beetlejuice
Winona Ryder as Lydia Deetz in Beetlejuice
To embody Lydia Deetz from the iconic film Beetlejuice for Halloween, focus on her unique gothic and ethereal style. Start with a vintage dress with a Victorian or Edwardian-inspired silhouette. Layer it with a tulle petticoat for added volume. Pair the dress with black combat boots and embrace Lydia's pale complexion with light foundation and dark, dramatic eye makeup. Style your hair in Lydia's signature jet-black up-do. Complete the look with dark lipstick and carry a Handbook for the Recently Deceased as a prop for an authentic Lydia Deetz transformation.
A great one for couples, dressing up as Karl Lagerfeld and his beloved cat for Halloween offers a delightful homage to two fashion legends. For Lagerfeld, don his iconic white high-collared shirt, fingerless gloves, black sunglasses, and a tailored black suit. Add a silver wig and tie your hair into a low ponytail. Carry a fan and exude Lagerfeld's signature confidence. For the car, add white ears and you're pretty much good to go. Together, you'll represent the epitome of fashion, honouring Lagerfeld's avant-garde flair. Honestly, it's Karl Lagerfeld and Choupette. No persuasion necessary.
We were bowled over by the supermodel's spray-on Coperni runway moment last year and were immediately inspired. Some white paint, the most minuscule of thongs, and a dash of daring is all that this look requires.
Victoria Beckham will be a hit-costume thanks to the Netflix's Beckham documentary. Two ways to play this one: dig out a black bandeau mini dress if you're serving Posh Spice, or plump for wide-leg trousers and massive shades for 2023 VB. The choice is yours. For the classic Spice Girl look start with a sleek, little black dress, preferably in a body-hugging silhouette. Add a pair of high-heeled black boots or stilettos. Wear oversized sunglasses and carry a designer clutch purse and apply dark, smoky eye makeup and nude lipstick. Master a confident, poised attitude, and you'll capture Posh Spice's aesthetic perfectly. Consider carrying a 'Girl Power' sign to pay homage to the Spice Girls' empowering message.
Kendall Jenner and Lily James have set the bar pretty high, but don't let that stop you. Grab a black corset or her iconic red swimsuit, add some brown lip liner and you’re set.
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