10 Easy and Iconic Halloween Costumes
As the season of pumpkin spice lattes and falling leaves rolls around, the excitement for Halloween festivities takes over. But, let's face it, costume shopping can be a real scare if you don't plan ahead. Whether you're aiming for the glamour of Holly Golightly or the chilling simplicity of a ghost, fear not! We've put together a comprehensive guide that walks you through how to pull off a range of iconic costumes with minimal fuss. From the items you'll need to mannerisms and catchphrases to nail the character, we've got you covered.
Holly Golightly from "Breakfast at Tiffany's"
This iconic character from the classic movie provides an elegant option for adult Halloween costumes. With a little black dress, pearl necklace, and other chic accessories like black gloves and a cigarette holder, you can easily pull off a look that's both stylish and instantly recognizable. Perfect for Halloween costumes in the UK or anywhere else, the outfit can be sourced from a thrift store or your own closet. Add some glamour with jewelled hairpins or a small tiara, and you're set to be a very stylish girl!
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What You'll Need:
Black dress, Pearl necklace, Black gloves, small tiara or jewelled hairpins and earrings for added glamour, Cigarette Holder, Sunglasses, Eye Liner, Hair pins
You can likely find most of these items in your closet or at a thrift store. Once you've assembled the outfit, just put your hair up in a bun and you're set!
Extra Tips:
Mannerisms: Hold a cigarette holder elegantly and peer over your sunglasses.
Catchphrases: Occasionally say, "Darling, I am a very stylish girl."
Props: Carry a small coffee cup and a paper bag (Tiffany’s optional) as if you're window shopping.
Make up: your make up should look effortless, give your cheeks a flushed glow and use black liquid eye liner.
How to do a Holly Golightly Hair Do:
What You'll Need:
Hairpins or bobby pins, Hair comb, Hair spray, Elastic hairband or hair tie
Steps:
Preparation: Start with dry, brushed hair. It's easier to work with hair that isn't freshly washed, as it will hold the style better.
Create a Ponytail: Pull your hair back into a high ponytail and secure it with an elastic hairband. Try to make the ponytail as smooth as possible to avoid any bumps.
Add Volume (Optional): If your hair lacks volume, you can wrap a hair padding or a "hair donut" around the base of the ponytail. Alternatively, you can tease the ponytail with a comb to add some volume.
Twist and Pin: Take your ponytail and twist it loosely. Then, wrap it around the base where the elastic band is, creating a beehive shape.
Secure the Style: Use bobby pins or hairpins to secure the twisted hair in place. Make sure to tuck the ends under the beehive so they aren't visible.
Final Touch: Optionally, add a decorative hair clip or small tiara on the top or front of the beehive for that extra Holly Golightly touch.
Set with Hairspray: To ensure your updo stays in place, finish by generously applying hairspray all over the hair.
And voila! You've got the Holly Golightly updo.
Mia Wallace from "Pulp Fiction"
When it comes to Halloween costumes for women, Mia Wallace is a low-effort, high-impact choice. All you need is a white button-down shirt, black pants, and a black bob wig. For an added touch of authenticity, apply some red nail polish or hold a fake cigarette. This sexy Halloween outfit encapsulates the spirit of '90s cinema and is sure to make you the centre of attention.
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You'll Need:
White button-down shirt, Black pants, Black bob wig
This is another low-effort, high-impact costume. Just add a fake cigarette or red nail polish for extra authenticity.
Extra tips:
Mannerisms: The Mia Wallace look isn't complete without some dance moves. Master the twist and maybe the swim for that iconic dance scene with Vincent Vega.
Catchphrases: Drop a casual, "Don't be a square," complete with drawing a square in the air.
Props: Consider carrying a small notebook as if you're ready to write down anyone's "comfortable silences."
Make up: Keep it natural but add some red lipstick and red nail polish.
Wednesday Addams from "The Addams Family"
Nothing says Halloween like the Addams Family, and a Wednesday Addams costume is as easy as they come. This Halloween fancy dress requires just a black dress with a white collar, black tights, and braided pigtails. For those looking for plus-size Halloween costumes, this look is easily adaptable and can be spiced up with makeup and a toy guillotine or a headless doll.
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What You'll Need:
Black dress with a white collar, Black tights, Black shoes, Two braided pigtails, black or dark red lipstick, black nail polish
Why It's Easy: It's a simple, timeless look that requires minimal preparation.
Extra Tips:
Mannerisms: Maintain a straight face and cross your arms often. And when Bloody Mary comes up, you better know the moves!
Catchphrases: Throw in some grim, dry humour. “I'm not perky” is always a good one.
Props: Consider carrying a headless doll or a toy guillotine for added effect.
Make up: Just add some pale foundation or even white body paint, dark smoky eyes- you can go as crazy with it as you like and for even better effect use black or very deep and dark red lipstick, and definitely black nail polish!
Barbie
Embrace your inner doll with this sexy Halloween costume for women. All you need is a pink dress or skirt and top, high heels, and a long blond wig. This is a look that celebrates feminine glamour, making it one of the more flirtatious adult Halloween costumes. Accentuate the outfit with some fake lashes and nails, and you'll truly live the phrase, "Life in plastic, it's fantastic!"
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What You'll Need:
Pink dress or skirt and top, Blonde wig, High heels, Long, blond wig
Why It's Easy: Barbie's signature colour is pink, so as long as you have something pink and girly, you're halfway there.
Extra Tips:
Mannerisms: Walk gracefully and always smile, like the doll that you're emulating.
Catchphrases: "Life in plastic, it's fantastic!" could be a fun line to throw in.
Props: Consider carrying a small purse or even a tiny toy dog.
Make up: Go as girly and pink as you can! And of course, more fake bits like lashes and nails, the more authentic you will be as a sexy plastic girl!
Witch
When it comes to classic costumes, Halloween wouldn't be the same without witches. A black dress, witch hat, and broomstick are all you need for this Halloween fancy dress. This witch Halloween costume allows for a lot of customization—you can make it as pretty or spooky as you want with the right makeup and accessories like a small cauldron or a stuffed black cat.
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What You'll Need:
Black dress, Witch hat, Broomstick
Why It's Easy: The elements are simple and often available in party or costume stores, if not already in your closet.
Extra Tips:
Mannerisms: Cackle occasionally and use exaggerated hand movements.
Catchphrases: Lines like "Double, double, toil and trouble" can add a spooky touch.
Props: Carry a small cauldron or a stuffed black cat.
Make up: as pretty or as ugly as you want to go! Can’t go wrong with smoky eyes and red lipstick but also can spice it up with some fake blood or stick on scars.
Vampire
Sexy and spooky, vampire costumes are a Halloween staple. A black or red dress, fake vampire teeth, and red lipstick create a seductive and chilling effect. This sexy Halloween outfit is also a versatile option among adult Halloween costumes, allowing you to choose between a modern or classic vampire look.
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What You'll Need:
Black or red dress – you can even add a long cape for more dramatic effect, Fake vampire teeth, Red lipstick, Fake blood It's mainly about the teeth and lipstick; the outfit itself can be quite versatile.
Extra Tips:
Mannerisms: Walk slowly and deliberately, maintaining an air of mystery.
Catchphrases: Say something like "I want to suck your blood" for a classic touch.
Props: Carry a small vial of 'blood' (red wine or fake blood) or a black cape for added effect.
Make up: Pale foundation, dark eyes and red lips- you can even through in some fake blood for more fun.
Goddess
If you're in search of elegant Halloween costumes for women, a Goddess outfit could be your divine calling. With a simple white or gold dress and golden accessories, you can easily look heavenly. This outfit also offers the perfect opportunity to go all out with your makeup—think glowy, golden looks for a celestial appearance.
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What You'll Need:
White or gold dress, Gold accessories, Sandals
Why It's Easy: A simple dress and some golden accessories are all you need to look divine.
Extra Tips:
Mannerisms: Carry yourself with an air of grace and majesty.
Catchphrases: Use old-time phrases like "Mortal, behold!" or "The Fates have spoken."
Props: A faux laurel wreath or a small harp could complete the look.
Make up: Go for feminine, glowy looks. Just don’t hold back on gold and you are on the right track.
Pin-Up Girl
Looking to travel back in time this Halloween? A Pin-Up Girl outfit might be the vintage look you're searching for. High-waisted shorts or a pencil skirt, a polka-dot or striped blouse, and red lipstick can make you the epitome of old-school glamour. Perfect for those who want to add a little elegance to their Halloween festivities.
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What You'll Need:
High-waisted shorts or a pencil skirt, Polka-dot or striped blouse, Red lipstick, Bandana or ribbon, Heeled shoes
Many of the pieces for this look might already be in your wardrobe, and the makeup is straightforward but impactful.
Extra Tips:
Mannerisms: Stand and sit with an exaggerated posture; think playful yet elegant.
Catchphrases: Saying something cheeky like, "Aren't you the cat's meow?" can add to the character.
Props: Carry a vintage clutch or purse, or hold a parasol if you want to go all out.
The Pin-Up Girl is a fun and flirty option that also allows you to dabble in vintage style for the night. Perfect for anyone looking to channel some old-school charm!
And The Most Last Minute Halloween Costume: The Ghost
While not typically found in the sexy Halloween costumes category, a ghost outfit is a classic, low-effort and fun choice. A white bedsheet with eye holes is all you need, but you can also get creative with chains or lantern props for added effect. This is a versatile option that allows you to be as simple or as extravagant as you like.
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What You'll Need:
White bed sheet, Scissors, black eye pencil
Why It's Easy: It's a classic, low-effort costume that requires just one main item. Cut out holes for your eyes, and you're good to go. Or you can go as extra as you want, lot's of space to spice up the most last minute Halloween costume!
Extra Tips:
Mannerisms: Float around the room gracefully or sneak up on people for spookier vibes.
Catchphrases: Saying "Boo!" is quintessential for this costume.
Props: If you want to get a little more elaborate, you can carry chains or hold a lantern to guide lost souls.
So, there you have it—a complete guide to nailing some of the most iconic looks this Halloween. These costumes Halloween ideas are not only striking but also straightforward to assemble, proving that Halloween costumes for women don't have to be complicated or expensive to be impactful. Whether you're aiming for glamour or a good scare, this list has got you covered. So go ahead, pick your favorite, and have a spook-tacular time this Halloween!
