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alexa demie as maddy and sydney sweeney as cassie in euphoria
alexa demie as maddy and sydney sweeney as cassie in euphoria
Photograph by Eddy Chen/HBO
Culture

The Halloween Costume Guide You’ve Been Looking For!

The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UBC chapter.

With Halloween and midterms just around the corner, looking for costumes can be a pain – but don’t worry! Lucky for you, Her Campus at UBC has got your back.

Here’s a style guide to making your Halloween costume effortless, elegant, and economical!

How to navigate: Scroll down the list to find the color you’d like to wear, and select the concept or character you resonate with (and have clothes for in your wardrobe!). It’s as easy as that!

***All of these ideas were compiled in a manner that would complement existing items in everyone’s closet, with the small exception of accessories that may need to be DIYed or purchased from a dollar store****

If you want to wear black for Halloween:

  • Mrs. Smith 

https://pin.it/5wyTcJZ

From your wardrobe: Black dress (long or short) or a black tank top and black skirt combo, heels or boots 

Outsource: Toy gun holster and toy gun

  • Maddy from Euphoria

https://pin.it/1wmOP2N

Although this one’s outdone, you can’t go wrong with it. The key to executing this outfit lies in makeup and accessories. So, you could wear any outfit you like as long as you go all out with everything else!

From your wardrobe: Any Black outfit, Sparkly accessories 

Outsource:  Gemstones for the makeup

  • Witch 

https://pin.it/4ItZBDA

A better alternative to the cliché cat costume. It’s easy to execute and fun to play around with! 

From your wardrobe: any black dress or black skirt and top combo

Outsource: long gloves and a tall hat (try your local dollar store!)

  • Matrix

https://pin.it/6KOLYyG

If you want to be the edgiest person on Halloween, you HAVE to go with the matrix costume! 

From your wardrobe: black leather jacket or a trench coat, black boots, black sunglasses

Outsource: Nothing!

  • Girl Boss

https://pin.it/6o24lim

If you’re the “go-getter” of your friend group, why haven’t you thought of this girlboss Halloween costume? 

From your wardrobe: Black blazer, sunglasses, and any formal attire that matches!

Outsource a mug that says “world best boss”

  • MIB

https://pin.it/44oeRx1

Although very similar to the matrix costume; MIB can be a fun group costume and easy to execute!

From your wardrobe: Black blazer, black sunglasses, white top, black tie, and style with a black skirt or pants

Outsource: A toy gun

  • Easy A

https://pin.it/7sAMgxM

An iconic costume that you only need 3 items for!

From your wardrobe: black corset top, black shades, and black jeans/pants

DIY: The Red “A”

If you’re looking for a bold color – here’s some inspo for Red costumes

  • Betty boop

https://pin.it/4Gu8Txg

This is a cute and iconic outfit to recreate for Halloween! Go for a bold look with red lips to compliment the aesthetic of Betty Boop.

From your wardrobe: red dress, heart accessories, gold jewelry, any pair of heels that match 

Outsource: nothing!

  • Cupid 

https://pin.it/6htvj9g

Angels are outdone, so let’s use a cupid costume this time! With cupid, you could opt for a bright pink or red makeup look to match the “love is in the air” vibe!

From your wardrobe: red dress/top/skirt, heart accessories 

Outsource: mini bow and arrow (try your local dollar store!) and wings (optional)

  • Mario

Mario costumes are a classic. It’s  also very easy to match with others for a group costume! From your wardrobe: Red t-shirt/top and any pants/skirt

Outsource: White gloves and Suspenders

If Green is more your style:

  • Mother Nature

https://pin.it/rf7lrxo

An elegant and graceful choice. Although this may be heavy on the accessories and makeup division.

From your wardrobe: any green dress/top/skirt/pants combo

Outsource: Green vines (to wear around yourself) and a floral headband/tiara

  • Kim Possible

https://pin.it/2jObgrt

Kim Possible is slightly cliché but still remains the most fabulous Halloween costume if executed properly. 

From your wardrobe: Black long-sleeved top, Green cargo pants

Outsource: Biker gloves

  • Tinkerbell

https://pin.it/1E7MQOC

From your wardrobe: green sleeveless dress/green sleeveless top and skirt

Outsource: Wings and “fairy” dust

Other Colours (White and Pastels):

  • Goddess

https://pin.it/7pT9xSq

From your wardrobe: Long flowy garments (any long flowy dress or top with a skirt), gold sandals, and accessories

Outsource: olive branch crown

  • Angel

https://pin.it/2GgCFoL

From your wardrobe: White dress/ white top and skirt combo

Outsource: Wings and tiara

  • Pirate

https://pin.it/4ujyAwE

From your wardrobe: Flowy white top/shirt, black or brown skirt and gold waist chain

Outsource: Pirate hat and toy sword

  • Bridgerton 

https://pin.it/3bLk4pF

From your wardrobe: any pastel-colored silk dress

Outsource: Tiara and lace gloves

Our “Pro tips”

  • Ditch the wings! 

Wings complete the costume and sometimes ARE the costume, so take photos at home and ditch them before any party. You don’t want your wings entangled in someone else’s costume!

  • Go for a concept for more flexibility. 

If you’re feeling uncertain about a costume this year, try to opt for a concept with more room to play around with. Meaning that opts for a fairy costume rather than executing a Winx club costume so that you can choose what to do with your hair, makeup, etc., and even what color to wear! A well-executed fairy costume will always trump a poorly done Winx club one.

  • Stand out with the makeup.

For most of these costumes, makeup is your secret ingredient. For instance, the plainest costume can be quickly elevated with a bold eyeshadow look. Try practicing early, and watch tons of YouTube tutorials to know what you’re going for!

  • Try to source + repurpose from your own closet.

Many of these ideas are intended to complement staple pieces in everyone’s wardrobe (with the minor exception of accessories like wings and toy guns), as much money and materials are often wasted during Halloween. Despite our suggestions, you can always substitute any of your other pieces to execute any of these costumes.

Happy costume hunting!

Savindya is a second-year student studying International Economics and pursuing a minor in History at the University of British Columbia. Her interests include education, controversial topics, and a good bargain! She is very excited to be a writer.
Albena is a student in UBC's International Economics program, with a minor in International Relations. Through her studies, she has developed a great passion for economics, data science, and foreign affairs. You can find her on campus listening to Taylor Swift, studying in Iona, or getting an iced coffee.