It’s arguable, but one of the best party scenes of all time has to be in Legally Blonde when Elle Woods walks into a Harvard Law party dressed like a sexy bunny. Though Elle handles what turns out to be a prank with grace, it can scare even the most daring collegiettes when we get dressed up, as the timeless question sets in: how dressed up is too dressed up? With all the hype surrounding Halloween, it can be fun to dress up throughout October just to get in the spirit. Here are a few outfits you can wear that will get you in the Halloween mood but aren’t full costumes.
Witching Hour
She-Devil Black Dress, $43 at LuLu*s
Bombshell Over-the-Knee Boots, $44.80 at Forever 21
Of course, the classic Halloween costume is the witch. Good witch or bad, you don’t have to put on crazy striped tights and a pointy hat to get style inspiration from this look. First, find your favorite little black dress and put on your coolest black boots. Over-the-knee boots will pack the biggest punch, but if you’d rather rock a shorter style, go for it. Put on some intense black liner, and you’ll be ready to cast a spell on someone!
Black Cat
Volcom Frochickie Strapless Black Dress, $49.50 at LuLu*s
Cool Cat Flats, $22.80 at Forever 21
Black cats get a pretty bad rap for being unlucky, but you can still use them as Halloween outfit inspiration this fall. Dress in a simple black dress and wear your hair down. To pull together the look, put on these kitten-inspired loafers. Cutest kitty flats ever!
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Pumpkin Spice
Corner Shop Pumpkin Cropped Tee, $24 at Urban Outfitters
Pumpkin Beanie, $21.36 at ASOS
Nothing gets you in the Halloween spirit quite like pumpkins! From pumpkin spice lattes to jack-o’-lanterns, pumpkins are an autumnal staple. Don’t worry—you don’t have to wear a massive round pumpkin suit to channel our favorite orange treat. One way to embrace this Halloween essential is this adorable cropped tee. Paired with a high-waisted skirt or some fun shorts, you’ll be looking super cute come October 31st. Another way to add some pumpkin flair to your getup is this fun beanie. Comfortable and cute, this sweet little hat can be worn with just about anything to show off your Halloween spirit.
Spooky Skeleton
Skull Cutout French Terry Top, $12.50 at Charlotte Russe
Corner Shop Mr. Bones Cropped Tee, $24 at Urban Outfitters
Vince Camuto ‘Tour of Duty’ Skull Stud Earrings, $20 at Nordstrom
Another classic Halloween costume is the skeleton, and this one is really easy to embrace in a low-effort way. We’re obsessed with this skeleton cut-out tee is another piece that will exude skeletal fun when paired with a high-waisted skirt or cutoff shorts. Stick with gray and black tones and you’ll nail this timeless Halloween look. To polish things up, wear these cool skull stud earrings.
Dressing up for Halloween parties is so much fun that it can be tempting to make the costume season last a little longer. Save your sexiness or your punny-ness for the real Halloween parties, and incorporate a more subtle spirit for day-to-day wear. Pick a simple, classic inspiration and wear it in a modern way. You’ll look festive without getting too crazy in the costume department. Happy Halloween!