You have your ticket, booked the latest coach to ensure optimal getting ready time, but there is one thing that may have passed you by in the whirlwind of first deadlines, disgusting weather and going home for Reading Week; your outfit for the Enchanted Forest Ball!Do not despair ladies, at HCX, we’re here to help with your Halloween crisis. From outfits which you can get in on with your housemates (did anyone say Mean Girls?!) to simple but effective quick fixes involving just a plain white sheet, read on for the comprehensive guide to last-minute dressing up.
Mean Girls
‘In the regular world, Halloween is when children dress up in costumes and beg for candy. In Girl World, Halloween is the one night a year when a girl can dress like a total slut and no other girls can say anything about it.’
Pay homage to one of the greatest Halloween scenes in cinematic history with your friends by dressing as Regina, Karen and Gretchen (…and maybe leaving out Cady’s scary ensemble). This getup is surprisingly easy, and can actually give you the perfect opportunity to invest in some clothes which may be good for going out during the rest of the year! A key staple for these outfits is a pair of versatile black disco pants (try boohoo.com) which can be worn again on any standard night to Arena. Hit up Exeter’s fancy dress shops at the bottom of the High Street for your chosen mouse/bunny/cat accessories, and you are good to go! Top tip for making this look work at the Enchanted Forest? Eschew the heeled knee high boots for some plain black plimsolls to avoid getting stuck in a field.
Pixie
Get in to the spirit of the mystical enchanted forest by dressing as a mischievous Pixie. First, a pair of wings is necessary. Try searching on ebay.com for a standout pair- the more feathers and glitter, the better. Add to the accessories with some flower garlands in your hair; Topshop do a wide selection which, if you’re feeling keen, you can even spray paint black for the occasion. If you’re brave enough to defy the cold, try pairing your wings with a corset or babydoll dress. If not, a long sleeved mesh panel body is a great way to mimic the look without freezing to death (try boohoo.com).
China Doll
Freak out your friends and dress as a creepy China Doll! The most important element of this look is the makeup, so prepare to go all or nothing to create a convincing look. Ideally, white stage makeup is the most effective cover, ensuring that even when sweating in the dance tent, your face will stay bright white. Use a makeup sponge (the cheapest are available at Primark) to cover as much of your face as possible. Next, grab some red lippy to paint a heart on your lips. The easiest way to achieve this is to use lip liner to trace an outline of the heart beforehand, then fill in the shape with lipstick. With such a dramatic makeup look and all attention on your face, the pressure will be taken off your actual outfit; bonus!
Ghost
If you are reading this article on the night before, then dressing as a Ghost is definitely the best option for you! Requiring minimal effort, this outfit is still an easy way to get all dressed up. To start with, either find a spare sheet, or purchase a cheap one from Primark. Embellish the look by either cutting eye holes or drawing them on with a Sharpie, then snip ping a slit in the sheet for your arms. The best part of dressing as a ghost is by far the fact that you can wear whatever you wish underneath. At the end of the night, when everyone’s meticulously planned outfits are causing them discomfort, you will be the last one laughing!
Pumpkin
This outfit is for the dedicated DIY lovers out there; we know you exist! If you don’t want to subscribe to the Mean Girls idea that Halloween is simply an excuse for dressing in the most revealing way possible, then go for a cute pumpkin look instead. Orange face paint (or, although not recommended by HCX, fake tan) will help you achieve the look most effectively, especially when teamed with a green beanie. For the actual pumpkin outfit, you can easily order them offline (we recommend Ebay’s fancy dress section). If time is of the essence, an orange men’s Primark t-shirt stuffed with a pillow will also do the trick. Don’t forget the luminous orange tights (which we dare you to try incorporating in to outfits post-Enchanted Forest) to keep your legs warm and outfit even more believable.
Mummy
Another DIY classic, dressing as a Mummy for the Enchanted Forest will not only keep you wrapped up from the cold in an inevitably chilly field, but will certainly provide some laughs as you get ready. It is commonly assumed that simply wrapped good old toilet tissue around oneself is the easiest (and cheapest) way to get the look, however, don’t forget the risk of disintegration if it rains! The best way to avoid this pitfall is to buy some cheap fabric, or even a cheap sheet, and rip it in to strips which can be wrapped around you. A few necessary safety pins later, and you will certainly be standing out from the crowd. HCX does recommend caution when trying to take this outfit off at the end of the night!
Photo Credits: weheartit.com