Are you ready for college fashion week? By that I mean are you ready for Halloween? In college, the spooky season often involves costumed events, and now is the time to say goodbye to last-minute outfits and elevate your Halloween style.
And where better to look for fashion inspiration than the runway? Here is a collection of my favorite runway looks to inspire your Halloween costumes this October.
Look 1: Skeleton
Betsey Johnson, AW12
This striking metallic ensemble by Betsey Johnson exudes a polished sophistication with a rocker-style attitude, making it perfect for a night out. Consider making your skeleton costume sparkle with silver accessories, and bonus points for a heart-shaped necklace.
Look 2: Witch
Martine Sitbon, SS93
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/161355599142015886/
What’s more classic than a witch? In this Martine Sitbon runway look, Kate Moss gives us witch-meets-90s-cool girl with muted gray tones, a sultry smokey eye, and a classic pointed hat to finish the look. This Halloween, instead of pairing your witch’s hat with a plain black robe, opt for a more flattering dress with muted tones.
Look 3: Barbie
Moschino, SS15
With the 2023 Barbie Renaissance, many girls (myself included) will want to channel their inner Barbie this October. Luckily, Moschino curated an entire collection of ready-to-wear Barbie looks back in 2015 that will teleport you straight into Barbie Land. This Malibu-chic look in particular features bejeweled pink shades, massive pumps, and the iconic Barbie hot pink color. Add these elements to a classic skirt outfit to dance the night away as Barbie this Halloween.
Look 4: Matrix
Chanel, AW93
In this sleek archival Chanel outfit, Yasmeen Ghauri commanded the catwalk in head-to-toe black leather and rounded black shades that look straight out of the 1999 film The Matrix. Using classic pieces you may already have in your closet (leather pants, biker jackets, turtlenecks, and sunglasses), you can easily recreate this timeless costume.
Look 5: Rococo
Moschino, AW20
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/161355599142016073/
If you haven’t watched Sophia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette, you’re seriously missing out. The rococo-style dresses from the film and from this Moschino runway collection are extravagant, whimsical, and just the right amount of over-the-top that I’d like to be this Halloween. Go rococo by adding lace, frills, bows, layered jewelry, and a sky-high wig to your outfit.
Look 6: Mermaid
Blumarine, SS23
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/161355599142015995/
As a child who watched way too much H2O: Just Add Water, and as an adult who loved seeing Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid, I will soak up anything mermaid-related. So, when I saw this ethereal-yet-understated Blumarine runway look, I fell in love. If you’re anything like me and want to feel a little more like a mermaid this year, try pairing a scalloped bra top with a matching blue set.
Look 7: Alien
Jeremy Scott, SS14
This otherworldly Jeremy Scott look, featuring a playfully ironic “Earth Sucks” shirt, combines elements of retro-futurism from the ’60s with a modern silhouette. And, after finding out (allegedly) that extraterrestrial life exists, what better time to emulate this look and become an alien yourself?
Look 8: Cowgirl
Versace, SS18
In case you were thinking of being a cowgirl for Halloween this year, first take a look at this spring/summer Versace outfit from 2018. With flattering lines, gold accents, a matching hat, and a pair of strappy heels, this chic twist on a cowgirl look could take your costume from the tailgate to the town.
Look 9: Dark Bride
Versace SS23
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/161355599142016049/
Does this dress seem familiar? It was actually worn at a premiere by none other than Miss Wednesday Adams herself, Jenna Ortega! As seen here on model Vittoria Ceretti, this sultry black lace dress has a sense of mystery and drama, perfect for an evening of spooky festivities. To effortlessly recreate this dark bride look, all you need is a long black dress, veil, and lace gloves.
Look 10: Royalty
Complice SS93
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/161355599142016133/
Finally, this royal runway outfit, worn by model Carla Bruni, is a perfect mix of a casual, modern style with the jeans and rimless sunglasses with an exaggerated, old-fashioned style with the frilly top, layered pearl necklaces, and comically large crown. Become a modern royal this Halloween by combining everyday-wear with fabulous frivolity.
Remember to embrace your sense of fashion and let your creativity run free this October as you find new ways to spice up your college Halloween costumes.