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We’ve ditched the masks, fake blood, and plastic vampire teeth- Halloween isn’t about making the biggest scare anymore. For girls in university, it’s an extension of our personal style; another chance to make a ‘voguish’ statement and think outside the box. Halloween is, essentially, one big fashion show disguised as a holiday: the perfect excuse to flex your styling skills and, of course, get the perfect pic for your feed.
But let’s be honest, fashion can be intimidating. The good news? Chic Halloween looks don’t require a shopping spree. It all goes back to the basics. With a few staples and some creativity, it’s (almost) effortless to look effortlessly cool. The best part is, you probably already own everything you need to pull it off.
“What is More Beautiful than a Trusty Little Black Dress?”
Audrey Hepburn was right- the opportunities are endless with nothing but a simple black mini dress. Lace, strapless, satin, slip, v-neck, whatever you please, this staple piece is the holy grail of Halloween looks. Right now, I’ve been loving the Dale Dress from Reformation. I’m also obsessed with Depop or a good thrift run if you are in search of a more vintage look.
As for the costume, the black dress can take you in any direction. Of course, you can always go with a classic cat, or add some leopard accessories to turn it into a cheetah. Add a tiara and channel your inner Holly Golightly for a Breakfast at Tiffany’s look. Swap the pearls for smoky eyeliner and become the iconic Black Swan. Movie characters? Think Karen Smith from Mean Girls or even Hester Prynne from The Scarlet Letter if you’re feeling clever.
These Boots were made for Walking – and Styling
Ditch the sneakers for Halloweekend and take your costume up a notch with a sleek pair of boots. Just like the classic black mini dress, you really can’t go wrong with a timeless pair of black, tall, leather boots. I love the pointed-toe look of my Zara pair and am thinking of styling them with a leather jacket for a race-car driver costume, or maybe some black shades for a spy look. These boots can elevate just about any costume, and the best part is, you’ll wear these long after Halloween. I love wearing mine to dinner, on a night out, and even to class.
Suit Up
The blazer is truly the epitome of chic and versatile. From the office to street wear to Halloween, this wardrobe piece never misses. We’ve all seen Hailey Bieber’s iconic blazer moments, so why not channel that same it-girl energy into one of the biggest nights of the year?
If you’ve got a black blazer in your closet, pair it with knee-high boots, a mini skirt, and a tie for a Men in Black look. Or, lean into the dark side (think The Joker or American Phycho) and top it off with bold makeup. Pinstripe, tailored, or oversized, this timeless piece screams “model off duty” and offers endless opportunities for a sophisticated, elevated costume.
Final Touches
By going back to basics, staple pieces can give you the perfect starting point for a costume that’s classy, cool, and totally you. Even a “basic” Halloween costume can end up being anything but. This season, have fun weaving your personal style and fashion passions into this spooky, and of course, chic holiday.