a simple approach to halloween

i don’t often dress up for halloween anymore, but when i do, i do enjoy it. in general, i just love getting dressed up — and that’s really all halloween is to me: an excuse to wear a fun outfit. sometimes, though, it feels like there’s pressure to have the most original or clever costume, and it can become more stressful than fun. i also struggle with how wasteful halloween can be — buying something you’ll only wear once. so, my approach to dressing up for halloween is essentially the same as how i approach getting dressed every day: start with a simple base and build from there. i like to keep it simple, but still creative, and as sustainable as possible.

first, i keep my costume idea simple. i don’t need to be “best dressed” or have the coolest or funniest or most unique costume. i actually love a so-called “basic” costume, but i make it my own. for example, a couple years ago i dressed up as snow white. not exactly an original idea, but i found secondhand pieces to make it a little more unique. i found a blue corset and yellow skirt on depop, and wore red mary janes i already owned. instead of wearing a red ribbon in my hair, i wore it as a choker — a small detail that made the costume feel more like my style.

i try to be mindful by using what i already have or shopping secondhand. even when shopping, i pick pieces i can see myself rewearing. you don’t have to be perfect — sometimes you’ll need to buy something new or a specific item for a costume — but if you do, try donating or reselling afterward instead of tossing it.

when it comes to costume ideas, i love using normal clothes and adding accessories and make up to make it feel more halloweeny — making an everyday outfit a little more whimsical, dark, or playful. i lean into “basic” ideas like witches, clowns, ghosts, fairies, or vampires, because you can use clothes you already own and add accessories or makeup. one year, i wore a simple all-white outfit with a red jacket and clown makeup. in college, i’d wear a regular “going out” look and add animal ears or themed makeup — simple, but still fun and personal.

dressing up as a character or celebrity is another easy option. you don’t need exact replicas — just capture the colors or general vibe. again, it’s all about making it your own.

and sometimes, i’ll skip the “costume” altogether and just do a makeup look. just a simple outfit with some fun makeup. one year, i stayed in with friends but still wanted to feel festive, so i wore a comfy outfit and did a spiderweb makeup look. it doesn’t need to be elaborate if you’re not great with makeup — simple makeup can still feel fun.

and finally, don’t be afraid to get crafty. diy-ing pieces or adding handmade touches makes your costume more unique (and usually more sustainable).

a few simple halloween ideas:

• ghost — white slip dress or skirt, lace cloth over head, light makeup
• witch — black lacy dress, dark makeup, could wear a witch hat
• mummy — use fabric scraps to diy, lace top & skirt
• iconic celebrity look
• your favorite tv or movie character
• sad girl — simple outfit, “sad girl” makeup & tears
• voodoo doll — diy buttons on a dress/shirt, stitches makeup look
• vampire — normal outfit, blood/dark makeup
• dark fairy — slip dress, wings, dark makeup, could add pointy ears
• the green ribbon girl — white lace dress, green ribbon around neck
• dirty martini — olive green dress, red accessories, green & red makeup look
• medieval princess — vintage dress, diy cone hat
• doll girl — baby doll dress, “doll” makeup look

my main tips for halloween costuming:

• shop secondhand when possible — depop, etsy, ebay, thrift stores
• use what’s already in your closet (or borrow from a friend)
• if buying new, choose pieces you’ll rewear
• keep your costume idea simple but make it your own
• donate, loan, or resell after — don’t just throw things away
• lean into makeup
• diy when you can