Google “Women’s Halloween Costumes” and you will be flooded with “sexy” variations on police officers, nurses, pirates… even Minnie Mouse. For the woman who would more likely define sexy as chic and creative, there are plenty of alternatives to the crop tops and short skirts that standard costume stores have to offer.
1. EDIE SEDGWICK
Originally Andy Warhol’s muse, and now a muse to countless others. Edie’s wardrobe items are simple but her makeup and accessories lavish. This is one of the easiest and chic-est costumes you can put together. Plus it will keep you warm if you experience cold Halloweens.
WARDROBE
1.Black leggings (American Apparel)
2.Big, jeweled earrings (Forever 21)
3.Big, jeweled necklace (optional)
4.Black leotard or black and white French-style striped shirt (American Apparel)
5.Faux fur coat (optional) (Pepe Jeans)
BEAUTY
1. Darken your eyebrows and thicken them if thin.
2. Apply white eyeshadow on the whole lid of your eye.
3. Line the bottom and top of your eye with black liner.
4. Use a black eyeshadow to line your crease from the inside to the outside of your eye à la Twiggy.
5. Add lots of mascara and false lashes.
6. Use a nude lipstick.
HAIR
1. Any type of hair color or length works for this costume because Edie went between brunette and blonde. However, it is ideal if you are a dyed blonde and your dark roots are showing, as this was Edie’s classic look. Just part your hair to the side and if it is long, make sure it goes into a sleek bun. Voila!
2. SILENT FILM STAR
Rather than doing the standard flapper girl costume, play on the more dark and mysterious femme fatales of the Roaring 20s with a silent film star look (pictured above left: Louise Brooks).
WARDROBE
Time to scour your local vintage store. The easiest find will likely be a drop waisted dress or a slip with lace covering (Kirsten Dunst in The Cat’s Meow). You can also look for asian-inspired designed silk robes or pull out your old Cleopatra costume. Vintage accessories will take you a long way. Many vintage stores have areas where they sell costume jewelry for about a $1.
BEAUTY
1. Thin eyebrows were all the rage. If your eyebrows are very light, you can cover them with foundation. If you have dark eyebrows, you will want to use glue stick and a setting powder before applying foundation.
2. You will then want to draw on thin, arched brows like Greta Garbo.
3. A deep maroon, purple, or black eyeshadow can be applied all over the eyelid for a dramatic look.
4. Use a lipliner to create a “cupid’s bow” and cover the edges of your mouth with foundation to hide your lips if this is not your natural lip shape. Fill in lips with a deep purple or maroon lipstick.
HAIR
1. If pin curls seem too complicated, opt for the short black wig and emulate Louise Brooks. Wrap a silk scarf around the wig and it won’t look as fake.
3. CAT AND DOG, THE PERFECT COUPLE’S COSTUME
This costume will likely make you and your lover (or best friend) the class act at your chosen Halloween soiree. Mia Farrow and Frank Sinatra did it first as a butterfly and cat, respectively. Choose a white and black mask, in either animal shapes or classic Venetian style masks. Dress according to the color of your mask.
WARDROBE
1. Cat Mask (yandy.com)
2. Butterfly Mask (buy.com)
3. ASOS Skater dress (ASOS)
MORE IDEAS: DIA DE LOS MUERTOS, LANA DEL REY, LISBETH SALANDER
Author: Daniela Hummel Graphics: Nicole Warren Layout: Alexis Sargent
