Today's post Easy Retro Halloween Costumes _ Last Minute Ideas from Vintage Dancer.
When I was looking for more ideas to add to my 50 Vintage Inspired Halloween Costume article I found a few posts on Modcloth’s blog about how to Dress for Halloween When You Don’t Like Costumes. This idea of using our normal everyday retro clothing to create a costume that isn’t too “costume-y” resonates with me. Some years I am just not in the spirit or run out of time to make something creative or have no where to wear a costume to except work. Trying to stay office attire appropriate on Halloween is a whole other challenge.
So here are 6 ideas for Halloween costumes that use clothing you already have or could buy and wear again tomorrow. Thanks to Modcloth for the idea and for sponsoring this post:
Mary Poppins Costume
The most loved nanny of all times, Mary Poppins! Her traveling costume is an easy one to re-create and modest enough for a formal work place setting. Start with a white blouse and a blue or black skirt. A long skirt is more authentic but a shorter one like above with a pair of black stockings is a bit more youthful (and easier to buy.) Next you need a bit of red. Mary wears a red bow tie around her shirt collar but a red belt create the same cheerful effect. A blue or black blazer adds another layer to her costume. A small black vintage hat and black boots/heels comes next. Finally, if you have them, a large leather or woven fabric “carpet bag” and an old long black umbrella are perfect accessories.
French Mime Costume
Black and white clothes have so many costume possibilities. One of my favorite costume looks is a French mime. Almost everyone I know was a striped shirt in their closet these days and some kind of black skirt, jumper or pants too. Now add a pair of black and/or white shoes, black or white gloves, and a black hat (beret’s are a great choice of style this year too.) You could leave your back and white mime outfit alone or add one little pop of color with a red scarf or in this case a red headband turned into a scarf. Easy right?
A Boho Scarecrow
One of the costumes I didn’t get to include in the 8 Classic Vintage Halloween costumes Ideas photoshoot was for a 1970s boho/hippie scarecrow. I am so glad I get in include it here. At first this outfit looks like one of my fall outfits with flared jeans, lace up boots, a plaid tunic shirt and belt. Adding a straw hat doesn’t even make it look too out of place. The secret to making this everyday style into a Halloween costume is in the makeup (if you choose.) Hmm I think I might wear this outfit tomorrow.
Ringmaster
Black and red is another great combination for endless costume possibilities. Ever since I made a Moulin Rouge Ringmaster costume a few years ago I have been thinking of ways to make another one. This look above blends some trendy fall looks into something kind of costume-y. Striped pants, riding boots, ivory blouse and the best part- a red military style jacket with brass buttons. To take it to a costume level add white gloves and a mini top hat.
Nightmare before Christmas Jack Skellington Costume
Here is another black and white themed costume that I just love. Its based on the movie Nightmare Before Christmas and the lead character Jack Skellington. I confess I just watched this movie for the first time a few days ago. It’s one of my husband’s favorites. I am not sure I love the movie but I do love all the creative costumes, especially the use of stripes. For this female Jack Skellington look start with a striped dress, shirt or pants. You could add a striped jacket or sweater as well but for this look I fell in love this skull themed cardigan sweater instead. Paired with skull tights and a not too spooky pair of black cat heels it is a little bit of of everything Halloween.
Retro vintage Minnie Mouse costume
Twice a year Disneyland has a Dapper Day event where men and women dress in vintage clothing at the theme park. Its great fun seeing what everyone comes up with. Many women choose to dress as their favorite Disney character but with a vintage inspired twist. Take Minnie Mouse for example. She is retro already with a cute polka dot dress, petticoat, hair bow, necklace and retro heels. She is after all, a classy little mouse. I love the combination of red and yellow. Its so retro! Next Dapper Day I hope to be there!
For more Disney inspired retro ideas consider Snow White, Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, Cruella DeVille, Little Mermaid or the Frozen sisters. If you need help with any of these, or any costume, please don’t hesitate to ask.
The post Easy Retro Halloween Costumes _ Last Minute Ideas appeared first on Vintage Dancer.