What you are going to be for Halloween this year? No idea? Us, too. It’s becoming a pressing issue, as the Halloween party invitation have already started arriving, and trick-or-treating night is just around the corner. What’s clever and funny and an easy Halloween costume to pull together using normal clothes and minimal makeup? We’ve curated a list of easy and clever last-minute costumes for adults perfect for every kind of Halloween party this year.
What’s an easy and clever last-minute costume for adults for Halloween this year?
While grown-ups may have relinquished the time-honored tradition of approaching strangers to ask them for Peanut M&Ms, the season just doesn’t seem complete without the fall trifecta of pumpkin everything, spooky stories and costumes.
It’s the most socially acceptable time of year to embrace your true self, indulge in a fantasy and not take yourself too seriously. So we say, embrace the holiday with all its macabre madness.
We put together some luxurious DIY costumes based on this year’s fashion trends and pop culture breakthroughs; things that you just might already have in your wardrobe. And if not, well…what’s better than a “costume” that you can keep wearing for the season ahead? Ahead, 7 fun costume ideas for the fashion-conscious this Halloween.
8 easy and clever Halloween costumes for adults this year
1. barbie or ken
With Barbie-core still going strong this season, it couldn’t be easier to put together your own take on Pink Power.
Consider Balenciaga’s sunglasses ($450). This aptly-named Margot ruffled gown ($1,595). Or a sexy pink T-shirt dress ($795). Pink fluffy mules ($1,280), a beachy bucket hat ($170), a hot pink one-piece swimsuit ($198). Layer on some dual purpose lip and cheek balm ($32) and you’re on your way.
2. taylor swift at a kansas city chiefs game
Taylor Swift’s Eras tour was the seismic boost that the economy needed this summer. But who’s ready to show up at the annual Halloween bash in a skimpy bodysuit and glittery tights? Not us. Instead, be more current and make it all a lot easier by channeling Swift’s new relationship with Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs tight end.
All you need is bright red lipstick ($40), a white tank top ($65), a Kelce jersey ($37.49), cool-girl jeans ($460) and chic sneakers ($495).
3. Beyonce’s resurrection tour superfan
We read a wonderful summary of the impact of Beyonce’s Resurrection Tour this summer in the New York Times this weekend, and it made us want to bring the fierce joy and love embodied in the shimmering silver wardrobe she and her fans wore into our Halloween festivities. Who doesn’t want to live inside a disco ball sometimes?
A silver skirt ($750), minidress ($950), killer sequined pumps ($2,590) to dress up. Or a reflective silver jacket ($1,320), clutch ($495), dramatic statement earrings ($325) or mirrored ankle boots ($1,490) to keep it more casual.
4. tennis phenom: coco or carlos, your call.
We’re still on a high from Coco Gauff’s victory at the US Open. And with all due respect to Novak Djokovic, we’d much rather channel the sexy athleticism of Carlos Alcarez if we’re dressing for the dream this Halloween. And thanks to TikTok, it’s never been easier to find tennis-inspired looks, as influencers and celebrities sport the timeless uniform of the tennis court. To pull of this preppy costume, pair an official 2021 Official On-Court Ball Boy Track Jacket by Polo Ralph Lauren ($198) with Tory Sport’s side slit skirt ($138). Put your hair in a ponytail and don this mesh green visor ($45).
And for footwear, you have to get a pair of pom pom socks ($58 for 4-pack) and keep the grass green theme going with Nike’s React Vapor NXT Hard Court Tennis Shoes ($160). If you’re looking to up the authenticity, carry this Wilson racket ($199) , taped over with some grip tape ($5.99).
5. Queen Charlotte on her wedding day (or any bridgerton debutante)
We’re jonesing for the next season of Bridgerton, with all its frills and fantasy. If a full-dress ball is not in your immediate future, Halloween is the perfect occasion to wear a gown and tiara. And it doesn’t have to be sickly-sweet. You can channel the badass attitude of Queen Charlotte on her wedding day! Consider this ethereal LoveShackFancy gown ($725) constructed of sweeping lightweight mesh with hand-beaded pearls, wildflower embroidery and custom floral lace. The ensemble wouldn’t be complete without a nod to the Bridgertons’ signature color: sky blue.
We found this aquamarine jewelry set on Etsy ($139) for the occasion. Top off with Jennifer Behr’s enchanting crystal tiara ($925) made of Swarovski crystals. And don’t forget the feathers! These proper satin gloves (£210) and fan ($84) will have you ready to be presented to the Queen.
6. yayoi kusama
For an artsy, high-brow costume, you can never go wrong with an homage to Yayoi Kusama. The Japanese artist is renowned for her work with polka dots, a “complex, boundless entities on the verge of explosion – a source of energy, like the sun.” To channel her, start with a red wig ($17.99) in her signature bob hair style.
From there, your outfit is practically ready to go with a UNIQLO/Yayoi Kusama Squid T-shirt ($7.96), Batsheva’s taffeta skirt ($277) and Louis Vuitton’s 2012/Yayoi Kusama’s limited edition infinity dot satchel ($1,925). Other Kusama-approved accessories include this Smithsonian commissioned silk Habotai scarf ($120) and iconic resin pumpkin ($556). Whether you’re marching in a parade or dancing the night away, stay comfy all night in Dr. Martens black polka dot platform boots ($210).
7. the classic, old school detective
As much as we love Only Murders in the Building, we wouldn’t say that capturing the magic of Selena Gomez’s wardrobe would be an easy effort for a Halloween costume. Instead, go for an old-fashioned, Old School detective look, in the vein of Sherlock Holmes. Conceal your identity with Saint Laurent’s gabardine trench coat outlined with sharp, black leather piping ($3,600). Layer on this detective costume set ($24.99) which comes complete with a houndstooth hat, pipe and magnifying glass.
Easy and clever last-minute costumes for adults perfect for every kind of Halloween party that you can create using normal clothes you already own.
No disguise in the field is complete without tortoise shell sunglasses — these cat eyes are from Bottega Veneta ($312), leather gloves ($510), and a solid briefcase ($495). A dark, brooding lip “Night Crimson,” from Charlotte Tillsbury ($29) completes the mood.
8. feeling witchy
When all else fails, you can conjure the moody spirit of the season with our go-to costume: the witch. It’s black, it’s chic, and totally sexy. Raey’s black jersey slip dress ($110), made from a blend of cotton and cashmere is totally ready for this moment.
Easy and clever last-minute costumes for adults perfect for every kind of Halloween party that you can create using normal clothes you already own.
Add to the dark magic with this lacy witch hat ($10.99) and red-eyed raven wand ($15.97) perched over a gnarled branch. Alexander McQueen’s skull print scarf ($250) and Sophia Webster’s butterfly boots ($795) add a polished touch while these temporary tattoos ($19) keep you scary.
easy and clever last-minute Halloween costumes for adults
That’s our take on several easy and clever last-minute costumes for adults perfect for every kind of Halloween party that you can create using normal clothes you already own. No matter who you decide to be, we hope you have a happy and safe Halloween, dear reader! Maybe it be filled with more treats than tricks.
