Too chic to be scary
Many have dressed like Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” or even Mia Thermopolis in “The Princess Diaries.” And while these ensembles are elegant and fun, after a few Halloweens, they may seem a little repetitive.
And for those who prefer to veer away from poly-blend and gory prosthetics, the creepy holiday can be an occasion to dress up seriously—without taking yourself too seriously.
As Oct. 31 rolls around, those who prefer a little cultural context while working with what you might already have in your wardrobe can take inspiration from these cultural references. Think surrealist headpieces or cult-cinema glamour, to name a few.
1. A night at the Rothschild Surrealist Ball
Okay, let’s face it. This is a little scary. The extravagant, art-inspired party hosted by Baron Guy de Rothschild and Baroness Marie-Hélène de Rothschild at the Château de Ferrières has been subject to modern internet conspiracy theories.
If you’re looking to get in on the strangeness, start with a dramatic floor-length gown or sharp suit (a tuxedo if you’ve got it). But the real statement is in the headpiece—from a sculptural birdcage, as Hepburn did at the party, to a René Magritte-inspired green apple hanging in front of you, or something with faux antlers.
For inspiration, Artnet has coverage of the Surrealist ball with many archival photographs.
2. Nicole Bonnet in “How to Steal a Million”
Hepburn fans can still have their fun if they look to her 1966 film, “How to Steal a Million.” As Bonnet, the daughter of an art forger, Hepburn wears a wardrobe designed by Hubert de Givenchy that captures the clean lines of 1960s French fashion.
Recreate one of the film’s signature looks with a crisp white shift dress or a black lace dress. Pair it with white driving gloves, retro-futuristic white sunglasses, and a structured hat or helmet. Or go for the iconic Givenchy black lace eye mask, which nods to the film’s heist premise.
Wear your makeup with white eyeliner and dot your eyelids with silver glitter.
3. Elvira Hancock in “Scarface”
For a little 1980s excess minus the costume-shop theatrics, go sleek with Michelle Pfeiffer’s enduring Elvira. Her icy palette and sleek silhouettes are something that you might already have in your closet, particularly if you have a dress with an open back that falls dangerously far south.
Don drop earrings, strappy heels, and most importantly, a sharp blonde bob wig to carry the look.
4. A 1960s space-age alien
Forget green body paint and antennae! This alien takes its cues from the futuristic fashion of André Courrèges and Paco Rabanne, whose 1960s designs explored geometric silhouettes and metallic materials.
Build your look as Jane Fonda’s Barbarella with a silver or white mini dress, a vinyl skirt, or a structured shift. Knee-high boots and a pair of oversized shield sunglasses bring in a retro-futuristic edge, while you can’t miss silver eyeshadow. Pouf that hair with a sculptural updo or exaggerated 1960s bouffant to make the reference even clearer.
5. A living tarot card
For a little mysticism with couture sensibilities, tarot imagery has a whole deck of visual language for Halloween—from celestial symbols to elaborate robes and ornate borders. Instead of dressing up like a generic witch (guilty!), take inspiration from a single card and translate its imagery into a more considered look.
The Star card can be translated into a midnight-blue gown, silver embellishments, and a delicate celestial headpiece. For a darker take, The Devil can wear a crimson velvet dress, sculptural horn accessories, and smoky eyes. The Magician may lend itself to sharp tailoring, a tuxedo-inspired silhouette, and gold jewelry.
Use the card’s classic illustrations as your styling reference and pay attention to the details. Pore over the mystical symbols and compositions and incorporate them closely into both your clothes and accessories.
6. The sardine girl
Sardines have been something of a trend lately, with European “sardine girl summer” inspiring an appetite for the kitschy. And as a Halloween costume, it’s a chance to embrace the absurd while keeping a sense of style.
Start with a shimmering silver dress, a sardine-shaped bag (you’ll be surprised how many there are online. Staud’s sardine bag is a cute one). Top the look with a netted headscarf, while dotting your hair with fish accessories.
7. Lana Del Rey and her bayou groom
Swamp chic! When Del Rey married Louisiana airboat captain Jeremy Dufrene in 2024, you couldn’t ignore the contrast between her vintage-inspired bridal look and his practical, swamp-ready attire.
Slightly irreverent and easy to pull together, for Lana’s look, reach for a white lace or prairie-style dress, a soft bow, voluminous hair, and a small bouquet of wildflowers. Her partner can wear a camouflage cap, a weathered jacket or vest, denim, and rubber boots to evoke Dufrene’s airboat-guide attire.
8. The high-fashion lampshade
I’ve been seeing the lampshade costume all over the internet lately. Equal parts absurd and surprisingly eye-catching, you can literally reach for this everyday household object.
Start with a simple mini dress or an elegant maxi dress. Then, simply secure a lightweight, tapered or pleated lampshade onto a headband, making sure it sits comfortably and securely. For extra impact, attach a battery-operated LED puck light inside the shade for a literal glow.
For a couples’ twist, have your partner dress as a moth with gossamer mesh wings and fuzzy antennae. The concept is delightfully silly, as one becomes the light, while the other spends the evening irresistibly drawn to it.
