Despite the fact that Halloween always falls on the same day, we inevitably find ourselves scrambling for a costume year after year. The conundrum is perpetually the same, too. How to pull together a look that’s creative, stylish and, well, not a total waste of money. While it would be nice to have a Heidi Klum-style budget to get all decked out for the spookiest day of the year, most of us aren’t working with that kind of coin, especially not for a one-night wear.
All isn’t lost, though. A few of fall’s biggest trends actually lend themselves to DIY costuming quite nicely and there are several ways to pull it together this holiday without resorting to a “Too Lazy to Get a Costume” tee. Just a bit of strategic shopping at some of your favorite retailers (think Zara, Free People and the like) can yield purchases that make for a haute Halloween and leave you with several options that work well after the night has come and gone. What’s better than that?
If putting together a Halloween look that’s easy, practical and stylish sounds up your alley, scroll on. We shopped out five fashionable (and versatile) options you won’t be regretting come November 1.
[ Next: 101 Mind-Blowing Halloween Makeup Ideas to Try This Year ]
4 Easy, Stylish DIY Halloween Costumes for Fashion Lovers
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Cher Horowitz
Lucky for us, Clueless yellow plaid — and yellow, in general — are trending hard this season. Make like everyone's favorite Beverly Hills high schooler in a bright cardigan, baby tee and, of course, a pleated miniskirt. Finish it off with a mini backpack and chunky shoes and boom — instant Betty.
Image: Paramount Pictures/Getty Images
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ModCloth
The Dream of the Crop Cardigan in Honey, $29 at ModCloth
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Z Supply
Core Crew White Tee, $27 at Lulus
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Forever 21
Plaid Knife Pleat Skirt, $17.90 at Forever 21
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French Connection
Perry Small Backpack, $49.99 at Saksoff5th
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Zara
Heeled Oxfords With Track Sole, $49.90 at Zara
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Holly Golightly
There's a reason both Audrey Hepburn and her Breakfast at Tiffany's character are considered iconic: they were both as chic as it gets. In a black dress you can save for everything from weddings to funerals, you'll nail this instantly recognizable look.
Image: Keystone Features/Getty Images
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Modern American Designer
Scuba Crepe Sheath Dress, $49.97 at Nordstrom Rack
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Missguided
Bridal Diamante Tiara Comb, $7 at Missguided
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Charter Club
Three Row White Simulated Pearl, $48.50 at Macy's
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Leg Avenue
Long Satin Gloves, $11.26 at Amazon
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Rosie the Riveter
Female empowerment might just be this year's biggest trend. Deck yourself out as the epitome of just that in a stylish denim jumpsuit (with rolled up sleeves, of course), combat boots and top it all off with a red headscarf.
Image: MPI/Getty Images
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Mango
Belt Denim Jumpsuit, $119.99 at Mango
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Madewell
Bandana, $12.50 at Madewell
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Topshop
Ashley Lace Up Hiker Boots, $170 at Topshop
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Leopard
A leopard print jumpsuit, boots and headband combo is not only easy to pull together, it's actually pretty chic. Win the holiday by throwing on all of your wild pieces — no cat ears or tail required. Then simply pull them apart and wear separately the rest of the season.
Image: Imaxtree
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Zara
Animal Print Jumpsuit, $99.90 at Zara
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Steven by Steve Madden
Chavi-l Ankle Boot, $138.95 at Amazon
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Free People
Printed Classic Headband in Leopard, $16 at Free People
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Karl Lagerfeld
If your closet is basically a sea of black and white, this costume is for you. Channel the designer in a sharp blazer, tie-neck top and skinny jeans with sunglasses and gloves. Then maybe have a friend dress up as his feline pal Choupette.
Image: Imaxtree
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Stradivarius
Double Button Blazer, $48 at ASOS
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CeCe
Tie-Neck Blouse, $79 at Macy's
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Quay Australia x Desi Perkins
On the Low 60mm Square Sunglasses, $65 at Nordstrom
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Everlane
The High-Rise Skinny Jean, $68 at Everlane
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Carolina Amato
Fingerless Moto Gloves, $45 at Shopbop
