The spookiest time of year is now upon us and I find that Halloween takes on an increasing presence each year in Melbourne. I personally LOVE a good themed event, and still get excited at the invitation to a costume party, but at the same time I know SO many people that are the opposite. Those that approach the effort of putting together and wearing a costume with more disdain and resentment than if you were about to get your wisdom teeth taken out.

For people who love throwing themed parties, I speak for all of us when I say that usually the most fun is had when everyone gets into it! That’s not to say you have to spend a lot of time or effort with a costume, but when it comes to the level of effort you put into a costume for Halloween, you basically want to measure up on a healthy middle range between ‘ghost’ aka. sheet with two eye holes cut out, and Heidi Klum, the ultimate OTT Halloween costume QUEEN. If you are still stuck on what to wear for that Halloween party you have on this weekend, here are some quick and easy yet effective Halloween costume ideas that will have you party ready in less time than it takes to decide what outfit you would’ve worn to a dress up party when everyone else would be in costume but you…

Because let’s face it, you don’t want to be this girl.

 

Día De Muertos / Mexican Day of the Dead Costume

The perfect Halloween costume to make use of that flower crown you fell in love with. With this costume, you can wear basically anything neck down, but with the help of some strategic make up, teased hair and a flower crown, you are instantly transformed into a superb sugar skull. This costume does require a good hand with applying make-up, but before you give it a miss, take a look at some easy You-Tube step-by-step makeup tutorials like this video by ASOS. The make-up isn’t actually as difficult to apply as the end product appears. All you need are a few make up basics you most likely already own, a light foundation, red lipstick, black or grey eye shadow and black eyeliner. Because each skull face design is unique, you can make your design as simple or as detailed as you wish!

If you find the whole face is a bit too full on, you can even try a half-face style to tone it down. Once your make-up is finished, tease your hair, wear it down and add that flower crown. The best bit about this outfit is that neck down you can basically wear whatever you like! Go gothic with all black or wear a white dress to match your pale face. You could even wear a floral dress or colourful peasant style skirt!

 

Hippy / Flower Child

So you’re not too good at getting artistic with the make-up but still have your heart set on wearing that flower crown? A Hippy is a great costume idea, although technically not a traditionally scary Halloween costume (though some may beg to differ). But if scary costumes just give you the creeps, getting in touch with your inner flower child is a fun and amazingly easy costume idea. Nowadays, I dare say majority of new clothing styles are ‘vintage inspired’ and can fit into the category of bohemian or hippy chic. You most likely already own a few items that match the hippy or boho chic trend, the costume element is simply a matter or wearing all of these items  together at once. Whether it be a flowy top or kaftan, a fringed vest, colourful maxi or tie dyed anything,  simply add boots, platform heels or sandals with a flower crown or headband / bandana across your head. Accessorize with semi precious stone jewellery and throw on a few long necklaces and your done!

Bonus points for rose coloured glasses or aviator sunnies and any jewellery embellished with a peace sign. Think you can’t get in touch with your inner hippy? Let me tell you, if Miss J.Lo can look the part of a carefree, flower child as per photographic evidence below, ANYONE can. If you are still unsure on how to incorporate your wardrobe items to create a hippy chic look, google Vanessa Hudgens at a music festival. That is not a joke.

 

 Fortune Teller

If you don’t own any peace signs or managed to escape the hippy chic trend, you can always wear a flowy skirt, wrap a piece of material around your head like a turban, add a shawl, some hoop earrings and stack on as many rings, bangles and necklaces as you can and go as a a fortune teller! American Apparel featured a great fortune teller get up in addition to other great costume ideas on their Tumblr page. Bonus points for bringing along tarot cards or your very own crystal ball.

 

Pirate

Own a striped Breton top or a loose fitting shirt? Don’t place those winter boots in storage yet! Use your basic wardrobe staples to create a pirate costume. This is such a versatile choice because you can make your costume as simple or extravagant as you wish. Pair your top and boots with black leggings or black pants and add a vest or a thick buckled belt for extra penzance pizazz. Accessorize with hoop earrings and a bandana and practice your best Aargh! You can even further embellish your outfit with an eye patch, temporary tattoos, a fake sword, binoculars or a compass which you can find at many $2 stores in the kids or dress up section. For the finishing touch go Johnny Depp with your makeup and pack on that eyeliner like there’s no tomorrow!

My last suggestion if you don’t want to use any of your existing wardrobe pieces, a fun way to shop for a costume is to simply head down to your local op shop. You will be sure to grab a frightening find on the cheap!

So there you have it, easy and simple ways to pull together an effective costume in the most effortless way, hopefully using many items that you already own.  These are also very versatile ideas that you can customise depending on your personal taste and preference when dancing that line from Sexy to Scary costume.

As a result of these quick and easy costume ideas, you may even find yourself saving a lot of time you can now use to do other exciting Halloween activities like carving a pumpkin or learning the dance-move to Thriller, which are obviously both equally productive ways to spend your time in the lead up to Halloween.

Have a terrifyingly fun Halloween!

Love,

Melbourne Darling xo

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