Halloween with style. What to wear
We’ve pondered this question. I have to say that as far as style is concerned, this is my least favorite event. I love Halloween colors – the black and orange – but so many of the decor items and clothing are, well, tacky to say the least. If you’re like me, you’ll want to get into the spirit of things (mild pun there) but you don’t want to dress up as a silly skeleton or a buxom serving wench. (Or do you? If so, scroll down!) So, what can we wear that’s sinisterly spooky and stylish too? Here are a few ideas.
Every woman should ideally have a cape – preferably black – in her wardrobe. These are amazingly versatile garments and are perfect for casual wear or for formal occasions – they are traditionally worn when attending the opera, for example. And of course, black is the perfect color as it will match any other garment in your wardrobe.
Capes can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Imagine the outfit on the right with a few bright orange accessories like these (perfect for Halloween) or picture this with lots of elegant silver jewelry and a pashmina or shawl with silver and gray threads. Gorgeously elegant.
With a long cape, like this one by Donna Karan, you easily achieve a ‘vampire’ look without having to give up your fashion sense or wear fangs.
There are some wonderful examples of capes on this page or click on the image on the left to see details of the Donna Karan leather-trimmed cape.
Another fashion essential these days is an Alexander McQueen scarf. Many of us already have examples of these fashion classics. Of course, they are not just for Halloween and have become a symbol of a woman who dresses with panache and flair.
It comes as no surprise that McQueen is a favorite of the Duchess of Cambridge (or Kate Middleton as newspapers still insist on calling this royal princess).
Scarves have been perennially popular accessories throughout the ages because of their supreme versatility and the way that they can completely transform an outfit, turning it from ordinary into something truly special.
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Add a mysterious hat and other accessories. A wide brimmed black hat can be perfect for some many occasions – including Halloween of course – all year round.
A good, basic hat, especially in black, can be dressed up depending on the occasion with jewelry, real or silk flowers, feathers, a fabulous brooch or a colored scarf.
On this page (see the link below or click the image on the left) you’ll also find other accessories that are splendid for Halloween and for autumn and winter wear.
If you’re feeling in werewolf mode, choose the fur fingerless gloves or a fur hat. If you want to be mysterious in a feline way, see the long leopard skin print gloves.
For footwear, go spiky! Pointed toe boots with high heels, especially the studded ones you see here, add an instant Cruella de Vil look. And yet they are perfect to wear for most of the year.
Perfect for Halloween, they are also stylish and up-to-the-minute, yet pointed toed boots will always be a fashion classic. Or try thigh boots for a subtle (or maybe not so subtle) dominatrix look. For those of a werewolf inclination, choose boots with fur trim – you can suggest your spooky costume without having to resort to the ordinary.
Complete the Cruella look with spiky, pointed fingernails (your own or fakes) and a ridiculously long cigarette holder. Add a little skull jewelry (again by Alexander McQueen) and you’re good to go – spookily stylish.
Still want to dress up? I must admit that I’m tempted. After all Halloween gives us the one day of the year when we can become sexy pirates, medieval ladies, witches, vampires, characters from film and television (Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly being one of the most popular and most elegant – when done correctly), a clown, a queen … whatever we wish. There are elegant and fun costumes available – not all are tacky.
So what does my crystal ball tell me will be the most popular costume this year? Thanks to the movie, The Great Gatsby, it has to be the twenties look. You can easily create this look with a simple short dress and a few choice accessories or you can buy a ready-made costume online. This 1920s look is also great – and easily achievable – for men too.
I know, there are a lot of costume websites out there which are – shall we say – less than elegant. We’ve searched through them all and after getting severe eye strain due to the garish colors, this is the one we’d recommend.
Oh, we mustn’t forget the guys! It seems to me that men fall into two categories when it comes to Halloween. There are those who absolutely relish in dressing up as Superman or Jack Sparrow and then there are those who wouldn’t dress up under any circumstances. However, even the latter like to get into the spirit (sorry) of the day. Here’s the answer.
We have discovered a truly fabulous range of ties for Halloween wear – many are suitable for other occasions or even for all year round.
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