FASHION

22 Classic Halloween Costume Ideas, with a High Fashion Twist


Look, Halloween is only a few weeks away. If you don’t have a great Halloween costume in mind, it can be easy to fall back on the classics: a cowgirl, a bride, a sexy nurse. There’s nothing wrong with that, but why not kick it up a notch? Here, some high fashion inspiration for how to make your classic Halloween costume idea stand out in a crowd of ghosts.

1
A Witch
Inez and Vinoodh

Skip the green face paint and the pointy hat, and grab your favorite black dress and boots, add a little eyeliner and you’re all good to go. Apple optional.

Photograph by Inez and Vinoodh for W magazine, August 2016.

2
A Sexy Nurse

Every Halloween party needs a nurse on standby.

Kate Moss photographed by Richard Prince for W magazine, 2003.

3
The Joker
Mario Sorrenti

A controversial villain? Sure. A topical Halloween costume this year? Definitely.

Will Ferrell photographed by Mario Sorrenti for W Magazine, February 2012.

4
A Cowgirl

Throw on a pair of cowboy boots and a hat, and you are good to go for Halloween.

Karlie Kloss photographed by Theo Sion for W magazine, Volume 4.

5
A Cozy Bear
TIM WALKER

A fuzzy bear costume is perfect for a cold Halloween night.

Photograph by Tim Walker for W magazine, Volume 4 2018.

6
A Bride

Gather all the tulle you can find, and go as a couture bride.

Anya Taylor Joy photographed by Paolo Roversi for W Magazine, April 2017.

7
A Ballerina
Craig McDean

Most ballerinas don’t wear heels with their tutus, but you can make an exception for Halloween.

Photograph by Craig McDean for W magazine, December 2006.

8
A Princess
Steven Klein

Unless you’re Rihanna, it’s unlikely that makeup master Pat McGrath will do your makeup for Halloween. But, you can always take a stab at imitating her work.

Photo by Mert and Marcus for W magazine, September 2014.

9
A Jockey
Steven Klein

Once you have the jacket, the hat and a riding crop–you won’t even need pants.

Madonna photographed by Steven Klein for W magazine, June 2006.

10
A Ghost

Wear your favorite dress and all-white makeup for a chic take on the classic Halloween costume.

Photograph by Steven Klein for W magazine, March 2014.

11
Butterfly

Put on a colorful dress, strap on some wings, and poof: You’re a butterfly! Bonus points if both items match your hair color. Double points if they match your home, as well.

Florence Welch photographed by Tina Barney for W magazine, Volume 2 2018.

12
A Scholar
Vinoodh Matadin

Scholars can be chic, too.

Jennifer Lopez photographed by Vinoodh Matadin for W Magazine, May 2016.

13
Batman and Robin

Find someone who is willing to commit to being Batman, and then wear whatever you like as their sexy sidekick.

Photograph by Inez and Vinoodh for W magazine, December 2008.

14
A Cheetah

You probably already own something with cheetah print. Pick up a matching mask for an especially ferocious evening.

Photograph by Craig McDean for W magazine, December 2007.

15
A Mermaid

Okay, this one is a little bit trickier. But once you have the tail, and someone to carry you around, it’s easy.

Kristen McMenamy photographed by Tim Walker for W magazine, December 2013.

16
A Hitchcock Blonde

No birds were harmed in the making of this costume.

Scarlett Johansson photographed by Tim Walker for W magazine, June 2011.

17
Area 51 Raider
Steven Meisel

The aliens at Area 51 won’t know what hit them.

Julia Nobis photographed by Steven Meisel for W Magazine, March 2014.

18
David Bowie
Tim Walker

Every Halloween party could use a David Bowie moment.

Tilda Swinton photographed by Tim Walker for W Magazine, August 2011.

19
Studio 54 Club Kid
Mert and Marcus

PLUR.

Photograph by Mert and Marcus for W Magazine, September 2015.

20
Mother Nature
Tim Walker

This one is extra topical this year.

Tilda Swinton photographed by Tim Walker for W Magazine, December 2014.

21
A Politician
Michael Thompson

It’s not 2020 yet, but a politician costume is definitely still in style.

Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried photographed by Michael Thompson for W Magazine, October 2011.

22
Marilyn Monroe
Steven Klein

Joan Smalls and Karlie Kloss photographed by Steven Klein for W Magazine, November 2014.