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.
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.
Every Halloween party needs a nurse on standby.
Kate Moss photographed by Richard Prince for W magazine, 2003.
A controversial villain? Sure. A topical Halloween costume this year? Definitely.
Will Ferrell photographed by Mario Sorrenti for W Magazine, February 2012.
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.
A fuzzy bear costume is perfect for a cold Halloween night.
Photograph by Tim Walker for W magazine, Volume 4 2018.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Scholars can be chic, too.
Jennifer Lopez photographed by Vinoodh Matadin for W Magazine, May 2016.
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.
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.
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.
No birds were harmed in the making of this costume.
Scarlett Johansson photographed by Tim Walker for W magazine, June 2011.
The aliens at Area 51 won’t know what hit them.
Julia Nobis photographed by Steven Meisel for W Magazine, March 2014.
Every Halloween party could use a David Bowie moment.
Tilda Swinton photographed by Tim Walker for W Magazine, August 2011.
PLUR.
Photograph by Mert and Marcus for W Magazine, September 2015.
This one is extra topical this year.
Tilda Swinton photographed by Tim Walker for W Magazine, December 2014.
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.
Joan Smalls and Karlie Kloss photographed by Steven Klein for W Magazine, November 2014.
