I have to confess something before you keep reading: I don’t dress up for Halloween normally. In fact, the most I do for DIY Halloween costumes is throw on some cat ears and change into an all black outfit. Sometimes I change it up and throw on a handmade sign that says “mustard” because my sweater is yellow. Super creative, I know.

Yet, here we are in a year where Halloween doesn’t look normal, but then again does anything? So in true 2020 fashion where nothing is normal, I decided to use the items in my closet (because I’m not wearing any of it these days anyways), and create some DIY Halloween costumes inspired by fictional fashion icons. Before I spill all my looks, let me share some tips before you go running to the store (or to your computer!)”

Tips for stylish DIY Halloween Costumes:

  1. Don’t follow the trends: Do we really need to see another Carole Baskin costume? Well, maybe, but only if you already have all of the items screaming at your from your closet.
  2. Play to your strengths and your wardrobe: If makeup skills are you thing, then go ahead and look for a costume that plays on that strength. But friendly reminder (ok, not so friendly) – there’s no need to change the colour of your skin for a costume. Please don’t feel the need to apply needless amounts of bronzer to embody Beyonce from Formation because no amount of makeup can make any of us Beyonce. And also this: Rule #1: A person’s skin colour is not a costume, whether that person be a fictional or real person. Just don’t do it.
  3. Your wardrobe: Oopps, forgot about this part of my tip above. Play to the strengths of what you already have. If you’ve got a lot of black coloured clothing items in you closet, then well – take a look at my ideas below! But don’t go running out to your local Indian clothing shop to purchase a sari as a costume, or think that wearing a Bindi will complete your Gwen Stefani costume. Trust me, Gwen has many better iconic looks you can replicate that aren’t cultural appropriating, because Rule #2 is My Culture is Not a Costume.

Mary Poppins:

“A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down…” Mary knew that Halloween was all about the candy and chocolate, and really her timeless style is easy to replicate and especially good for bad hair days.

Mary Poppins costume
Style a button down shirt with a pleated black skirt and add some pops of red for an easy supercalifragalistic costume

Here’s what you Need for an Easy DIY Halloween Mary Poppins Costume:

Items to make a Mary Poppins Costume

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Cruella Deville:

Real fur was never cool Cruella, but the rest of her style certainly is with classic black and white tones and pops of red. Tip: have fun and mix patterns.

Cruella Deville
Dog not included

Here’s what you need for a DIY Cruella Deville costume

Items for a DIY Cruella Devile Costume

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Breakfast At Tiffany’s

Audrey Hepburn has so many timeless styles, and even if you haven’t watch the movie (guilty!), you probably have everything you need to replicate her iconic look already in your closet. Yes I see that tiara sitting there!

Breakfast at Tiffany's costume

Here’s what you need for a DIY Breakfast at Tiffany’s costume

Items for a Audrey Hepburn costume from Breakfast at Tiffany's

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Maleficent

Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of this misunderstood Villain, made Maleficent an instant fashion icon with those chiseled cheekbones, red lip, strong eyebrows and chic all black attire.

DIY Halloween costume as Maleficent

Here’s what you need for a DIY Maleficent Costume

DIY Halloween costumes for a Maleficient costume

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