October is here, which means it’s about time to start planning your Halloween costumes. Thanks to hit teen comedies like “Mean Girls,” Halloween has become synonymous with crafting the cutest outfit possible with the least amount of fabric.
If you love vintage fashion, old movies and classic music, you may feel like you have to choose between staying true to your interests or letting loose with a fun, flirty costume. Even if you prefer to be a little more covered up on Halloween, you don’t want to be uncomfortable while going out on the town or watching a spooky movie with your friends.
Have no fear, though. You can have your cake and eat it, too. Vintage doesn’t have to be synonymous with stuffy or stuck-up. Here are seven head-turning costumes inspired by vintage movies for all tastes and styles.
Doris in “The Owl and the Pussycat”
If you’re a fan of DIY costumes, this is the perfect pick for you. Frankly, I’m not sure where you’d be able to buy this one. The sheer black polka dot pajamas with pink fur trim that Barbra Streisand wore to play Doris in the 1970 romance film titled “The Owl and the Pussycat” are iconic.
The wide-leg flare pants with pink bows at the knees and “Doris” written across the tush are truly one of a kind. If the pink hand details on the bra are too much for you, feel free to go without them. The rest of the ensemble is fun enough without this cheeky detail.
Sally Bowles in “Cabaret”
The costumes that Liza Minelli wore as Sally Bowles in the 1972 classic “Cabaret” feature a dark color palette that is perfect for capturing the spookiness of Halloween. A halter-style black vest and sparkly micro-shorts make this outfit seem more modern. These are pieces that you can easily re-wear and style for any other day of the year.
To really tie the look together, you could add a bowler hat and black stockings with garters. And don’t forget the signature beauty mark!
The original Barbie doll
Although Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” may have come out over a year ago, the movie never goes out of style. Honestly, I was surprised that I didn’t see more of the original, short, black-and-white Barbie striped one-piece swimsuit out on the town last Halloween. Let’s make it happen this year. Don’t forget some chunky hoops and white sunglasses for the full Mattel effect.
Jennifer North in “Valley of the Dolls”
One of Sharon Tate’s most memorable costumes is Jennifer North from the 1967 film adaptation of Jacqueline Susann’s “Valley of the Dolls.” The neon green bikini top and low-rise pink flare pants she wears poolside is an easy one to sport, and the pants make it a great option for the unpredictable Boston weather.
Thanks to the trend cycle, this outfit almost seems more reminiscent of something from the early 2000s than it was in the 1960s, which gives it potential to be a major thrift store find. Feel free to add a 60s-style white blouse on top if going out in just a bikini top is out of your comfort zone. Then, add a green and white bangle to your arm and a white belt to your pants, and you are set.
Mrs. Robinson in “The Graduate”
Leopard print trend lovers, this is the costume for you. Throughout the 1967 film “The Graduate,” Mrs. Robinson, played by Anne Bancroft, wears leopard print in nearly all its imaginable forms when she is on the prowl, seducing Benjamin Braddock.
Take your pick on what variation of leopard attire best suits your personal comfort level. When she’s not wearing leopard print, Mrs. Robinson is also seen wearing a white blouse and black slip skirt or a flowy party dress. Use your best judgment to craft a chic costume that makes you feel your best.
Assistants to the Acid Queen in “Tommy”
Hear me out: I know this one is incredibly niche. Even finding photos of these two on the internet is a real challenge. You’ll likely spend half the night explaining what you are to people, but I think this one is so worth it.
When I rewatched the 1975 fantasy titled “Tommy” this summer, my jaw dropped when I saw the gorgeous costumes the Acid Queen’s twin assistants wear. Seemingly inspired by Marie Antoinette’s rococo style, the nameless assistants wear corsets adorned with bows and ruffles on top, with a cage crinoline adorned with bows on the bottom. Heeled boots and gloves the color of Pepto Bismol and a bleach-blonde wig complete the look. Bonus points for grabbing two friends and turning it into a trio costume.
Columbia from “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”
This one is a Halloween classic, but that doesn’t mean it’s old hat. Thanks to Rocky Horror’s cult fandom and the practice of “shadow casting” screenings of the film, costume replicas from the film are pretty easy to come by. Columbia’s rainbow and gold sparkly ensemble is sure to make you the belle of the ball — or the viewing party. If tap shoes are too hard to come by or too pricey, plain Mary Janes can be a great alternative to maintain the original look.
