Halloween

easy vintage halloween costume ideas

We are officially halfway through October – Halloween is nearly upon us! I’m traditionally the kind of person who spends months agonizing over costume choices, but I always end up picking up a few extra Halloween events that deserve their own costume. (I may be an unrepentant outfit repeater, but I always try to come up with fresh costumes!) So today I’m sharing my ideas for some easy vintage-inspired costumes that should be quick to pull together with some makeup or accessories if you have a vintage or retro wardrobe. Let’s get dressed up!

Black Widow

This was my last-minute Halloween costume last year – the black dress of your choice, your sparkliest jewelry, and some mascara tear tracks are all you need to transform into the not-so-grieving widow. Veils, gloves, and anything else fancy are all a bonus!

Silent Film Star

Get into your best 1920s and 1930s glam and make a DIY placard with a “Gasp!” or a witty quip. If you’re an overachiever, go all out with greyscale makeup.

Holly Golightly/Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Another costume that builds off of a simple black dress! A giant necklace, a tiny tiara, and the biggest sunglasses you can find to become instantly recognizable. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to carry a pastry around in a white paper bag, in case you need a snack.

Bat

Vintage bat costumes have been iconic since the 1880s, and it’s such a cute look! This is one you can definitely make as elaborate or as low-key as you’re feeling. The black outfit of your choice and some bat ears are the bare minimum, while a cute cape immediately takes it up to the next level.

Prom Queen

Doesn’t everyone have an amazingly poofy dress in the back of their closet that they just don’t get to wear enough? Add a tiara and maybe a sash and suddenly you’re the Prom Queen/Homecoming Queen/Miss America.

Old Hollywood Starlet

See above but switch out poofy dress for glitzy gown. This one is definitely just an excuse to get as glam as possible and knock ’em all dead. Pick up a trophy to serve as your Oscar to really sell the bit.

Atomic Space Babe

I did a whole post about the space babe aesthetic, so obviously I think it’s an awesome costume choice. This one is a little bit less closet-ready, depending on your closet, but focus on metallics and you can really sell it with makeup and a fun prop like a blaster.

Doll

A doll is always an easy go-to option. You can add makeup cracks to be a creepy porcelain doll (Haunted Doll Watch, anyone?), stitches to be a ragdoll, or just glam it up as a Barbie.

Not enough options for you? Check out my last-minute vintage-inspired Halloween costumes for more ideas!

What are you going to be this Halloween? Here’s a secret just for you if you read the whole post: I’ll be wearing one of these costumes this year! I can’t wait!

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2 Comment

  1. Reply
    Janey
    October 19, 2019 at 12:06 pm

    Love these ideas!

    xoxo
    -Janey

    1. Reply
      Penny Snark
      October 22, 2019 at 7:41 pm

      Thanks so much! I like having a few ideas in my pocket for Costume Emergencies 🙂

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