Style Stop
By Linda Peavy
Halloween is near. If you’re tired of the same costumes available at retail stores or want something truly unique to showcase your personality and save your budget, try these Do-It-Yourself (DIY) costumes.
From fun to frilly, you will find an idea to have all eyes on you. These costumes combine flair and creativity, making them perfect for stylish women over 50 who want to enjoy Halloween in an entertaining way! Best of all, many of these creative ideas can be assembled using items you may already have or easily find.
DIY Halloween Costumes
Mary Poppins
- How to DIY: Wear a black skirt, white button-up blouse, a red bow tie and a black umbrella. Don a black hat and add a flower to it for the full Mary Poppins look. Carry a large handbag and your umbrella, and you’re all set!
Classic Movie Star (Think Audrey Hepburn or Marilyn Monroe):
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- How to DIY: For Audrey Hepburn’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s look, wear a little black dress, elbow-length gloves, pearls and a beehive hairstyle. For Marilyn Monroe, opt for a white halter dress with red lipstick and iconic curls.
Fortune Teller:
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- How to DIY: Layer flowing scarves, a long skirt, and big jewelry. Add a headscarf and carry a crystal ball (or a small fishbowl!). You can use makeup to create a mystical vibe with bold eyeshadow and dark lipstick. Include a deck of cards.
Flapper (1920s Glam):
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- How to DIY: A knee-length fringe dress, a feather headband, and a long string of pearls make for a perfect flapper costume. Add a boa and some T-strap heels to complete the look.
Witch with a Twist:
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- How to DIY: Go for a chic, modern witch with a black dress, ankle boots, a pointy hat, and a statement belt. Add sparkly jewelry or a broomstick for extra flair.
Greek Goddess:
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- How to DIY: Wear a white or light-colored maxi dress, cinched with a gold belt. Create a laurel wreath using gold-colored leaves and a headband, and accessorize with gold jewelry. Drape a light blanket or throw over your shoulder for extra effects.
Rosie the Riveter:
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- How to DIY: All you need is a denim or chambray shirt, rolled-up sleeves, dark jeans, and a red bandana. Don’t forget the iconic red lipstick and to strike the “We Can Do It!” pose.
Catwoman (Classic or Modern):
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- How to DIY: Black leggings and a top, a black or leopard coat, cat ears, a curly wig, and a mask or heavy black eyeliner can pull together this sleek, kitty-powerful look.
Stevie Nicks (Bohemian Rockstar):
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- How to DIY: Flowing lace and velvet garments, a fringed shawl, and a top hat are all you need to channel this iconic singer’s witchy, bohemian style.
Celestial Goddess (Stars & Moon)
- How to DIY: Wear a long, flowy white or silver dress, and make a crown out of gold or silver star cutouts (use cardboard and glitter). Add star and moon face stickers or create a celestial makeup look with sparkly eyeshadow and glitter. Accessories can include starry jewelry, metallic sandals, and a glow-in-the-dark moon necklace.
Flower Child / Bohemian Hippie
- How to DIY: Pull out a flowy maxi dress or wide-leg pants, fringe vest, and round sunglasses. Add a flower crown made from real or fake flowers, and tie a scarf around your head. Add a peace symbol necklace, platform shoes, and lots of beaded bracelets.
Rock ‘n’ Roll Queen
- How to DIY: A leather jacket, graphic band tee, skinny jeans, and combat boots give off a rocker vibe. Tease your hair and add dark eyeliner for that edgy look. Carry a fake microphone and wear statement jewelry like big hoops or chains.
Vintage Flight Attendant
- How to DIY: Use a pencil skirt, a buttoned blazer, and a vintage-style scarf around your neck. You can create a flight attendant hat from felt or fabric. Include a mini suitcase or handbag, wear gloves, and add retro sunglasses for that “jet-set” look.
Statue of Liberty
- How to DIY: Use a long green or teal sheet or dress for the gown. Make a spiked crown from cardboard and spray paint it green. Use metallic face paint for a more statuesque look. Hold a flashlight wrapped in paper as the torch, and add a book (to represent the tablet).
Picasso Painting
- How to DIY: Wear plain white or black clothing and use face paint to create an abstract, cubist-style face like one of Picasso’s paintings. This is an artsy and clever costume that’s sure to get attention. Carry a picture frame as if you’re a work of art in a gallery.
Queen of Hearts (Playing Card)
- How to DIY: Use a red dress, add some playing cards to your outfit (glue them onto the dress or make a skirt out of cards), and wear a heart-shaped crown made from red paper or cardboard. Carry a scepter (made from a stick and a red heart cutout) and red lipstick in a heart shape.
Scarecrow
- How to DIY: Wear a flannel shirt, overalls or jeans, and a straw hat. Use face paint or makeup to draw a stitched smile and some rosy cheeks. Stick pieces of straw in your pockets and sleeves. Carry a small hay bale or a pumpkin.
Artist (Painter)
- How to DIY: Wear an oversized white shirt or smock splattered with paint. Carry a paint palette and a brush. Add a beret to complete the artist look. Wear a fake mustache (optional), a small canvas, and maybe even a work of art you’ve created!
Tropical Tourist
- How to DIY: Wear a Hawaiian shirt, Bermuda shorts, and a floppy hat or visor. Add a camera around your neck, sunglasses, and a lei to give that tourist vibe. Carry a map and a souvenir shopping bag.
Carmen Miranda (Fruit Hat Lady)
- How to DIY: Wear a brightly colored dress or skirt, and tie a colorful scarf around your waist. Make a fruit hat by attaching plastic fruit to a large headscarf or hat. Add big earrings, bangles, and some dance moves to channel your inner Carmen Miranda!
These DIY costume ideas offer creativity, fun, and an opportunity to showcase personal style while being unique and budget-friendly!
Be sure to send us a photo of your DIY Halloween outfit!
