Every Oct. 31, friendly neighbourhood streets are overtaken by
goblins, princesses, mini Spider-Men and more in search of goodies to fill their outstretched loot bags. But
why let kids have all the fun? Halloween is the one night of the year when all ages can play dress-up. For
costume ideas sure to delight trick or treaters at your door, or make you the belle/beast of any Monster Mash
bash, Lifestyle has you covered.
Fashionably Frightful
When it comes to Halloween attire, scary is always in style. Spirit Halloween, which operates store
locations across Canada, has this sophisticated and sinister Medusa costume that may not
turn spectators to stone, but is sure to have all eyes turned on you. The black dress with burgundy draping
is devilishly beguiling, while the matching snake headpiece emulates the Greek terror’s famous slithery
locks. Add a snake bracelet,
dangling gold earrings and tousled hair to complete the look.
For the men, think Alice in Wonderland. The classic story is back and bigger than ever this
year thanks to the release of Tim Burton’s off-the-wall reboot. This colourful Mad Hatter get-up is the
Johnny Depp version, complete with jacket, striped pants, oversized floral bow, and signature top hat with
wild, flame-red hair. Round off with ghostly facial powder and bright orange and blue makeup, and this
costume definitely falls into the quirky-and-creepy category. Don’t forget the mismatched socks!
Not content with just one look? This hooded
robe with extra flared sleeves is available through the Toronto-based Amazing Party Store and offers
endless possibilities for fright-acular outfits. Pair with a Morticia wig
and you’ll be ready for an Addams Family reunion. Or, don black fairy
wings and black boots to transform into an avenging angel.
Getting Creative
Your Halloween costume doesn’t need to be spooky to be sensational. Those with witch-ly aspirations
can leave behind the standard black cloak and tattered hat with the help of Costume Chik’s enchanting
alternatives, including this autumn fairy witch ensemble that
captures the colours of fall with its red, orange and black, multi-layered iridescent skirt topped with a
velvet lace-up bodice.Or, go pink and glittery as the most pure-hearted witch of them
all, Glinda the Good Witch
from The Wizard of Oz.
For a funky flapper look, Malabar
in Toronto offers a saffron-yellow, fringed mini-dress with gold detailing. Accompanied by long black gloves,
a gold headband with matching yellow feather, and a long string of black pearls, this fun and flirty ensemble
is sure to bring the Roaring Twenties to any party in style.
Couples can take a trip even further back in time — medieval times, to be exact — with these Robin Hood and Maid Marion
costumes from Don’s Hobby Shop and Theatrical Supplies in Calgary. Or, walk like a Roman beside your better
half with this simple but elegant toga and gold-leaf
headpiece.
Making an Understatement
Not looking to go all out this year? You can still incorporate a touch of the Halloween spirit in
your holiday outfit by choosing black and orange items. For the gentlemen, an all-black suit — always a
winner — can be given a seasonal punch of colour with a skinny orange tie. Meanwhile, the ladies can flaunt
their best little black dress with any combination of fabulous orange accessories, from a peach-hued pump to
a tangerine clutch. Remember that you can substitute orange items with gold without losing that Halloween
effect.
Another simple way to put a Halloween spin on evening wear is with masquerade ball masks. Gianfranco Zanardo, a Venetian mask maker based out of Victoria, both imports and
hand-crafts a variety of stunning, original pieces. These bejeweled and feathered creations will add a splash
of colour and mystery to any party look.•
