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10 DIY Leading Lady Halloween Costumes



To celebrate October + Halloween we are rounding up 10

DIY leading ladies that you can easily recreate for Halloween !

 

Britney Spears | Carrie Bradshaw | Holly Golightly | Miss Congeniality | Clueless

Easy A | Almost Famous | Kim Possible | Velma | Carmen SanDiego


The following costumes are full of nostalgia, attitude and above all else - iconic fashion forward moments that you may already have pieces for in your closet. We are breaking down these leading ladies and showing you have to get these great looks.



Yep - starting right away with 90s nostalgia. This was most people's first introduction to Britney Spears and still hits hard. I think we all remember the dance, it's basic but highly recognizable look.


Full list of Britney's Look:

  1. Tied white button down

  2. Colored bralette

  3. Gray cardigan

  4. Pleated skirt

  5. Knee high socks

  6. Braided pigtails complete with fuzzy pink hair ties

Full outfit - if you just want to buy it all outright

Be sure to check out the amazing makeup tutorial courtesy of @JackieWyers




This opening scene is iconic and I think we all hear the theme in our head just seeing this image. This is another costume with simple pieces but is super underrated.

Tip: go the extra step by splash water or stain your shirt like when the bus goes by!



Full list of Carrie's look:

  1. Pink tank top

  2. High waisted tutu skirt

  3. Strappy heels




If you are looking for a classic and timeless look that you probably already have in your closet - here it is! If you haven't seen the movie, check it out. But even if people haven't - they know the character.

Tip: If you want to go the extra mile, accessorize with a long cigarette holder and a to-go coffee cup


Full list of Holly's look:

  1. That little black sheath dress

  2. Long black gloves

  3. Perfect pair of sunnies

  4. Pearl necklace + earring set

  5. The classic updo





A fun, flirty, badass costume that people will instantly know and you'll be comfortable wearing.

Tip: if you feel like getting into character, wear a thick NY accent, snort when you laugh and pose like the cover for the camera



Full list of Gracie's look:

  1. Hot pink dress with a high slit

  2. Heeled Combat boots

  3. Blank Sash

  4. Tiara

  5. Thigh holster

  6. Dozen roses

  7. Handcuffs





Honestly, every outfit in the movie is so iconic and fashion forward. Many even have common detailing including lots of layering and matching sets. You can go for a coordinating set look or more of a mix + match separates. She's known for her knee highs, sweater vests, sheer tops and patterns. This is great if you have a couple gal pals you are looking to do a group costume with.

Tip: throw out quotable phrases like "as if" and Designer names. Use a designer/department store bag as your handbag for the night!


Full list of Cher's look:

  1. Sweater vest

  2. Argyle or plaid skirt

  3. Plaid skirt + jacket set

  4. Knee high socks

  5. Maryjane shoes

  6. Layered collared shirt

  7. Shopping bags

  8. Oversized vintage cellphone

Full costume - if you just want to buy it all outright



This is another that has many iconic and similar looks throughout the movie, but they are headturning and easy to achieve!



Full list of Olive's look:

  1. Black corset top

  2. Red "A" patch

  3. Black Jeans

  4. Black Heels

  5. Sunglasses to block out the haters




Mysterious, cool, and carefree - this "bandaid" made us all want to go on road trips and sing along to the best classic rock songs. Great outfit for someone who wants to scavenge for some great thrift finds.

Tip: finish off this look with some chunky vintage costume jewelry and a vintage looking suitcase



Full list of Pennylane's look:

  1. A standout long coat (best if it's something with contrasting texture and color in collar)

  2. Bell bottoms

  3. Peasant top

  4. Purple circle frame glasses



This is one to have some fun with. Animated costumes have the opportunity to take some liberties and exaggerate proportions.



Full list of Kim's Look:

  1. Oversized cargo pants

  2. Black cropped turtleneck

  3. Black gloves

  4. Loose or oversized cargo belt

  5. Combat Boots

  6. Orange wig

Full costume - if you just want to buy it all outright




What I love about this look is that it's super flexible, it's more about color than exact pieces, don't feel like it has to be too literal. They have had many versions of these classic characters throughout the years but her colors are always the same. You can really do what works best for your body type and personal expression here.

Tip: Explore with skirts, pants, whatever feels right - if you wanna really play around think about adding 70s flare with wide leg pants, sweater vests, etc.



Full list of Velma's look:

  1. Red skirt (can be pleated or high waisted)

  2. Orange sweater (turtleneck, tucked, cropped)

  3. Knee high socks (orange, white)

  4. Maryjane shoes

  5. Black glasses




A quick, easy - SHOWSTOPPER. The international women of mystery. You can go more classic red with the mustard accents or all black. There's al lot of flexibility in this one.

Tip: top off the look with a red lip and Smokey eye. If you're looking for a couple's costume, pair it with Where's Waldo. (Love the use of passport + map in the spotlight!)



Full list of Carmen's look:

  1. Red Trench Coat

  2. Black turtleneck

  3. Red hat

  4. Black gloves

  5. Heeled black boots

  6. If you're going for the original, grab a yellow scarf

Original Full Costume - if you just want to buy it all outright



 

So that completes the roundup for 10 easy, DIY (last minute - if needed) costumes that are recognizable and make a statement! Hope this encourages you to browse your clothing and think of some characters you already have lurking in your closet! Comment below if you're looking for something specific, group costumes or couples costumes. I basically wait all year to brainstorm costumes in various degrees of difficulty. Thanks for the read!


 

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Josh + Loretta

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