You remembered the party. You remembered to bring something. The costume somehow never made it onto the list.
With Halloween tomorrow, there’s still time to put together something recognizable using clothes you already own. Start with one piece, add a few details and choose a character you’ll enjoy being for the evening.
These ideas work for a house party, dinner with friends or handing out candy when you want to participate without spending Friday night hunting through a costume aisle.
A Little Black Dress: Holly Golightly
A black dress, pearls and sunglasses give you the beginnings of Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Pull your hair into an updo, add black shoes and use long gloves if you happen to own them.
The dress doesn’t need to be an exact match to make the reference work. Keep the accessories simple and let the combination do the job. A small evening bag is useful for carrying your phone, too.
The finishing touch: Oversized sunglasses help make the character clear when you arrive. Take them off when you’d actually like to see the people you’re talking to.
A Black Suit: A Men in Black Agent
Wear a black suit with a white shirt, black tie and dark sunglasses. Polish your shoes, and you’ve got a costume that can go from the office to the party with very little adjustment.
This is also an easy option for two people. Matching outfits make the reference stronger, and neither person has to spend the evening managing a complicated prop.
The finishing touch: Make a small “MIB” badge from paper if you want to spell it out. You can leave the fictional alien-fighting equipment at home.
A White Shirt and Black Pants: Mia Wallace
A white button-down, black trousers and red lipstick are the foundation for Mia Wallace from Pulp Fiction. A dark bob makes the reference easier, but use what you have rather than spending your last available hour searching for a wig.
Keep the shirt relaxed, choose shoes you can move in and prepare for someone to ask you to dance.
For a couple: A partner in a dark suit, white shirt and narrow tie can join you as Vincent Vega. The dance-floor version keeps the costume straightforward.
A Dark Outfit and Two Braids: Wednesday Addams
Start with a black dress or a black sweater and skirt. Layer a white collared shirt underneath if you have one, then add dark tights and black shoes. Two center-parted braids finish the look.
This is a practical choice for an outdoor gathering because you can build it around warmer clothes. A cardigan or coat won’t make the character disappear.
The finishing touch: A completely serious expression. You’re allowed to break character for a good piece of candy.
A Denim Shirt: Rosie the Riveter
A denim or chambray shirt, jeans and a red bandanna make an easy Rosie the Riveter outfit. Roll up your sleeves and tie the bandanna around your hair, with the knot toward the front.
Wear comfortable boots or sneakers, especially if you’ll be walking through the neighborhood with children. This costume leaves your hands free for candy bags, drinks and everything else the evening requires.
The finishing touch: The familiar flexed-arm pose will handle the photos.
A Striped Shirt: A Mime
A striped shirt with black trousers is a good starting point for a mime. Add a beret, suspenders or white gloves if they’re already in a drawer. You can use makeup you own for a small amount of theatrical detail, but the outfit works without a full face of paint.
This one also travels well. You can wear normal shoes, sit comfortably and carry your own bag.
The finishing touch: Practice getting trapped in an invisible box. There’s no obligation to remain silent through dinner.
A Blazer and Sunglasses: An Off-Duty Celebrity
If you’d rather invent a character, put on a blazer, sunglasses and the most conspicuous scarf you own. Add a baseball cap if that better suits your version of someone trying very hard to avoid being recognized.
Give yourself a name and a reason you’re in Birmingham. You’re filming a movie. You’re visiting family. Your publicist said this would be a quiet evening.
The finishing touch: Ask a willing friend to play your publicist. They can announce that you’re happy to take one photo, but you won’t be answering questions about your next project.
Do a Quick Dress Rehearsal
Before leaving, sit down, walk around and make sure you can comfortably eat and carry your phone. If you’ll be outside after dark, account for the weather and visibility, too.
A last-minute costume only needs enough detail for people to understand the idea. Pick your favorite, get dressed and enjoy Halloween.
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