How to decide on a Halloween costume

Posted on: 25/10/2023

Halloween can spark equal measures of dread and joy when it comes to choosing what to dress up as. You might have planned your Halloween ideas months in advance or you might be scrabbling around for something on the day.

Fear not, we have you covered with helpful suggestions on how to kickstart your Halloween outfit ideas. Plus, the likelihood is that you won't have to go out and buy an entirely new costume. But whether you go down the spooky route or not, the options are limitless. 

Use your own clothes for inspiration

Sometimes, the best place to start is with your own wardrobe when thinking of Halloween ideas. Think outside the box when you approach this. You could figure out whether you have any similar clothes to characters in your favourite films or TV series, for example.

This doesn't have to translate so literally either. Many characters are known for wearing a distinctive set of colours, which you can recreate using your clothes. Cartoon characters, such as those in Scooby Doo, are a good example. See whether any colourful items jump out at you. Remember, you can always stay safe with your Halloween outfit idea by sticking with black!

Make face make-up your focal point

Make-up is perhaps one of the most transformative parts of a Halloween outfit. The results can be mind-blowing if you choose to follow a detailed make-up tutorial – and there are plenty online.

Go for something striking, such as a spooky smoky eye or go all-out with facial adhesives, fake blood and more. Many looks also integrate facial jewellery. Make-up is especially handy if you're struggling with Halloween outfit ideas and have a more limited, capsule wardrobe. 

Base it around your jewellery

Halloween jewellery can make more of a difference than you might expect. You can opt for new, spooky pieces that integrate ghosts or pumpkins, for example. Alternatively, you can use the jewellery you already own.

Hoop earrings are ideal for a pirate, meanwhile, diamond jewellery is associated with characters in films like Breakfast at Tiffany’s, The Great Gatsby and Moulin Rouge. This gives you the perfect excuse to indulge in Halloween outfit ideas dripping in old-school glitz and glamour. 

Build an outfit around accessories

A bold or distinctive accessory could be all it takes to get the ball rolling. Accessories span a wide range of items too – think hats, gloves, belts, scarves, ties and even socks. Look out for statement shapes, patterns and colours to help to get those Halloween ideas in motion.

Remember to ask friends and family for items you could borrow. Alternatively, you could create your own, whether it’s a pair of animal ears, a sword or a crown. This is your chance to add a personal, creative touch to any Halloween outfit idea.

Start with your shoes

If in doubt, start from the bottom. Staple shoes are key to certain characters' identities and can be a great place to begin when considering Halloween outfit ideas.

You might have a statement pair of animal print heels, cowboy boots or Mary Jane shoes that instantly remind you of someone or something. Even the colour of your shoes could get the cogs whirring and help you envisage an entire look for Halloween.

Get help from F.Hinds

If you need help selecting the ideal piece of Halloween jewellery, we have you covered. Begin by browsing online, or by visiting us in-store, where our friendly team can help you choose the right pieces.

As members of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), we're proud to provide you with jewellery that meets ethical and social standards within the industry. This, alongside our other accreditations, helps to set us apart and ensures that you receive unrivalled service from our team of experts.