Melange: Photoshoot-Inspired Halloween Costume Ideas, Pt. 2

Are you ready for super-simple? How about being a boxer, à la Summer? The only prop you really need is a pair of boxing gloves – check out Amazon for an affordable pair (like these. Note that the weight and color make a big difference in the price). Then, grab a hoodie, a sports bra, running shorts, a towel and a water bottle. Summer went with bright neon colors, which adds intensity to the look and makes it stand out. Alternatively, Sasha’s snaps form this same shoot were done in carbon grays and black, with just one pop of deep purple, so consider that option if you’re feeling a bit badder  :). Last item: sneakers! Pick up an authentic pair (like these) or use any pair of high-top, lightweight ones you already own (no flatforms please :)). Brush up on your air-punching skills before the big day and be sure to finish the look with plenty of attitude ‘cuz you know you’re a knockout, right? ;) Ok, how easy was that?

If you were as taken with Gail’s recent embodiment of the force of wind as I was, you might want to re-create her look for Halloween. Start with a bodysuit in gray or black. Add a fringed skirt (and jacket if ya got one). Or, just go right to the flowy strands. You can make those super-easily by cutting lengths of satin ribbon. Some ribbon-buying notes: single face satin will be shiny on one side, matte on the other. Double face is shiny on both sides, but more expensive. Buy it in bulk! You’ll need at least 10 strands of approximately 10 feet each, depending on your height ( if the distance between your shoulders and ankles is about 5 feet, you’ll want to double that for this design since the plan is to fold it once.) Translation: you’ll need at least 100 feet of ribbon, which is sold by the yard (1 yard= 3 feet), so that’s 35 yards of ribbon.) Online craft stores will carry rolls of 25, 50 and 100 yards, so shop around for the best price. (Note: I have only seen smaller rolls at physical craft stores and buying lots of those will be pricier.) You’ll also want black chenille stems (sometimes called pipe cleaners). Use the chenille-covered wire stems to twist together a necklace for yourself. Then fold the cut ribbon over the necklace at the halfway point. Anchor it in place with hot glue, or a safety in. You can also go way low-tech and just tie in place, but you’ll have to be really careful how you do the knot in order to get it to lay flat. Finish with black footwear; Gail chose platform sandals, but flat black boots of any height will do equally well. Leave your hair long and loose and voilà: you’re a gale-force wind!

Then again, maybe you had something more colorful in mind? Got it covered! I always loved this Bird of Paradise ‘shoot from Maria. Start with bright and bodycon below. A bikini over a black or nude bodysuit, a slim turtleneck,  long-sleeved fitted workout gear – it can work as a base. Add an A-line skirt – go with a feather one if you have it, or go with a tulle version in some fun color (any costume store will have options). Don’t stress over the colors you use – real birds of paradise come in a myriad of shades, all of them bright. So if you’ve got bright colors, you’re good! It took me awhile to come up with a suitable alternative for real feathers (to get something this large, you’d have to go with ostrich o peacock feathers and they’re pricey. I always like to check into care of the birds they came from too and that’s a hassle, sooooo…) My solution is: palm fronds! Check craft stores or look online for “silk palm fronds” ( “silk” is a generic industry term for faux flowers). Try buying a bush or small tree as more economical alternative to individual stems. You’ll need paint them (spray or do acrylic by hand) the colors you want, which makes your costume 100% personal. Use chenille stems (wrap the chenille-wire around the palm frond) to create a belt, necklace, epaulet, headpiece, all of the above – whatever suits your fancy. I probably could not prevent myself from also adding glitter and crystals somewhere, but it’s not necessary :). The birds have blue-gray feet, so complete the look with gray stockings and boots. You can also get crazy with the make-up and do a gorgeous feathered eye look, as Maria did. How fab is that?
Happy creating, loves...hope you have an amazing Halloween!