Halloween at uni is everyone’s dream. You can dress up however you want, and as long as you progress from the usual “cute top and jeans” outfit, you can get away with it. Because who actually dresses scarily anymore? Us girls take it as the chance to embody our inner fairy or Disney princess.
Thankfully, your wardrobe is already full of everything you need, you just need me to teach you how to style it! Like all uni students, you have compiled some random stuff over the years, so Halloween is the chance to bring them out of their dusty storage boxes and get creative. Add some winged eyeliner and hairspray and you’re ready to go.
Alvin and the Chipmunks
The simplest outfits sometimes don’t need explanation…
Grab any coloured t-shirt, or jumper (red, blue or green would be preferred) and a basic pair of blue jeans along with trainers. Extra points if you have a cap (for Alvin) or round sunglasses (for Simon). These small but noticeable details assemble the look of the main trio from the franchise to a playfully nostalgic costume for you and your friends to dress up in.
Pirate
Pirate costumes are weirdly easy to pull off with the basic fashion staples. No wonder they are so popular. You are bound to see at least six pirates every night out for Halloween.
Personally I’d opt for a white (short or long) flowy skirt, or just a plain black one instead. Any form of boots: Cowboy, knee-high and short boots are all applicable to achieve the look. If there’s a patterned scarf or even another top you have, try tying it around your head or your waist for the layering effect.
Also on the layering theme, mix up some jewellery (the chunkier the better obviously) and put on every ring you’ve ever owned to really mirror the Captain Jack Sparrow chaotic vibe. Makeup wise, get ready to use most of your black eyeliner pencil, as you’ll have it blinding your waterline all night to get that pirate aesthetic. With all of these details and the multi-layering of pieces, the rugged pirate look will come together in a constructed chic manner.
Fairy or Mermaid
Remember that not all Halloween costumes need to be scary, bloody or made up of very short skirts. Sometimes the way to go is soft pastels, flowy skirts, sparkly tops, florals, or anything iridescent to encompass a whimsical fairy or a stunning mermaid. Throw on some shimmer or glitter makeup, and let your hair go wild or wavy for the full effect. You don’t need wings or a tail to sell the fantasy – just a fanciful vibe and maybe a flower crown or shell necklace if you’ve got one tucked away from a previous social night.
Sleeping Beauty
This one is the most comfortable you’ll ever be but still an organised way for the best version of fancy dress. Get your prettiest satin or lace-trimmed PJ set or even a nightgown for an extra special dreamy look. This is one of those nights where you genuinely don’t need to worry what your hair looks like, you can shove it up in a claw clip to complete the overall vision. You’re not lazy – you’re on-theme. Plus, wearing a nightgown to the club – what a luxury comfort.
Race-car driver
Got a cool jacket from your friend/boyfriend because they love watching F1? Throw it on and pair with some basic black jeans (or even a mini skirt for extra wow-factor), simple black top for the nonchalant approach, and you’ve created the most casual yet comfy outfit which fits the dress up brief, even if realistically it’s just a jacket and jeans. Maybe a bold red lip could elevate the look to be a superman F1 WAG.
Disco Diva or 80’s Icon
Everyone has some sort of sparkle in their wardrobe, whether it is a mini skirt, crop top, glistening tights or even a show-stopping jacket. If these don’t apply, maybe ask to borrow some 80s inspired flared pants that your parents could still be holding on to from their childhood for a further “wow” factor.
Anything colourful, bold and eccentric will align perfectly with the brief. Makeup for this costume will definitely make your look so much more exciting: Multicoloured eye shadow, or eyeliner, and even some face paint (glow in the dark would be breathtaking too) adding flare to the outfit.
