UPDATED November 16th, 2017
Halloween is just around the corner and probably the only thing that’s even more fun than putting on a frightening, glam, goofy, fantasy costume yourself—is commiserating on the perfect Halloween outfit for your tween or teen. So don’t let the drama and expense of hunting down the perfect disguise put a damper on your eerie festivities. Even if you aren’t the crafty sort, there are plenty of easy inexpensive options that are sure to make your little girl the ghoul of the ball.
Photos: stills from Twilight MoviesThe Vampire is an immortal Halloween classic. Today’s tween Vampires have toned down the theatrics and floor-length capes in favor of more subtle incisors and street clothes. Which makes your job as costume designer much easier. Twilight fans can recreate Jane of the Volturi’s look in a snap with white tights, Mary Janes, a short, hooded cloak (black of course) and a chunky, gothic pendant. Ultra pale skin, red lips and smoky eyes finish off the look to perfection.
Bella Swan is sure to be a big hit with Twilight fans wanting a more tomboy meets romantic vibe and everything you need is probably already in your daughter’s closet. Bella’s signature ensemble consists of skinny jeans, black Converse, a hoodie, and a cool fitted jacket. Very understated grunge. For something that looks more obviously like a costume, try recreating her prom outfit from the first movie, with a tiered cobalt dress, cropped white cardi, and the same black Converse. A modern Cinderella. Even if you have to do a little shopping, all of these items can be worn everyday so it’s an investment!
Photos: stills from Twilight MoviesThanks to shows like The Walking Dead and an endless parade of zombie movies that inevitably come out every year, the Zombie is another classic that never really dies. Just find some old clothes that are ready for the recycling bin and add a few more tatters and some extra dirty smudges. You can find an inexpensive Halloween makeup kit in any drugstore. Just remember, the key to pulling off the Zombie costume is posture (stooped and shambling) and attitude (bloodthirsty).
Frida Kahlo
If you are raising a little individualist with an artistic streak who favors pomp and circumstance and period clothing, Frida Kahlo is an excellent choice. Sweep her hair into an updo adorned with flowers, go for bright colors, especially crimson, and a voluminous, floor-length skirt. Goodwill or thrift stores are excellent resources for inexpensive costume clothes. Add a shawl, lots of bangles, dangly earrings, strong brows, and ruby lips, and voila! The unibrow and ‘stache are entirely optional.
La Adelita
Make Hispanic Heritage Month last a little longer by recreating La Adelita, iconic symbol of woman soldiers in the Mexican Revolution and immortalized in one of that conflict’s most famous corridos. Just pair a long skirt (preferably blue) with a plain white men’s shirt. Roll up the sleeves, add a wide-brimmed straw hat, boots, and lots of Rambo style ammunition. Toy guns are optional—they add flavor but many moms would probably prefer not to encourage their little girls to pack heat. With or without weaponry, Adelita is one empowered female.
