What’s scarier than Halloween creeping up on us already? Not having a Halloween outfit ready! But fear not, if you still haven’t sorted your outfit yet, we have an easy solution. Enter the little black halloween dress.
There’s actually no harder working item in our wardrobe than the little black dress. Night out? LBD. Fancy dinner? LBD. We even believe an LBD can be wedding appropriate if worn the right way. So, when it comes to pulling together a last-minute Halloween costume, we knew there was no better place to start planning than with the classic black halloween dress.
You see, not only does an LBD lend itself to the spooky aesthetic (black is the colour of the season after all), with so many different styles available, it can also be transformed into an array of fun Halloween costumes quickly and easily. If you tend to be a last minute outfit planner, see this as the failsafe solution to looking like you’ve made a huge effort, too.
Want to know how? Read on for our handy guide on how to give the humble LBD a scary season makeover…
Start with a little black Halloween dress…
Morticia Addams
Nobody wears a black dress quite like Morticia Addams and it’s no surprise when you consider black is her happy colour. Transform yourself into the iconic matriarch by starting with a long sleeve black maxi dress. Fabrics like velvet or lace will add a gothic feel, but any black halloween dress will channel her dark and moody style.
Finish with a long black wig and statement red lip to pay homage to her sleek and simple beauty look. Sublime, Mon Cherie.
Wednesday Addams
If Morticia isn’t your style, take inspo from the younger Addams, Wednesday, for a smart yet spooky look.
To re-create her scary schoolgirl style, pick out a collar dress like this Sister Jane LBD. Otherwise you can layer a white shirt under a black A-line or skater style dress and pair with simple black courts. Keep your hair prim and polished with Wednesday’s signature black plaits. And remember no smiling, not that Wednesday would find anything to smile about anyways.
Black Swan
Want to give off main character energy this Halloween? Of course you do! A black swan inspired costume is sure to steal the show.
Opt for a black tulle mini dress or layer a tulle skirt over a black bodycon dress to give off bad ballerina vibes. Then, when it comes to your make-up, go all out with a Julia Foxx style black smoky eye and full, fluffy lashes for added drama. Finish with a pair of lace up heels or, if heels aren’t your style, a pair of black ballet flats will complete the look.
The classic witch
Witch costumes have had a bad rep in the past but this year we’re giving them a refresh. Forget giant warts and fake noses, 2023 is all about the stylish witch costume, which is far from basic.
To feel the magic, pair a black dress with long black gloves and a chic pointed hat for the ultimate in witch chic. Don’t want to wear top to toe black? Add accessories and jewellery in dark purple tones for a subtle yet on-brand hint of colour.
A black cat
Yes, it may be an obvious one, but if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The black cat costume is easy, cute and nods to Halloween without the need for over-the-top gore.
To purr-fect your look pair your black halloween dress with a set of cat ears and a cute collar (I mean choker). If you’re feeling fancy, a cat tail will also add to the feline vibes. Check out Etsy for some great options or create your own by stuffing a pair of black tights with socks and pinning it to the back of your dress.
Also, if you’re looking for a costume for yourself and a friend, a witch and black cat make the perfect duo so come together as the ultimate double act.
(Dead) Beauty Queen
Forget Miss Congeniality, this year we’re giving our crown to Miss Halloween, the scariest pageant winner around. This look is ideal if you want to get dressed up while still tapping into the spooky atmosphere that this season is all about.
Simply pair your most glam black dress with a spray of fake blood and you’re ready to sashay into the night. Oh, and don’t forget your crown, because even in death we never let it slip ladies.
Fallen angel
You know the saying bad girls have more fun? Well, we’re pretty sure it’s the same for bad angels too, on Halloween at least. For the perfect anti-angelic look wings are a must so head to Amazon or your local costume shop to see what’s available.
Wear them with your favourite black halloween dress and for instant anarchistic vibes finish with a pair of ripped fishnet tights and chunky boots.