Top 10 Easiest DIY Halloween Costumes

Top 10 Easiest DIY Halloween Costumes for Last-Minute Fun

Halloween is just around the corner, and you've suddenly realized you need a costume. Don't worry! Creating your own Halloween costume doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. In fact, some of the best costumes are simple and easy to make with items you likely have at home or can quickly pick up from a local store. Here are the top 10 easiest DIY Halloween costumes for those last-minute Halloween parties and trick-or-treating adventures.

1. Ghost

A classic choice and perhaps the easiest costume to make. All you need is an old white bedsheet or a large piece of white fabric. Cut out eye holes and drape it over yourself. Voila! You're a spooky ghost!

2. Mummy

Grab some old white clothing and tear it into strips. Wrap the strips around your body, leaving some areas exposed for a realistic mummy effect. Add some smudged makeup for an extra eerie touch.

3. Black Cat

Dress in all black. Make ears using black construction paper or fabric attached to a headband. Use eyeliner to draw whiskers on your face, and you've transformed into a feline in no time.

Unmasking the Latest Halloween Costume Trends for This Year

Halloween, that spooktacular season of creativity and self-expression, is fast approaching. Every year, costume enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the latest trends to make their Halloween memorable. In this article, we'll explore the Halloween costume trends for this year, consider whether Halloween trends vary significantly from year to year, delve into the influence of movies and TV shows on children's costume choices, and examine the role of technology in costume selection.

Halloween Costume Trends for This Year:

As the calendar turns to October, the costume scene is abuzz with fresh trends and ideas. Here are some costume trends expected to dominate Halloween this year:

Movie Blockbusters: Costume choices often mirror the hottest movie releases, and this year is no exception. Expect to see characters from blockbuster films like superhero ensembles from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, characters from popular sequels, and iconic figures from new releases.

Retro Revival: Nostalgia is a powerful force in costume trends. This year, anticipate a resurgence of costumes inspired by iconic characters from the '80s and '90s, fueled by the revival of classic franchises and beloved TV shows.

Transition from Back to School to Halloween Fashion

As the back-to-school season comes to an end, parents and kids alike may be feeling the inevitable transition from summer freedom to academic routines. However, instead of letting the back-to-school blues linger, it's time to shift gears and embrace the spooky spirit of Halloween with some ghoulishly delightful fashion. Discover why it's important to keep children in a happy mindset with Halloween-inspired clothing, when to start brainstorming the perfect costume, and the important kids' costume trends that have evolved over the past few decades.

1. Keeping the Halloween Spirit Alive:

After the excitement of acquiring new school supplies and outfits, it's essential to maintain a positive and imaginative mindset for children. Halloween-inspired clothing is a perfect way to keep the excitement alive and encourage creativity throughout the fall season.

2. When to Start Preparing for the Perfect Costume:

The ideal time to start preparing for the perfect Halloween costume is around the end of summer or early fall, typically in September. Here's why:

Inspiration and Planning: Early preparation allows children and parents to brainstorm costume ideas, research materials, and plan ahead. It ensures that the chosen costume can be crafted or purchased without stress as Halloween approaches.

The Game of Thrones Musical on Broadway

The Game of Thrones musical is coming to Broadway in New York City on April 1, 2037.  Why is this relevant to the fashion industry?  Because the new Broadway musical will require costume designers, makeup artists, etc.  

Janie Bryant Vintage Costume Designer

WWDMAGIC is known as a destination for some of the hottest brand launches – from celebrities to bloggers to emerging designers. This year will be no different when renowned costume designer, Janie Bryant (previously of Mad Men) launches her latest collection with Unique Vintage and chats vintage and trends in the WWD Social House. 

Apparel Search has been lucky enough to gain access to an interview with Janie which was a quick Q&A.

You’ve been busy! Tell us about your new capsule collection with Unique Vintage and the upcoming series, The Last Tycoon?

I was so excited to discover Unique Vintage as they have beautiful retro-inspired styles in everything from wiggle dresses to sexy swimwear to chic prom looks. Their customer base is so engaged and loyal and we wanted to bring them something special. Working with Katie (the CEO) and the team there is amazing as we all have such a love of vintage and period design. This first collection is inspired by one of my favorite periods – the 1950’s – and includes inspirations from some of the favorites in my personal collection. I’m excited that the capsule is accessible to all at a great price point and available in sizes from XS to 4XL. 

The Last Tycoon just premiered on Amazon in July and the production is gorgeous – 1930’s Hollywood glamour with a terrific cast in Kelsey Grammar, Lily Collins and Matt Bomer. I was so fortunate to work with the creators, Billy Ray and Chris Keyser. I get my inspirations for all shows in three ways – the script, research and collaboration. The writers develop the characters, and through costume, I help bring them to life. My team and I do a lot of research in prep for any project, including old magazines, movies, newspapers, historical documents, catalogs, museums, biographies, photos, etc. We search on Etsy, EBay and Ruby Lane for ideas. Then, it is ultimately  a collaboration in design, along with the hair and makeup teams, the set design, and the creators of the show. I buy  from vintage stores, have the garments re-made or create my own designs to be accurate of the time period. 

How does your approach with The Last Tycoon differ from your work on ‘Mad Men’? 

Suicide Squad Margot Robbie Harley Quinn Jacket

Halloween has past but cosplay is forever.  If you enjoy film jackets (jackets worn in movies), you may have interest in Harley Quinn jackets.

Now it's time for you to get a hold onto this Harley Quinn Jacket, a master piece in it self. This apparel is made in the exact manner as featured in Harley Quinn Costume Guide worn by Margot Robbie.

The Harley Quinn Suicide Squad jacket is prepared from high quality satin fabric and is light weight. At the back is labeled with the famous logo of Harley Quinn costume along with a few other designs made on it. It's all ready and is good to go. Go ahead and place your order soon.

In addition to finding a Harley Quinn jacket, you can actually find various versions.

https://www.fjackets.com/buy/Harley-Suicide-Jacket.html

Different options on the cuff as well.

And yes, even options regarding the zipper pulls.

You may be interested in viewing these film jacket relevant websites: Fjackets.com, Celebsclothing.com and Warriorjackets.com

Harley Quinn (Harleen Frances Quinzel) is a fictional supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm, and first appeared in Batman: The Animated Series in September 1992. She later appeared in DC Comics' Batman comic books, with her first comic book appearance in The Batman Adventures #12 (Sept. 1993).

Harley Quinn is the Joker's frequent accomplice and lover, whom she met while working as a psychiatrist at Arkham Asylum, where the Joker was a patient. Her name is a play on the name "Harlequin", a character which originated in the commedia dell'arte.  The character made her live-action cinematic debut in the 2016 film Suicide Squad, portrayed by the beautiful and fashionable Margot Robbie.

China: Through the Looking Glass Exhibit

Today, Initiatives in Art & Culture (IAC) announced the agenda for its roster of presenters at its 17th Annual Fashion + Design Conference, entitled “Trailblazers,” taking place November 13 & 14, 2015. A Thursday, November 12, evening reception that launches this event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at Staley-Wise Gallery (560 Broadway, FL 3) in celebration of the exhibit “Ron Galella: 55 Years a Paparazzi.” The event also will feature a reception and viewing, beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, November 13, at Featherstone Fine Jewelry Atelier (17 Vestry St.).

“IAC is constantly amazed with the sheer genius that is being unleashed in the highly creative fields of fashion and product design,” said Lisa Koenigsberg, Founder, IAC. “Nothing could be more exciting than giving those involved in trailblazing innovation a showcase to present their stories. We are honored to be able to offer these presentations and hope they set off many more creative sparks.”

Formal sessions for this event will be held at The Graduate Center, City University of New York (365 Fifth Avenue). Presenters include:  Adriano Goldschmied, Denim Entrepreneur; Alexandra Steigrad, Media Editor, WWD; Alyson Walsh, Author, Style Forever: The Grown-Up Guide to Looking Fabulous; Andrew Bolton, Curator, The Costume Institute, The Metropolitan Museum of Art; Ariel Foxman, Editorial Director, InStyle and StyleWatch; Ariele Elia, Assistant Curator of Costume and Textiles, The Museum at FIT; Bob Bland, CEO/Founder, Manufacture New York; Bradley Rothenberg, Co-Founder, nTopology, Inc.; Caitlin Weiskopf, Executive Director, ShopBAZAAR; Chi Huynh, Founder, Galatea; Dennita Sewell, Curator of Fashion Design, Phoenix Art Museum; Despina Papadopoulos, Wearable Technology Director, WWA & Founder, Studio 5050; Elizabeth Way, Curatorial Assistant, The Museum at FIT; Emma McClendon, Assistant Curator of Costume, The Museum at FIT; Franҫois Girbaud, Denim Designer; Freddie Leiba, Fashion Authority and Style Curator; Gabi Asfour, Creative Director/Founder, threeASFOUR; Gary A. Wassner, CEO and Principal, Hilldun Corp.; Hebe Schecter, President, Fabric Division, Kaltex America; Hisano Shepherd, Designer, little h; Igal Kaptsan, VP Product Management, 3DVIA; Jean Hegedus, Global Business Director–Denim and Wovens, Invista; Jeffrey P. Silberman, Professor and Chairperson, Textile Development and Marketing Department, FIT; consultant to the International Cotton Advisory Committee Secretariat, and Executive Director to the International Forum for Cotton Promotion; Jeremy Shepherd, CEO, PearlParadise.com; Jose Hess, Jewelry Designer; Kate Davidson Hudson, Co-founder, Editorialist; Kathy Grenier, Public Relations/Marketing Director, The Cultured Pearl Association of America; Lauren Indvik, Editor-in-Chief, Fashionista.com; Lindsey Unterberger, Executive Digital Editor, Glamour; Maria Cornejo, Designer; Mark Messura, SVP Global Supply Chain Marketing, Cotton Inc.; Matt Isaacson, Director of Product Development, Lashbrook; Mickey Boardman, Editorial Director, PAPER Magazine; Nanette Lepore, Designer; Pat Cleveland, Model; Patricia Figueroa, Executive Director, Cámara de la Industria Textil, Confección y Zonas Francas de El Salvador (CAMTEX); Peter Hubbell, Founder/CEO, BoomAgers; Randy Harward, Vice President Materials, Under Armour, Inc.; Rio Uribe, Designer, Gypsy Sport; Robin Givhan, Fashion Critic, The Washington Post; Roxanne Lowit, Fashion Photographer; Sarah L. Scaturro, Head Conservator, The Costume Institute, The Metropolitan Museum of Art; Susan Chandler, Chief Merchandising Officer, Scott Kay; Susan S. Szenasy, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Metropolis Magazine; Susan J. Ganz, CEO, Lion Brothers Company; Teresa Frye, Owner/President, TechForm Advanced Casting Technology; Teri Agins, Fashion Journalist; Timo Rissanen, Assistant Professor, Design and Sustainability, Parson School of Design; Walter T. Wilhelm, Chairman, WWA Advisors, LLC.
 
About Initiatives in Arts and Culture (IAC) is an organization committed to educating diverse audiences in the fine, decorative, and visual arts, as well as architecture. IAC's primary activities are conferences, publications, and exhibitions. These take an interdisciplinary approach, considering issues related to fabrication, connoisseurship, cultural patrimony, cultural preservation, and the future of culture. Particular areas of emphasis include American painting, the history and art of frames, the Arts and Crafts movement (internationally and in the U.S.), the art of metalworking in America, the influence of Asian cultures on American fine and decorative art, and the history and future of fashion and materials. IAC’s projects have been supported by a wide array of individual, corporate and foundation funders.

Photo Credit: Guo Pei, Evening Gown, spring/summer 2007 haute couture. Gold lamé embroidered with gold and silver silk, metal, and sequins. Courtesy, Guo Pei. Image © The Metropolitan Museum of Art. 

Thank you for taking the time to read our fashion blog post. We hope that you have found this news to be informative. If you have comments or questions, please add your thoughts in the discussion area below.

100 Years of Halloween Costumes

BOO! Mode Studios is getting into the Halloween spirit with its newest fashion-themed video. In 100 Years of Halloween Costumes in 3 Minutes, viewers get a look at the cutest - and spookiest - costumes of the past century, starting in 1915 through the present day.
100 Years of Halloween Costumes in 3 Minutes follows Mode's last five viral videos: 100 Years of Lingerie, 100 Years of Fashion, 100 Years of Men's Fashion, 100 Years of Men's Swimwear and 100 Years of Wedding Gowns. The 100 Years of Fashion series as a whole has already hit 230 million views!

Carving pumpkins, sipping cider, and trick-or-treating may all be indicative of Halloween, but nothing gets us into the spirit more than dressing up. For centuries, people have celebrated Halloween with costumes that run the gamut from spooky to sweet. Mode is revisiting Halloween costumes one decade at a time, and ending with a 2015 costume.

Halloween Costume Suggestions with Tights

We're excited that Halloween is just around the corner, and to help you get ready, we've come up with a list of some of our favorite celebrity costume suggestions and how to recreate them with the new L'eggs Energy tights collection... which can be found for $7.99 or less at your local food, drug and mass merchandiser like CVS!

*All pictures are courtesy of this Harper's Bazaar costumes article. No celebrities are formally associated with the L'eggs brand or products.

1. Recreate Kim Kardashian's skeleton look with the L'eggs Energy Tights in black, a black shirt and some white chalk.
   
2. Sport a modern day Sandy from Grease outfit, like top model Lindsay Ellingson, with black L'eggs Energy Footless Tights and a signature leather jacket.
   
3. Channel your inner Queen Bey during the cold October night by adding on the black L'eggs Energy Footless Tights and some yellow stripes.
   
4. For an alternative queen costume, try Alessandra Ambrosio's take on the classic Queen of Hearts with L'eggs knee-high trouser socks!
   
5. Princess of hosiery Kate Middleton makes a perfect witch wearing fishnets! Instantly make your witch costume more weather-appropriate with black L'eggs Energy Tights.

Learn more about L'eggs from the Hanes website.

See more of the celebrities mentioned above:

Kim Kardashian

Alessandra Ambrosio

Have fun on Halloween.  Don't forget to wear your L'eggs.

Hollywood to Visit Sourcing at MAGIC

This month, SOURCING at MAGIC will have some of the hottest Hollywood costume designers and stylists discussing top trends and techniques in the industry. Hear from fashion gurus from MARVEL, FOX’s Blacklist, The CW’s Reign, American Hustle, Netflix’s Daredevil, and Comedy Central’s Broad City on the topics:

• “What Goes Into Creating a Superhero”
  
• “Young Hollywood: Inspiration, Influence and Impact”

Sourcing at MAGIC runs from August 16-19, 2015 and as always, MAGIC offers an un-paralleled seminar series.  Full list of seminars:

http://www.magiconline.com/planning/calendar/magic/seminar/2015-08-16

What Goes Into Creating a Superhero! Batman…Superman…Wonder Woman…Daredevil…Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Sunday, August 16, 2015 – 1:30pm – The Source Community Lounge

Costume designers behind the biggest superhero films and TV series discuss designing for these iconic characters.  Join them for a discussion on sourcing materials, working with new and established brands, as well as utilizing cutting edge technology.  And find out how these exciting developments are impacting the fashion industry! Speakers:

• Ann Foley (MARVEL)
  
• Michael Wilkinson (American Hustle)
  
• Stephanie Maslansky (Daredevil, Blue Collar)
  
• Moderated by: Prof. Joe Kucharski (@TyrannyOfStyle) 

Young Hollywood: Inspiration, Influence and Impact

Monday, August 17, 2015 – 11:00am – The Source Community Lounge

Today’s hottest TV costume designers have a fresh, young voice for creating characters and setting trends. Find out how they are using their position to tell stories through clothing, partner with brands, and guide fashion. Learn how to get your product onto some of the most watched shows on television and work with these designers in new ways for engaging your costumers and showcasing your products! Speakers:

• Meredith Markworth-Pollack (Reign)
  
• Staci Greenbaum (Broad City)
  
• Christine Bean (Blacklist)
  
• Moderated by: Prof. Joe Kucharski (@TyrannyOfStyle)

About SOURCING at MAGIC:

The world’s most comprehensive fashion sourcing event, SOURCING at MAGIC is where brands, designers and sourcing executives gain access to global resources spanning the entire supply chain. We offer unmatched access to over 43 countries, more than 1,000 apparel, accessories, footwear and home textile resources, plus over 200 fabric, trim and component resources. 

You may also want to read our news about Sourcing at MAGIC presents Wearable Technology.

BESTIVAL 2015 Costume Festival

Festivals and costume parties have become synonymous in the U.K. but it hasn't always been the case. Ten years ago BESTIVAL challenged its audience to attempt a world record for the biggest ever dressing up party and, with the help of a willing crowd of super-creative party loving people, they  changed the face of festival culture forever, sparking a huge UK-wide renaissance in what they call fancy dress. Now, as the BESTIVAL story unfolds into new worlds, they are coming to Toronto, and they need you to help them make this the mother of all parties.

BESTIVAL curator Rob da Bank says: “We do love dressing up at Bestival and have seen the most incredible creations over the last dozen years at Bestival UK. There’s something about dressing up and letting your hair down that seems to make people drop their guard and just escape for a while. So it’s not about a plastic Elvis quiff and microphone from a cheap store, it’s more about wearing something you wouldn’t wear anywhere else, but kinda want to anyway! Equally if it’s not your thing come as you are….just come :)”

 Over the years BESTIVAL’s themes have become world renowned, never failing to fire up the crowd’s imagination. From Pirates to Outer Space and HMS Bestival to the Desert Island Disco, rallying 55,000 fashionistas in the art of dressing up, they are the catalyst for incredible audience creativity, and a weekend of un-self-conscious joy, forging a shared experience that is truly unique to the event. For our first-ever foray abroad we thought we’d give Canadian Bestivalites free rein to get those creative juices flowing. The reason we wanted to come to Toronto in the first place is because we know how original and inventive you are; it’s open house on fancy dress, so show us what you’ve got!

But be prepared because it’s not just BESTIVAL-goers who push the boat out, the performers love a bit of a costume party, too. From Mumford & Sons’ fetching musketeer look, and Lily Allen’s glittering Barbarella, to Florence Welch’s space age flapper, the all-embracing love for costume-based high-jinx takes the festival vibe to another level of unadulterated hedonism that can’t be underestimated. Music festivals in North America see an abundance of their own kind of “fancy dress,” with dance music culture allowing music lovers to express their individualities through eccentric outfits. Embrace the BESTIVAL costume party and get creative! Be whoever you want to be! Take a look at some images from previous years in the UK here: http://bestival.ca/photos/costume-gallery/photo/1

So make sure you grab your fancy dress and take the party even higher when you come to see Florence + the Machine, Nas, Flume, Caribou, SBTRKT (DJ), Banks and more at Hanlan’s Point Beach, Toronto Island on June 12 and 13.

We’ll have more news coming your way, meanwhile, keep checking http://www.bestival.ca for all the latest info

Bestival Toronto - June 12-13, 2015

Hanlan’s Point Beach, Toronto Islands, Canada

Tickets are on sale from http://www.flavorus.com