As the autumn air turns crisp, the season of the witch comes back once again. Many of us anticipate the fun of pumpkin carving and spiced treats, but I can’t wait to curl up and revive all my favorite cinematic spooks. And while Halloween specials immerse us into a charming dimension of mystery, they also unveil a world of stunning costume design, fashion, and unique looks that capture our imagination.
Danna’s Pick: The Addams Family
When talking about classics, we can’t ignore Morticia Addams, especially Anjelica Huston’s portrayal in the ‘90s adaptation of The Addams Family. Her take on the little black dress is definitely my favorite: bold, goth and timeless. The dress drapes around her body like a second skin, framing her silhouette with an air of mystery and sensuality. As a farewell from padded hips and a corset that made it almost impossible to walk, Huston burned Morticia’s long wig and elegant dress on the last day of shooting. Very on brand for the Addams! Beyond aesthetics, her look exudes confidence and strength, a symbol of substance and legacy. It’s no wonder we spot Morticias every year on the streets for Halloween, who doesn’t want to be like her with a style like that?
Caroline’s Pick: It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown
While my favorite fall movie might be Dead Poets Society, I don’t think anyone needs to read about any iconic looks (ahem, Neil as Puck). Instead, I’m highlighting a different cult classic. Yes, friends, I’m talking about Snoopy’s Aviator outfit in It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. With his leather flying helmet, goggles, and scarf reminiscent of the one left at Maggie Gyllenhaal’s house, the Flying Ace transports us all to the skies. Every year, I was on the edge of my pink bean bag to discover his destiny with the Red Baron. The image of him on his dog house/plane is forever burned in my brain. His understanding of “a pop of red” knows no bounds.
Ari’s Pick: The Craft
As someone who only watches Halloween movies from the 90s and 2000s, The Craft has to be one of my favorites. The Craft is a horror fantasy movie following a young female lead who starts at a new school and meets the weird, unusual group of girls then finds out that they practice witchcraft. The movie’s aesthetic is grunge, dark, dirty, and witchy which is shown through the fashion and makeup. The characters wear dark, muted, and neutral colors, with patterns, florals, lettering, and lace. They also wear a basic Catholic school uniform which is the usual sweater, a white collared shirt, and a plaid skirt. It’s so 90s grunge fall fashion and I eat it up everytime! Nancy’s black and white uniform look featuring long black boots, slicked hair, black and silver accessories, and dark red vampy lipstick is especially iconic. P.S. I’m partial Neve Campbell cinematic universe, and have only watched two of her movies, Scream, and The Craft, from which I take a lot of inspiration for fall dressing.
Eve’s Pick: Coraline
This is the best movie in the history of history. No question. Coraline is a genius movie from beginning to end; and news flash! It’s not scary. If you are too scared to watch this amazing film, then I seriously encourage you to look deeper within yourself and find out what’s really going on. When people think of classic Halloween fashion, most people don’t automatically look towards Coraline, but they should. From Coraline’s classic yellow raincoat and butterfly pin to the Other Mother’s polkadot dress,
Abigail’s Pick: Edward Scissorhands
Johnny Depp always gets the best costumes for his movies, but Edward Scissorhands remains one of the most iconic. We love a monochromatic fit with knives? It’s innovative. Not only is it ready to wear, but it’s great for up and coming landscape artists. The juxtaposition of apparent violence and a gentle spirit was genius character design.
Annie’s Pick: When Harry Met Sally
Yes, this is basic, but I love it. The fall colors just make it the perfect entry movie into fall. The classic of all classics. Part of the trifecta of Meg Ryan’s most famous movies. My fall season does not start until the weather drops below sixty degrees and I watch When Harry Met Sally with a halloween pillsbury cookie in hand (sidenote: also why are they sold out literally everywhere?). As Sally changes throughout the film alongside her iconic hair, what we wanted most is for Harry & Sally to actually get together. Is it too much to ask to have someone pick out all the nit-picky things they love about me?
Mishi’s Pick: The Corpse Bride
Every October since I was little, I have rewatched all my favorite Tim Burton movies leading up to Halloween. Out of these movies, The Corpse Bride has to be my top pick. I’ve always been enamored by both Emily and Victoria’s wedding dresses. The contrast between the two reflects both character’s personalities and development. Emily’s strapless, high slit gown, and blue rose flower crown represents her extroverted and adventurous spirit, and also her desire for love and affection. In contrast, Victoria’s more modest, button down, long sleeve gown, and tiara reflects her reserved character, nobility, and poise.
Anna’s Pick: Beetlejuice
First of all, I’m offended. I know that when you saw my pick as Beetlejuice you were like, “ Of course this girl would pick that ugly striped suit”. Well jokes on you, I actually am here to talk about Winona Ryder, or Lydia, Beetlejuice’s bride. This gorgeous tulle filled costume design has to be one of my favorites this fall. The million layers of bright red tulle layered on top of each other to add volume is absolutely chefs kiss and don’t forget the use of accessorizing on the top. The spiked hair is also iconic. You’ve seen this recreated on some of your favorite celebs for Halloween and there is a reason why. With all of the layers and textures of this outfit, this is definitely something I’d approve for styling.
First of all, I’m not talking about Beetlejuice’s ugly striped suit. I’m here to talk about Winona Ryder as Lydia, Beetlejuice’s bride. Her gorgeous, tulle filled costume design has to be one of my favorites this fall. The million layers of bright red tulle layered on top of each other to add volume is absolutely *chefs kiss*. Don’t forget the accessorization on the top, or the iconic spiked hair. You’ve seen this recreated on some of your favorite celebs for Halloween and there is a reason why. With all of the layers and textures of this outfit, this is definitely something I’d approve for styling.
Bri’s Pick: Clueless
For a movie that was released in the summer, the ‘90s clique classic Clueless did irreparable damage to the culture of Halloween costume design. Is the sinister holiday truly near if you don’t see at least one, or two or three, iterations of Cher’s infamous yellow and checkered mini skirt and blazer? I was more of a Dionne girl, myself, but plaid expertly slips its way right back into the trend cycle and straight to our styling hearts.
Azure’s Pick: Ready or Not
Marriage is an economic proposition but maybe it’s time we factor satanic ritual into the equation as well. Ready or Not was a moment in time and it is exactly where I want to be for this Halloween. No electronics in sight, nothing matters literally just play hide and seek. Deep in survival mode in my wedding dress and my worn out Converse. The story of my life.
Reem’s Pick: Scream Queens
Is Scream Queens (god rest her soul) technically a movie? No. But if you watch the entirety of the first season in one sitting, you have, with all intents and purposes, just watched a movie. When talking about Halloween and servitude, we mustn’t forget Chanel #3. Specifically the iconicism of her trademark ear muffs. This small yet powerful accessory transcended time and space. I am nothing if not a sucker for a needless accessory, but her repeated use (47 to be exact) of the earmuffs has achieved the impossible task of making the needless needed. They are so ingrained in the fabric of her identity that if I saw her without them, she may as well be naked.
Evan’s Pick: Us
Although the red jumpsuit isn’t the most fashion forward outfit a clone killing army could wear (unless we’re talking The Handmaid’s Tale) the overall look with the golden scissors is definitely a serve. Jordan Peele’s “Us” is a psychological scare and I’m a sucker for “All-American” murderous twist. Whether it’s the Hands Across America tshirts, or the notorious red jumper, his costuming captures the essence of the point he’s trying to make. The outfits are bland, but they’re supposed to be, Lupita’s acting is strong enough. If my clone showed up to my apartment in the middle of the night, I too would at least want them in a red jumpsuit adorned with gold scissors (if they weren’t styled exactly like me).
Curated by Danna Macias.
Written by Danna Macias, Caroline Tetlow, Ari Young Sang, Anna Jara, Bri Shufford, Azure Kwok, Reem Hinedi, and Evan Skovronsky.
Graphic by Reem Hinedi.