What to wear to a Halloween party
Pick a costume you can move, sit and eat in, and wear it over warm, comfortable basics like a black roll-neck and jeans. Face paint, a hat or a cape counts as a costume, and flat shoes beat heels for a long night.
Two outfits that work
Roll-neck, tulle skirt and cape
- black roll-neck
- orange tulle skirt (costume piece)
- black lace-up boots
- purple cape or scarf
- small black bag
A black roll-neck is the base for dozens of costumes, and boots with a cape or tulle skirt keep you warm outdoors.
Roll-neck, black jeans and costume jacket
- black roll-neck
- black jeans
- orange or costume jacket
- black boots
- purple scarf or cape
Black jeans and a jacket in costume colours let you add a hat, makeup or accessories and still stay comfortable.
By weather
| Hot22° and up | Rare in October, but for a warm night use a lightweight costume, breathable fabric and sandals you can dance in. |
|---|---|
| Mild10° to 21° | Costume over a long-sleeved base, and a jacket you can wear over it outdoors. |
| ColdBelow 10° | Thermals under the costume, a warm coat for outdoor events, and waterproof boots for wet streets. |
Do and don’t
- Wear comfortable basics under the costume
- Choose a costume you can sit and use the toilet in
- Test face paint on your wrist first
- Pick something fun or funny rather than shocking
- Wear costumes that mock a culture, religion or disability
- Wear a mask that blocks your view for walking at night
- Carry realistic weapons or props to public events
- Wear heels for hours
Check the night before
- Try the full costume and sit down in it
- Test face paint or makeup for skin reactions
- Check the venue’s rules on masks and props
- Pack makeup remover and a bag for the costume
- Put on warm basics for the trip there and back
Questions people ask
What can I wear to a Halloween party if I have no costume?
All black with one detail: cat ears, a witch hat, face paint or a cape. A simple outfit with a theme still counts.
What should I wear under a Halloween costume?
A thermal or long-sleeved base layer and leggings or tights, especially if the party is outdoors or the costume is thin.
What shoes should I wear to a Halloween party?
Comfortable boots or trainers. You will stand and dance for hours, and boots suit most costumes.
Are some Halloween costumes inappropriate?
Yes. Skip costumes that mock a culture, religion, disability or a recent tragedy. Choose characters, creatures or funny ideas instead.
Pick Halloween party in FeinLens and see what you already own
FeinLens builds complete outfits for this occasion from photos of your own clothes, dressed for the forecast where you’ll be.
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