Fashion Halloween

Fashion Halloween: T-Rex

a woman in a cocktail dress with a tree mask on
a woman in a cocktail dresss and a T-Rex mask
a woman in a cocktail dress and a T-Rex mask

You may have caught on that I love dinosaurs. Like, little kid love dinosaurs. So, it should come as no surprise that I would want to be one for Halloween. In the past few years, as the inflatable costumes have become popular, I’ve thought about getting one and living out my T-Rex fantasies. The issue? How do I make that fashion (because,yes, it’s me and I would want to wear heels with it!)? How do you get around in such a big costume? And would the inflatable T-Rex let me move about?

I’ve always passed on that sort of T-Rex costume because I couldn’t figure out the answer to those questions. But, I did want to be a dinosaur for Halloween. And, because of who I am as a person thought the idea of juxtaposing my love of Dinos and my love of fashion would be fun. It was the perfect fit when I then found this T-Rex mask (though it does have the tail and little arms!). It makes the most fashionable T-Rex paired with a cocktail dress and heels, though of course would make a great T-rex paired with anything from sweats to leggings to jeans and a t-shirt (I love that it being a mask lets you have so much freedom!). And if Dinos aren’t your thing, the same idea could work with any mask you love!

Part of why I love Halloween is that it lets us be all that we want- let our imaginations go wild. And I’m so so so excited this year to be able to be a T-Rex- and a fashionable one at that!

Below I’ve linked similar T-Rex costumes, as well as some inflatables (if you go that route I would love to hear about it!). I got this exact mask at Target, but can’t seem to find it online for you! If I happen upon it, I will update shopping options asap- because a good T-Rex is hard to find!

What are you dying to be for Halloween? And how are you making it your own? This T-Rex in heels wants to know!
XO RA

Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

a woman in a cocktail dress and a TRex mask

Fashion Halloween: Phyllis Nefler

a woman in a camel skirt and cape, a green silk blouse, in heels and a green envelope hat, carrying a green vest with patches on it and a gold cigarette golder
a green vest with patches, various cookies and a glass of champagne
a woman in a camel skirt, cape, green silk blouse, heels, envelope hat, carrying a green vest with patches and a gold cig holder

Please tell me that you have seen (and loved) the (Iconic) movie Troop Beverly Hills. It was a favorite of mine growing up (and now!). This film is a play on Girl Scouts, when Phyllis Nefler (typical Beverly Hills wife who’s going through a divorce) becomes the leader of her daughter’s Wilderness Girls’ Troupe. Troop Beverly Hills has the “scouts” you would think (rich, child actors, kids of actors, etc) but even though they play on some stereotypes (shopping badges for one), the girls and Phyllis show love and care, and the real meaning of coming together. Also? The film stars Shelley Long (a gift of a comedienne) and gives us (true) and classic lines such as : “Patches, we don’t need no stinking patches!” And when asked why they didn’t camp but thought a hotel suite counted as “roughing it”, Phyllis replied: “12 people and only 1 bathroom is roughing it”.

One of my favorite parts is when Phyllis takes the standard troop leader uniform (which is horrid) to her tailor, and he gives her a designer worthy ensemble. That’s what I wanted to recreate for this Fashion Halloween. A fab Troop Leader, and what I love most is that this costume is made of classic pieces that can serve you when you’re being Phyllis- and for your real life!

a woman in a camel skirt and cape, a green silk blouse, in heels and a green envelope hat, carrying a green vest with patches on it and a gold cigarette golder

A camel skirt? A go to- will go with everything, looks expensive no matter what, and comes in so many styles. A camel cape? I do have a thing for capes, but not only will this make your skirt a suit, it will look infinitely chic over everything from jeans to trousers to dresses. A silk shirt (green was the Troop Beverly Hills color – and I love that it’s both a statement and a neutral, but this goes for all silk shirts!) will really go from work to play and is truly a great investment. The same goes for camel/neutral heels. An addition to your wardrobe that will become a go-to! I added the envelope hat and cigarette holder (both from Amazon for under $20 combined- and could also be used for so many costumes!) Phyllis Nefler was so much of what I love- someone who got that shopping matters and wasn’t a fan of camping, but at her heart was giving and kind and generous.

Troop Beverly Hills, the movie, is worth your time- and being Phyllis Nefler for Fashion Halloween? Classy and chic and fun, and a way to use your own closet (as you may have these pieces) or an excuse to invest in some classics!

*** Note: The patches here are from my sister’s days as a Girl Scout. Scouting wasn’t really for me- though I think they’re a great organization!- so I really appreciate her letting me use her things!

Below I’ve linked options for this costume, as well as the DVD of the movie!
Here’s to Champagne Wishes and Cookie Dreams and Fashion Halloween! XO RA

Note: this post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

a woman in a camel skirt, cape, green silk shirt, heels and an envelope hat

Fashion Halloween: Cleopatra

a woman in a gold caftan posing like Cleopatra
a woman in a gold caftan and gold headpiece

a woman in a gold caftan and a gold headpiece

One of my go-to Halloween costumes? Cleopatra! I am a fan of caftans, so yes I had (have?) this gold number (but have linked packaged costumes and great gold dresses!). Ironically I also had this wig (from a Mad Men party I threw for my birthday many moons ago), I simply had to work on my makeup (which was really fun!) and buy a headpiece. This costume is so easy, so chic, and really comfy. From answering the door to trick-or-treaters or parties, it’s customizable, recognizable, and fun.

Part of what I love about fashion Halloween is the combination of fashion and characters. What’s great about Cleopatra is that a gold caftan- while a bit Palm Springs- is a great party number. Forgiving and chic, and can go from summer to holiday. This is a costume, or outfit that if you want to invest in, you’ll get so many uses out of it!

Note: here I went barefoot but these kind of caftans look great with gold sandals or heels!

This look was originally posted years ago, but this is a look and costume that I’ve gone back to time and time again!

Happy Fashion Halloween! XO RA

Notes: This post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

a woman in a gold caftan and gold headpiece

Fashion Halloween: Marie Antoinette

a woman in a Marie Antoinette wig, plaid gown with a red velvet couch, maroons and champagne

Fashion Halloween is one of my favorite things. I know, I know- I can go overboard- but I truly LOVE the combination of fashion and acting, the planning and putting together of a costume (bought or put together from fashion pieces you have and love), and the putting together of a character via an outfit. Let’s be honest, a lot of what we wear is a costume (of one kind or another) and Halloween is just when we’re a bit more honest about it. This year for all of my Halloween costumes I got inspiration from shows I loved, characters I loved, and fashion I wanted to explore (or was easy to put together!).

First for Fashion Halloween? Marie Antoinette. She’s always fun but has gotten a ton more attention with the recent PBS show about her and Louis. (I loved it- took me an episode or 2 to truly get into it, but very well worth your time!) Also, being over the top is a fun part of Halloween- and who is more over the top than Marie Antoinette?

This costume was so easy- but so fun. While there are so many Marie Antoinette costumes for sale (and I’ve linked quite a few for you below), I used a ballgown I already had (and want to wear everywhere. You’ve seen it before

There have been many Fashion Halloweens when I chat about “easy” costumes, Halloween shirts, and little accessories that you can use to get in the spooky spirit! And I stand by those!

a woman in a black shirt that says bad witch with white pants
This shirt is my go-to (yes, I’ll be wearing it more than one time this week!) and stand by these tips for last minute costumes read here. And yes, if costumes aren’t your thing, a headband with any ears or horns is great. Or an elaborate makeup look. Or a shirt that says “bad witch” on it (this fave of mine is from seasons past but I know you can find it on eBay! If you need help with that LMK!)

And yet.

With Halloween being on the edge of the winter holidays- where, in theory, there will be all sorts of parties and events and date nights (or if nothing else excuses for you to buy dresses for events you don’t have to go to!)- and I couldn’t help but think of simple, but effective, costumes that you could put together with pieces you may already have! OR with pieces that you want to buy but need another place to wear!

Below I’ve taken 2 “high” fashion dresses and let you know easy ways that you could make them into Halloween costumes. Not only would you be very Fashion Halloween, these are dresses you may already own. Or, if you want to invest in these dresses they are great for any holiday party, dinner, date night- and not just in the holiday season! Fashion as your halloween costume? Maybe that is the scariest (aka most fun!) thing of all!

Note: This post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

A Cat
a woman in a leopard dress

I’m a firm believer that leopard is a neutral, and any leopard piece you buy is an investment! So a leopard dress? A must. From date night to parties, this dress (or similar ones) will have you always on trend, always able to accessorize, and always not boring! And for Fashion Halloween? Super simple! Just add cat ears (or mask if that’s your jam)- and you’re a cat. A costume you already have or an excuse to get a new dress? Either way, it’s chic!

I’ve linked this exact dress, choices under $100 and cat ears I love:

Witch
a woman in black lace dress

A black lace dress- is a bit witchy, a classic, a must for any holiday or date night or big event- and super easy to turn into a Halloween costume. Simply add a witch hat (or devils’ horns). Simple, stunning. And a great reason to wear a stunner you already have or invest in a new one! You’ll wear it all the time (I wore this for Valentine’s last year!). This number is vintage but I’ve linked similar for you below!

What are you being for Halloween? Or to parties? And if you don’t have something in mind, might I recommend one of these easy Fashion Halloween looks?

Also- if you need a costume and have no idea what to wear, email me! This is something I love and I would love to help!

XO RA