Halloween is fast approaching and odds are you’ve been too busy with life to plan out a costume (or even a makeup costume) this year. But never fear! I’ve compiled 13 costume ideas that you can make with your trusty Little Black Dress.
To recreate all of these black dress Halloween costume ideas, here’s all you need to do: Pair that LBD (this one from Amazon is our favorite; this one also has good reviews for smaller sizes) with some items from your closet, make a quick trip to the dollar store, and voilà – you have a Halloween costume that is both creative and inexpensive.
Let’s jump right in to the black dress costume ideas:
Table of Contents
1. Cruella De Vil
Cruella De Vil is both glamorous and terrifying – perfect costume material. For her crazy hair, use baby powder on half of your hair, then set the powder with hairspray.
Things You will need:
- Long gloves
- Baby powder
- Red lipstick
- A faux-fur vest (or coat)
- Black heels.
Perfect if: You were a fan of the faux-fur trend that’s been going for several seasons now and still have those pieces in your closet.
Bonus points if: You smile maniacally at any dogs you see. (And possibly ask to buy them from their owners.)
{RELATED POST: 29 Easy Halloween Costumes From Clothes You Already Own}
2. Wednesday Addams
There are two kinds of people in the world: those who love the Addams Family and those who are lying.
Things You Will Need:
- Black blazer
- White blouse
- Tights
- Dark shoes. (I used heels, but a pair of combat boots would work too).
Perfect if: You have hair long enough for two braids.
Bonus points if: You’re vaguely morbid all night.
3. Daria Morgendorffer
You just know that wearing an LBD would have been too mainstream for Daria.
Things You will need:
- Green hoodie (ideally in zip-up style),
- Black combat boots
- Glasses
- Orange tank top.
Perfect if: You already wear chunky glasses.
Bonus points if: You point out why Halloween is consumerist and lame (in monotone, of course). Even better, why not make a Daria group costume with your friends?
4. A Referee
A costume that is both creative and comfy? Score! This is also a great one if you’re a sports fan, naturally.
Things You will need:
Perfect if: You happen to have a black and white blazer in your closet.
Bonus points if: You find a good reason to blow your whistle and gesticulate emphatically. (Maybe there’s a party foul?)
5. Minnie Mouse
I’m a mouse. Duh.
In all seriousness, it doesn’t get cuter than a Minnie Mouse costume. And, of course, this black dress Halloween costume is the ideal choice for longtime Disney fans.
Things You will need:
- Mouse ears (we love this sequined pair from Amazon, but you can always add a ribbon to regular Disney ears),
- and red and white details (I chose a cardigan, belt, and platform mary-jane heels). Also, if platform heels aren’t your thing,
- these block heel mary janes are comfy and cute!
Perfect if: You’re a huge Disney fan.
Bonus points if: You convince your bestie to dress as Mickey.
6. Vampire
As creative as Twilight was, I think we can all appreciate the badass get-ups of more traditional modern vampires.
Things You will need:
- Fangs (you can find a good DIY here),
- Dark lipstick
- Black jacket (I went for leather, but a blazer works too)
- Bblack booties
Perfect if: Your style veers toward edgy and dark. Or you just love vampires.
Bonus points if: You pose for every photo holding a cup full of red liquid. (Watermelon Kool-Aid, anyone?)
7. Madeline
True, Madeline wore yellow and blue outfits in the books. However, I feel this outfit can be immediate recognized since it captures the spirit of Madeline’s school uniform. Remember to wear the shirt under the dress!
Things You will need:
- A shirt with a Peter Pan collar,
- Bow flats
- Cloche hat
- White gloves
- Frilly socks (optional).
Perfect if: You grew up with the Madeline stories.
Bonus points if: You say “Poo, poo” about something.
8. A Masquerade Ball Attendee
One of the only costumes that makes wearing a mask glamorous. Bonus: Less makeup necessary as the mask does all the work.
Things You will need:
Perfect if: You’ll be spending Halloween at a party where most of the people there won’t know you.
Bonus points if: You smile coyly whenever someone asks you your name.
9. Maria Von Trapp
Given how popular The Sound of Music was (and still is!) I’m surprised that people don’t dress up as Maria more. The upside is that nobody else will have the same costume as you!
Things You will need:
- A ukulele (or guitar, if you don’t mind lugging it around), a
- White blouse
- Apron
- Tights
- Black shoes (stick to flats or low heels).
Perfect if: You have short hair and/or want a modest costume.
Bonus points if: You spin and sing, “THE HILLS ARE ALIVE…”
10. Panda Bear
We’ve all seen the girl that dresses up as a cat for Halloween. Why not try something a little more original and dress up as a panda?
To really complete the look, use black eyeshadow and paint on a panda nose with liquid eyeliner.
Things You will need:
- A knit beanie with two pom-poms
- Black eyeshadow
- White cardigan
- Liquid eyeliner
Perfect if: You love all things cute.
Bonus points if: You find a comfy spot and snack happily on candy, panda-style.
11. 1920s Flapper
Flappers are just awesome. Need I say more? Apply a very pigmented blush to just the apples of your cheeks for a touch of authenticity.
Things You will need:
- Red lipstick
- Blush
- Long chain necklace
- Headband (or cloche hat!)
- Dark eyeshadow
- Fun heels
Perfect if: You love Chicago or The Great Gatsby.
Bonus points if: You do the Charleston at some point during the evening.
12. Bat
Yet another cute animal alternative to the overdone cat costume. (Wear makeup to really sell the look.)
Things You will need:
Perfect if: You’re really crunched for time and you have cat ears lying around from last year. Or you only kind of want to match costumes with your BF and he’s going as Batman.
Bonus points if: At some point in the evening you flail your arms and exclaim, “I AM THE NIGHT!”
13. Scarecrow
A fun yet modest costume that celebrates the season rather than the holiday. Knot the plaid top around your waist or wear it underneath the dress.
Things You will need:
- A straw hat
- Cowboy boots (or any rustic-looking boots),
- Tights
- Plaid top. Don’t forget some face makeup!
Perfect if: You aren’t a fan of scary or sexy costumes.
Bonus points if: You sit very still near the front door of your house and jump out at kids to scare them (and then, of course, give them plenty of candy, since tricks should always be followed by treats).
Thoughts on these little black dress costumes?
And there you have it – 13 Halloween costumes from one Little Black Dress!
What do you think of these costume ideas? Can you think of any more costumes that use an LBD? What will you be doing this Halloween? Are you dressing up? Leave your comments below!
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in 2013; it was completely revamped in 2023 with updated product links, additional resources, and new tips.
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uggggggggg I have a long black dress and I still don’t know what I want to be… HELP me
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Love this article! In Italy we only wear “scary” outfits for Halloween, but I might steal some of these for Carnival. I especially loved the panda bear, it gives me an excuse to hunt for a cute beanie…
You can also be a witch with just a hat and a broom with the LBD.
Love these! Great ideas. The vampire one also works well for biker babe! Leather jacket, black combat boots, red lips, gold chain!
black dress can be used with many accessories!
Brilliant thank you!!!