10 movie-inspired costumes that are not margot tenenbaum

by Marni Fogelson

Movie-inspired costumes are fun for a lot of reasons, mostly for the recognition and nostalgia they bring along with them. It also helps when they’re really, really cute. This year, pick a persona that everyone at the party hasn’t seen 100 times already. Warning: you may suddenly feel the need to watch all of these films. Go ahead and consider it “research.”

Morticia Addams from The Addams Family

Costume trends come and go, but chic and sexy Morticia Addams will always be a classic (and easy to copy). A long-sleeved black column dress or a black shirt and long black skirt will instantly evoke Mrs. Addams’ signature look. Just add bright red lips, a powdered white face, and blood-red nail polish. Impressively arched eyebrows and dramatic eyes will make your Morticia even more devastating. If you wanted an excuse to try contouring, this costume will give you a chance.

The Rockford Peaches from A League of their Own

Dressing up as a Rockford Peach, especially with a handful of your favorite “teammates” by your side, is a creative and kitschy costume that is easy to move around in (even if you’re not going nine innings). You can use a long, oversized t-shirt for the dress and add a few large white buttons or repurpose a peach-colored dress at a second hand store. Add a red belt and knee socks, make a Rockford peach logo for your uniform, and throw on a red cap to finish the look.

Daisy Buchanan from The Great Gatsby

Daisy Buchanan has been seen quite a few film iterations, and she’s always glam. The latest version, with Carey Mulligan stepping into the role, has especially enviable outfits that look floaty, carefree, and decadent. Choose a flapper costume in a light or white shade and add plenty of sparkle. Highlight a chic bob with a glittering headband or barrette.

Erica Barry from Something’s Gotta Give

Diane Keaton’s playwriting character Erica Barry doesn’t have a traditionally costume-worthy uniform, and that’s what we like about it: just pair a white turtleneck or long-sleeved tee with khakis for a costume you don’t even have to leave the house to create (aging playboy sidekick optional). It’s a subtle costume for sure, but a humorous one, and perfect if you are cooking for and hosting a Halloween party. Recently there was even a Something’s Gotta Give bachelorette party where everyone dressed up as Erica, complete with turtleneck and glasses.

Joy, Sadness, or Disgust from Inside Out

Inside Out was released in 2015, so this will be the first year for costumes from this summer hit. Creating a DIY costume for Joy, Disgust, or Sadness will be a cinch. For Joy, choose a sweet green or yellow dress and pair it with a pixie blue wig. For Disgust, try a green dress and wig accessorized with a purple scarf (and a scornful expression). Sadness, with oversize glasses and sweater and accompanied by blue accessories, is also easy to pull together.

Effie Trinket from The Hunger Games

Katniss Everdeen may be the hero of the Hunger Games trilogy, but Effie Trinket’s outrageous fashion sense is another star player. Effie’s outfits typically feature a riotous jolt of color with plenty of dramatic details, make-up, and accessories. Effie usually favors a knee-length dress or a peplum top and fitted knee-length skirt, so you can choose either of these styles in one color and then add a butterfly headband or large flower headpiece. Don’t forget a candy colored wig to match your ensemble.

Dress up like Mary Poppins, and you’ll instantly garner the love of adults and children alike. Who can resist her sunny, magical attitude? Pair a crisp white oxford with a knee or ankle-length black skirt and blazer and then add your accessories: red bow tie, umbrella, wide-brimmed hat, prim white gloves.

Mia Wallace from Pulp Fiction

Mia Wallace’s ensemble is quite simple: white oxford shirt with a peek-a-boo black bra, sleek black pants, and a bobbed and banged black do. Just make sure you add the red lips and plenty of swagger (and don’t be surprised if people expect you to bust out with some of Mia’s signature dance moves).

The ladies from Bridesmaids

Grab a gaggle of girlfriends and pull out your old bridesmaid dresses that you’ll likely never wear again. Halloween is your chance to take those taffeta beauties out for one more night of trick or treat fun. If you happen to all be wearing the same shade, even better! Another group costume idea: the ladies from Heathers.

Sally from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas

Creating Sally’s outfit requires a bit more effort, but the pay-off is how effectively a cute and iconic character come to life. Buy or sew a patchwork pattern dress. Add a pair of white tights and use a black marker or face paint crayon to add stitches up and down the legs of the tights, on your arms, neck, and face. Pick a long red or auburn wig and some black booties to finish the look. Bonus points for blue face and body paint, with eyeliner-drawn stitching, of course.