Halloween is upon us, and even if you’re not much into costumes, you can still have seasonal fun by incorporating themed jewelry and accessories in your everyday looks as you count down to trick-or-treat. Sure, when you think of Halloween accessories, you may jump to plastic spider rings and a witch’s hat. But, as Halloween has become a tradition for all ages, there can be some very grown-up, if not sophisticated, takes to subtle and spooky style.
The easiest way to channel the holiday’s spooky and mysterious aesthetic is to wear all black. A midi-length black dress with a black leather jacket or black velvet blazer gives a vaguely witchy vibe without being too on-the-nose. Black jeans and a heathered-black sweater are a more casual take to this approach. For either look, consider a silver necklace with a delicate ghost or skull pendant or a wrap snake ring to give it a bit of scary flair.
If your style tends to be kitschy, pair black with orange. A black skirt in any cut with an orangey sweater gives a nod to Halloween as workwear, especially when you add on some gold crossbones earrings and a dark manicure. Or go for black and orange stripes, in either a top, scarf, or tights. To add a retro touch to your October style, look for vintage fall/Halloween-themed pins and buttons. Scarecrows, plain pumpkins, jack-o-lanterns, and horns-of-plenty in pin form are a classic way to pay tribute to the season without going all goth or wearing the traditional color palette. Look for vintage pins online at Etsy or Ruby Lane, or check out a local thrift store. Have an aunt who was a teacher? Ask to raid her jewelry box; retired teachers have the best buttons and pins.
For a very subtle take on adding a spooky vibe to your look this month, consider pairing your everyday outfit with a witchy-style boot. A pointy-toed, heeled boot is a great fall shoe anyway, but if you have a pair that laces up and sports some hardware, it has a bit more Halloween panache. Or go for a Frankenstein-style boot with a squared toe and thick sole. Of course, your shoes don’t have to be black to achieve this effect; cream, burgundy, red, even sparkly boots give off a mysterious and festive feeling.
Looking for some Halloween inspiration but not quite feeling the dark or goth aesthetic? Then try out some bright neon nails and orange plastic bangles (the latter of which touches on the retro style from above) or take Glenda the Good Witch as your inspiration with glitter-based polish and sparkly jewelry. You can also go a more playful route with cartoon-inspired pendants, graphic t-shirts, or a novelty-print facemask. For just a hint of Halloween in your look, try candy corn, Frankenstein, or jack-o-lantern stud earrings.
If you tap more into the seasonal shifts of October more than the ghostly, ghoulie traditions, you can lean into an earthy aesthetic with lunar pendants rendered in bronze or brushed gold. Pieces incorporating wooden elements or raw gemstone rings also speak to a naturalistic style. Knitwear accessories, like cable knit or crochet infinity scarves, headbands, and leg and wrist warmers are not only practical items as the days get colder but also bring a comfy/cozy element that stylistically reflects the season just as much as black and orange striped socks.
Sure, Halloween style can tend to be either bright orange and kitschy or goth and spooky, but it can also be simple and modern. Dressing in a monotone look with subtle accessories that speak to the season, whether it’s the traditional Halloween route of witches and vampires, or a more subtle nod to the changing foliage and outdoors activities, allows you to celebrate the season without having to go the family-themed head-to-toe homemade costume route. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with that, and if you have the time, skill, and imagination for it, then my non-pointy hat is off to you. But, if dressing up is not on your October agenda, consider some of the above ideas to bring a bit of festivity into your daily style.
Leave a Comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *