Helping you put the dark and eerie aesthetic into this year's looks...
A 2024 Guide to Gothic Halloween Costumes 🕷️
Let's lay the groundwork for any costumes gothic in nature. Whether it be inspired, OR your own unique moment, gothic roots will always run deep into self-made, crafted pieces. This includes design and physical creation. That being said, we're encouraging you to source your pieces in sustainable ways; i.e. via thrifting, borrowing, upcycling, shopping from ethical brands, etc. Maybe this is even the time to take up a new hobby? Sewing possibly? Faux leather work even? We can't wait to see where this takes you and the costumes you piece together.
We will be going through five total costume ideas that will give you all the vibes this 2024 season. We focused mostly on film characters, putting emphasis on iconic moments in Halloween-esque movies. While we are still encouraging of sourcing secondhand pieces, if any specific ethical fashion brands make sense, they will be noted for your assistance. Make sure to let us know which idea is your favorite in the comments. Who knows.. Maybe there will even be a part two (let us know if that's something you'd like to see). Let's get into it 🖤
1. Astrid Deetz in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (Jenna Ortega)
Whether you go the classic, everyday Astrid look, or the Neitherworld special, put your own twist on this costume. Maybe even consider an Astrid-Wednesday crossover (all things Jenna Ortega).
Costume Breakdown: Victorian dress/gown (knee-floor length), loafers OR block heel (pointed toe) heels, hair up, natural undead makeup look OR smokey goth glam makeup look
Curst Product Spotlight: Undead Foundation/Concealer, The Bleeders Palette, Gloss Lip Potion (Bare)
Brand Recommendations: Killstar x Beetlejuice + Lively Ghosts
2. The Black Swan
Somewhere between elegant and ghost-like: The Black Swan. Live out your inner dark ballerina with this look - you’re sure to bring glances of adoration AND terror. Keep everyone in your path on their toes, while you’re simultaneously on yours.. pirouette style of course.
Costume Breakdown: Black tulle a-line mini dress, black corset (separate or a part of dress), lace or structured shrug, black nylons, ballet flats or platforms, hair up in a bun, headpiece or crown, black graphic liner and a red lip
3. Delores in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (Monica Bellucci)
Queue Tragedy by the Bee Gees. Monica Bellucci's role as Delores, Beetlejuice's ex-wife, was beautiful and fatal all at once. If you go this route, we wouldn't want to be a single soul that gets in your way. Delores is for the empowered this Halloween. Bring her back to the Afterlife in 2024.
Costume Breakdown: Black floor length dress with sleeves (part of dress or makeshift distressed nylons), corset (separate or a part of dress), black stiletto boots, hair down and curled/wavy, black smokey eye and a red lip with staple artwork
4. Dark Fairy/Vampire Crossover
Photo credits: Unknown, Unknown, @syrenvalentine
Find yourself lost in the ether as this mystical, yet creepy dark fairy-vampire crossover. You can take on this other worldly creature in cool vibrant tones or grungey reds, grays, and blacks. We prefer the latter, but this is your look. Put your own unique touch on it. Just make sure you don't forget your wings.
Costume Breakdown: Black mini/midi dress (distressed, strappy, combo of loose/form-fitting material), knee high sock + platform heels, collared bell-sleeve shrug, black wings, hair half up or all up in a messy bun, smokey eye makeup with grunge tones, ombré nude or black lip, pointed ears and nails, fake blood/fangs
5. Edward Scissorhands
"The light concealing cream goes on first. Then you blend, and blend, and blend. Blending is the secret." Tear the world to shreds with this costume inspired by Tim Burton's 1990 classic, Edward Scissorhands.
Costume Breakdown: Anything belted or strappy as a dress or top/pants combo, heavy on the metal jewelry (specifically silver), thick choker, big teased hair (all down or all up), combat or stiletto boots, smokey lip/eye combo
Our hope is that, in the very least, this got you excited for the 'bers months and the range of options you have without breaking the bank. Don't ever feel like you have to spend ridiculous amounts to create a sick, thematic outfit. Goth is embracing your individuality. Goth is being true to you and finding value in your uniqueness. There is so much beauty and specialty in that.
Don’t forget to search secondhand shops and sites to create your most epic and eerie costume this season. Spots such as poshmark, depop, etsy, your local thrift shop, and more.
