By Natalie Kimmel
Seeing that Friday the 13th falls in October this year, what better way to honor this holiday than to talk about some top horror movie looks? We all know that the Halloween season is the best time to binge some scary movies - and an even better time to talk about some of the killer fashion looks in these films. We are constantly raving about scary movie after scary movie, but we never pay tribute to the amazing costume/fashion designs that make these stories so thrilling. Not only are these looks iconic, but they can also be used as inspiration for future Halloween costume ideas. Let’s dive into these fashionable horror movie looks!
1. Wendy Torrance - The Shining (1980)
Google Images, Wendy Torrance
Wendy Torrance’s character, played by Shelley Duvall in The Shining, is a classic fashion icon. Her character features several timeless pieces throughout the movie that play perfectly into her role. Her iconic yellow jacket, overall dress, and red and blue outfit are so well-known and unique to this film. These late 70s/early 80s classic pieces are great Halloween costume inspos!
2. Glen Lantz - Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Google Images, Glen Lantz
Glen Lantz’s character, played by Johnny Depp in A Nightmare on Elm Street, features many classic and chill looks. His cropped jersey and sweatpants combo is such a serve! These 80s-inspired outfits would be perfect to recreate whether for Halloween or even a throwback fit!
3. Carrie White - Carrie (1976)
Google Images, Carrie White
Carrie White’s character, played by Sissy Spacek in the film Carrie, is as classic as it gets! Everyone knows this timeless look and it is such a popular one to recreate. Not only is it such a favorable look among the masses, but it also is super easy to DIY. This 70s-era film is so well-known and referenced because of this ageless fashion piece.
4. Emerald Haywood - Nope (2022)
Google Images, Emerald Haywood
Emerald Haywood’s character, played by Keke Palmer in the recent 2022 film Nope, features some amazing outfit choices! These vintage, unique pieces tie directly into the 80s sci-fi/horror/western theme. Nostalgia and fashionable are two words to describe Emerald’s looks in this movie. I don’t know about you, but I am definitely taking notes on these stylish pieces for my everyday wear!
5. Candyman/Daniel Robitaille - Candyman (1992 & 2021)
Google Images, Daniel Robitaille
Candyman/Daniel Robitaille’s character, played by Tony Todd (1992) and Jordan Peele (2021) in the Candyman movies, wears the most iconic costume! These long fur coats and hook-for-a-hand duo are such statement pieces. This lasting fashion combo would be an easy, recognizable look to recreate for a costume.
6. Jennifer Check - Jennifer’s Body (2009)
Google Images, Jennifer Check
Jennifer Check’s character, played by Megan Fox in the movie Jennifer’s Body, is so well-known for some of the most famous horror movie fashion looks to this day. This 2000s film blesses us with some great era pieces that never fail to be recreated into popular looks.
7. Pearl - Pearl (2022)
Google Images, Pearl (2022)
Pearl’s character, played by Mia Goth in the recent 2022 horror/slasher film, wears some country, farm-like outfits that have grown to be easily recognizable. This early 1900s-based story is represented through Pearl’s overalls, red knee-length dress, hairbows, bandanas, and pigtails, of course. Her bold, stand-out character is well-shown in her difference of style throughout the film. These older-fashioned looks would be super easy and fun to recreate as costumes!
8. Lydia Deetz - Beetlejuice (1988)
Google Images, Lydia Deetz
Lydia Deetz’s character, played by Winona Ryder in the movie Beetlejuice, leaves us with some jaw-dropping, fashionable looks. These dark, spooky, witchy vibes are just what we are going for this Halloween season. Her spiked bangs, gothic clothing, and iconic red dress are a perfect display of Lydia’s character. These well-known looks would be super fun to recreate!
9. Nancy Downs - The Craft (1996)
Google Images, Nancy Downs
Nancy Downs' character, played by Fairuza Balk in the movie The Craft, offers another famous gothic, dark wardrobe. Her famous spiked choker, cross necklaces/earrings, dark lipstick, and gothic-style outfits are a major slay in the horror fashion industry. These unique, 90s grunge looks would be another perfect inspiration for this Halloween season.
10. Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988)
Google Images, Killer Klowns
Seeing that this film is resurfacing in popularity, I had to include it. These vibrant, detailed costumes are iconic horror film looks! These “klowns” would be super fun to try and recreate with vibrant clown costumes, crazy-colored wigs, and creative makeup. I could definitely see clown Halloween costumes rising in popularity in upcoming years because of the attention this older horror film is receiving. It would definitely be challenging, but it would be such a unique and fun costume if done the right way!