14 Easy DIY Black Dress Halloween Costumes
Halloween is just around the corner, and if you're looking for a simple yet stylish costume, a black dress is your best friend!
The versatility of a little black dress (LBD) means you can transform it into a wide variety of characters with just a few clever accessories and makeup.
Here’s a collection of easy DIY black dress Halloween costumes, perfect for any occasion.
More Halloween Costume Guides
Incase you don’t find what you’re after here, check out the following Halloween fashion guides for 2024;
#1 Aubrey Hepburn
Aubrey Hepburn Black Dress Halloween Costume Ideas - Image Source
Channel your inner classic Hollywood starlet with an Aubrey Hepburn costume, inspired by her iconic role in Breakfast at Tiffany's.
How to get the look
How to Pull It Off:
Outfit: Start with a classic black dress, preferably something elegant and knee-length. The quintessential LBD works perfectly here.
Accessories: Add a long strand of pearls around your neck and wear black gloves. Don’t forget oversized sunglasses and a stylish updo to complete the look.
Makeup: Go for a flawless complexion, defined brows, and a classic red lip. A bit of eyeliner will help recreate Hepburn’s timeless look.
Tips:
This costume works well for any event, from casual parties to more upscale gatherings. You can also carry a small box wrapped in blue for a nod to Tiffany's! It’s also perfect for glam parties or Oscar themed parties.
Why It’s Great:
Aubrey Hepburn is a timeless figure in fashion, making this costume sophisticated yet easy to assemble.
#2 Black Swan
Black Swan Black Dress Halloween Costume Ideas - Image Source
Transform into the hauntingly beautiful Black Swan, inspired by the iconic ballet film.
How to get the look
How to Pull It Off:
Outfit: A fitted black dress or a tutu will do wonders. If you have a more structured dress, pair it with a black tulle overlay to mimic a tutu.
Accessories: Create a dramatic crown of black feathers or use a black headband. Add black ballet flats to complete the look.
Makeup: Focus on bold, smoky eyes and use white face paint for the base. Add black feather-like accents around your eyes for an ethereal effect.
Black Swan Makeup - Image Source
Tips:
Consider wearing a pair of black tights to mimic a ballerina's look. Practice your best ballet poses for a full transformation!
Why It’s Great:
The Black Swan is a visually stunning costume that allows for creativity and drama, making it a showstopper at any Halloween event.
#3 Witch
Witch Black Dress Halloween Costume Ideas - Image Source
A classic choice, a Witch costume can easily be achieved with a black dress and a few essential accessories.
How to get the look
How to Pull It Off:
Outfit: Choose a flowy or fitted black dress. A long dress with bell sleeves works especially well.
Accessories: No witch is complete without a pointed hat! You can also carry a broomstick and add a cape for added flair.
Makeup: Use dark, dramatic makeup. Green face paint or deep purple lipstick can enhance the spooky look. Add some fake warts for a fun touch!
Tips:
Consider adding some spooky nail art or temporary tattoos to give your witchy persona a little extra flair. It’s also perfect for kid friendly Halloween parties.
Why It’s Great:
Witches are a Halloween staple and allow for personal interpretation, making it fun and flexible to create your version.
#4 Cruella
Cruella Black Dress Halloween Costume Ideas - Image Source
Embrace your inner villain with a Cruella de Vil costume, inspired by Disney's 101 Dalmatians.
How to get the look
How to Pull It Off:
Outfit: Use a black dress and pair it with a white faux fur coat (or a black and white striped scarf).
Accessories: Accessorize with a cigarette holder and wear bold red gloves for a dramatic touch.
Makeup: Go for striking black and white hair—consider using a wig if needed. Bold red lips are a must, along with a dark smoky eye.
Tips:
To truly embody Cruella, practice your best villainous laugh and sharp expressions! Don’t forget to have a Cruella de Vil cocktail in hand.
Why It’s Great:
Cruella’s over-the-top style and fierce personality make this costume fun and memorable.
#5 Prom Queen
Prom Queen Black Dress Halloween Costume Ideas - Image Source
Relive your high school days with an easy Prom Queen costume.
How to get the look
How to Pull It Off:
Outfit: Use a simple black dress. You can add some glitter or embellishments for a prom-like vibe.
Accessories: Create a crown using a tiara or a headband decorated with fake jewels.
Makeup: Go glam with bold eye makeup and bright lipstick. Think sparkle and shine!
Tips:
Consider carrying a small bouquet of flowers to enhance the prom theme. A sash can add to the costume; you can make one easily using fabric or paper. Perfect for Prom themed halloween parties.
Why It’s Great:
The Prom Queen costume is easy to put together and brings a fun nostalgia to Halloween parties!
#6 Cat
Cat Black Dress Halloween Costume Ideas - Image Source
A Cat costume is not only adorable but also super simple to put together with a black dress.
How to get the look
How to Pull It Off:
Outfit: Your LBD serves as the perfect base.
Accessories: Add cat ears (you can buy these or make them with black felt). Create a tail using a strip of black fabric or a furry toy tail.
Makeup: Use eyeliner to draw whiskers on your face, and add a little black to your nose.
Tips:
Consider wearing black tights and adding some feline-themed jewelry to complete your look. This is also perfect for parties where you’ll be sat alot. Like game night parties.
Why It’s Great:
A cat costume is a classic choice that allows for comfort while still being cute and recognizable.
#7 Nun
Nun Black Dress Halloween Costume Ideas - Image Source
Transform into a mysterious Nun with minimal effort.
How to get the look
How to Pull It Off:
Outfit: Use a black dress as the base. A long-sleeved dress works best.
Accessories: Create a simple headpiece using a black scarf or fabric. Consider adding a white collar or a belt.
Makeup: Keep it simple with minimal makeup or go for a ghostly look using pale foundation.
Tips:
Consider carrying a rosary or Bible for added effect. This would also be a great costume idea if you’re attending a murder mystery night.
Why It’s Great:
This costume is easy, comfortable, and works well for various Halloween events.
#8 Wednesday Addams
Wednesday Addams Black Dress Halloween Costume Ideas - Image Source
Channel the dark humor of Wednesday Addams from The Addams Family.
How to get the look
How to Pull It Off:
Outfit: A black dress with a white collar is essential.
Accessories: Braid your hair into two pigtails. A pair of black tights and black shoes complete the look.
Makeup: Keep your makeup minimal. Use a pale foundation and dark eyeliner to create that iconic Wednesday look.
Tips:
Practice your deadpan expressions for authenticity!
Why It’s Great:
Wednesday is a beloved character, and this costume is easily recognizable and fun to embody.
#9 Bat
Bat Black Dress Halloween Costume Ideas - Image Source
Get creative with a Bat costume! This costume is both cute and spooky.
How to get the look
How to Pull It Off:
Outfit: Wear your black dress as a base.
Accessories: Create bat wings using black fabric or felt attached to a headband.
Makeup: Use dark makeup around your eyes to mimic a bat's look, and consider drawing fangs for added flair.
Tips:
Consider wearing a black cape for an added dramatic effect!
Why It’s Great:
A bat costume is playful and allows for creativity, making it a fun choice for Halloween.
#10 Screams Ghostface
Ghostface Black Dress Halloween Costume Ideas - Image Source
Pay homage to the horror franchise with a Ghostface costume.
How to get the look
How to Pull It Off:
Outfit: Use a black dress as the base, but you can also go for a black robe for added effect.
Accessories: The iconic Ghostface mask is a must-have!
Makeup: Keep your face pale, and consider using dark eyeliner for that haunting look.
Tips:
Practice your ghostly moves to really get into character!
Why It’s Great:
Ghostface is an iconic figure in horror movies, making this costume both recognizable and easy to create.
#11 Maleficent
Maleficent Black Dress Halloween Costume Ideas - Image Source
Become the dark fairy with a Maleficent costume, combining elegance with villainy.
How to get the look
How to Pull It Off:
Outfit: Wear a long black dress or a gown.
Accessories: Create a pair of horns using black paper or purchase a headpiece. Add a cape for added drama.
Makeup: Use dark eyeshadow and deep red lips to create a striking look.
Tips:
Consider carrying a staff or wand to enhance the mystical aura. Perfect paired in a group setting if everyone goes as there own favorite Disney Villains. Or for fairytale themed parties made halloweeny.
Why It’s Great:
Maleficent is a complex character that is both fierce and fashionable, making this costume perfect for Halloween.
#12 Vampire
Vampire Black Dress Halloween Costume Ideas - Image Source
A classic Vampire costume never goes out of style!
How to get the look
How to Pull It Off:
Outfit: Your black dress serves as a great base for a vampire look.
Accessories: Add a cape and fake fangs for a dramatic effect.
Makeup: Use white face paint for a pale complexion, and add dark lipstick and eyeliner for a classic vampiric look.
Tips:
Consider adding some fake blood for an extra touch of horror. This is also perfect if you’re going to a masquerade themed party.
A lot of these black dress halloween costumes are also paired great with some stunning Halloween makeup. Vampires especially.
Why It’s Great:
The vampire costume is a timeless choice that allows for creativity and personal flair.
#13 Flapper Girl
Flapper Girl Black Dress Halloween Costume Ideas - Image Source
Embrace the 1920s with a Flapper Girl costume, which can be adapted easily using a black dress.
How to get the look
How to Pull It Off:
Outfit: Use a simple black dress with fringe or sequins if you have one.
Accessories: Add a feather headband, long pearls, and a cigarette holder for that classic flapper look.
Makeup: Go for bold red lips and dark, smoky eyes, capturing the glamour of the roaring '20s.
Tips:
Practice your best Charleston dance moves for added authenticity! Perfect for 1920s / speakeasies / vintage / great gatsby parties.
Why It’s Great:
The flapper costume is not only stylish but also fun, capturing the spirit of a lively era.
#14 Black Angel
Black Angel Black Dress Halloween Costume Ideas - Image Source
Embrace your darker side with a Black Angel costume.
How to get the look
How to Pull It Off:
Outfit: Choose a black dress as your base.
Accessories: Create black wings using fabric or craft supplies. Add a halo made from black flowers or craft paper.
Makeup: Go for dramatic, dark makeup. Consider using black lipstick and smoky eyes to create a mystical aura.
Tips:
Consider adding silver accents to your outfit for a more ethereal look.
Why It’s Great:
This costume allows you to play with contrasts, merging elegance with a touch of the macabre.
Questions and Answers
How can I turn a black dress into a Halloween costume?
You can easily transform a black dress into a Halloween costume by adding accessories, specific makeup, and character traits.
For example, use a witch hat and broom for a witch costume, or accessorize with a tiara and jewelry for a prom queen look.
What female characters wear all black?
Many female characters wear all black, including witches, vampires, and characters like Wednesday Addams. Other examples are Maleficent and Catwoman.
Long black dress Halloween costume ideas:
Consider characters like Maleficent, the Black Swan, or a gothic vampire. A long black dress offers a great base for elegant and haunting costumes.
Last minute black dress costume ideas:
Some quick ideas include a witch, cat, or nun. Add a few accessories like a hat or cat ears, and you’re ready to go! Also check out this list of last minute costume ideas.
Short black dress costume ideas:
A short black dress can easily become a flapper girl, prom queen, or Cruella de Vil with just a few added touches. Accessorize according to the character for a quick and easy transformation.
With these Easy DIY Black Dress Halloween Costume ideas, you're sure to impress at any Halloween gathering. Whether you choose a classic character or get creative with your interpretation, you’ll feel fabulous and festive!
Do check out our Halloween tab for more spooky resources!
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