What to wear on Halloween: costume ideas for fashionistas From Moschino's chic aliens to Margiela's porcelain dolls

As the calendar moves and October arrives, so does that time of year. Known to some as the season of the witch and others as the candy time, it's a consensus that Halloween is all about playing dress up. What can I become? A vampire? A fairy? A mummy? A bunny? Sure, but then, most people are these during Halloween. So how do you stand out? For fashionistas, the answer is easy.  In the fashion world, Halloween is the one day of the year when fashionistas can dress up like total iconic fashion moments and no one can say anything else about it, and yes, I'm referencing that Mean Girls sentence. For fashion lovers, Halloween has become less about the spooky nature and more about the niche references to an industry where so much happens. From the designer musical chair game in full swing to various archival pulls, many fashion-related events are available to inspire one's trick-or-treat season. Ahead, nss G-Club has rounded-up the best fashion-forward ideas for your Halloween costume, it will sure make you stand out, but most importantly, catch another fashion devotee's attention. 

What to wear on Halloween: costume ideas for fashionistas

Mugler’s cowgirl look SS1992

A runway classic: for Thierry Mugler Spring/Summer 1992, model Connie Fleming rocked a bejeweled red cowboy look that still leaves everyone in awe.

Kate Moss witch look - Martine Sitbon SS1993

People will think you're just a witch, but you're actually referencing Kate Moss' magical look at Martine Sitbon Spring/Summer 1993.

Cher and Dionne's checkered looks in Clueless

It's impossible to talk about Halloween and fashion without mentioning Clueless' Cher and Dionne's checkered outfits, a perfect costume for best friends. 

Gisele Bündchen - Alexander McQueen SS1998

At a rainy McQueen show called the Golden Shower, an 18-year-old Gisele walked shirtless with only white paint to simulate a top, tears streaming down her face in what became a cult moment in fashion.

Shalom Harlow's White Dress Scratched - Alexander McQueen SS1999

Few runway moments are as legendary as Shalom Harlow standing on a rotating platform with a white, strapless dress being sprayed with paint at the end of Alexander McQueen's show. 

"It’s About Fucking Time" Stella McCartney

When Stella McCartney wore a white "about fucking time" slogan top to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1999, where her father Paul McCartney was about to be honoured, a musical statement was made. But donning one of these on Halloween keeps the options open. Is it time to party? Is it time for candy? Or is it a nod to the Stella McCartney look? You’ll know the answer.

Victoria’s Secret angels

The lingerie giant glitzy show is back, after all. So it's time to unpack your wings and take off. 

The Olsen twins

For some, there’s something quite obscure about monochromatic black looks, and the Olsen twins nail it. 

Moschino’s Alien Jackie O

With models' bodies painted in bright hues while wearing classic lady suits à la Jackie Kennedy, Jeremy Scott combined the spooky with sophistication at Moschino Fall/Winter 2018. Extraterrestrial fun. 

Bella Hadid's Coperni SS2023 dress

When Coperni closed its Spring 2023 show with model Bella Hadid having a white slip dress sprayed on her body, another cult runway moment was created. Mixing sci-fi with Bella Hadid seems like the perfect way to celebrate Halloween sartorially.

Any of Margot Robbie's Barbie Looks

In red-carpet fashion, few looks are as influential as Margot Robbie's Barbie outfits. And dressing up as Barbie for Halloween couldn't go wrong. For an ultra-pink cutie costume, Robbie's red carpets outfits during the Barbie era are a go-to for inspiration.

@SubwaySessions on TikTok

Kristina Rogers, aka @SubwaySessions, took over fashion TikTok in 2023. Since then, her quirky looks have gained a certain popularity.  Among her many controversial outfits, one that stands out is a nude lace body paired with red basketball shorts and pink pumps, very Halloween.

Maison Margiela Spring 2024 Couture

John Galliano's much-commented Maison Margiela couture show had a rather macabre feel to it, accentuated by the performative drama. Then there were the models' make-up looks by Pat McGrath, the so-called porcelain skin, which took the fashion industry and social media by storm with its delicate yet eerie feel. A Halloween must if you ask me.

Zendaya's Mugler Robot Suit at Dune Premiere

As robots are always a theme for Halloween, nodding to Zendaya's archival cyborg suit from Thierry Mugler's Fall/Winter 1995 couture at Dune: Part Two premiere in London seems just right. 

Bloody Wedding Dresses à la Robert Wun

Want to be a runaway bride? What if instead of being a runaway, you're just fatale? When it comes to playing creepy and being classy, Robert Wun's cult blood-soaked bridal looks are the go-to reference out there. 

Alex Consani - Moschino SS2025

With white gloves and a Moschino cleaning product on the other side, a simple reconstructed white trench coat, modeled by Gen Z favorite Alex Consani emulated a vibe of how to get away with murder perfect for this trick or treat season.

Bella Hadid return to the runway in Saint Laurent

Grab a loose suit, pair it with black '60s-style glasses, make a bun and voilà.