Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn is recognized for her grace and sophisticated style. She formed a relationship with esteemed designer, Givenchy, in 1954 and ever since she has been known as one of the worlds must emulated style icons. Her classic style has long survived since her death in 1993 and she continues to play an influential role in the fashion world. That being said, Audrey Hepburn is my inspiration and style muse, before any purchase I make I question whether the piece is something Audrey would love.
Audrey is best known of her role as Holly Golightly in the 1961 film, Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Her style is easily imitated any day of the year – the little black dress, the trench coat, ballet flats – but on Halloween you can duplicate her style down to the very last detail. This is an easy costume to put together. Start with the little black dress (since every girl should own one!) and add elbow-length black satin gloves, remember she’s elegantly twirling a cigarette holder in the opening scene of the movie. Next search for her gorgeous pearl chocker with the elaborate diamond centerpiece and pair with sparkling diamond stud earrings. Style your hair in an elaborate upswept ‘do and top it off with a mini tiara. And finally, don’t forget the oversized Wayfarer sunglasses!
Marilyn Monroe
As Audrey Hepburn is recognized for her simplistic elegance, Marilyn Monroe is remembered for her risqué and daring fashion choices. And similarly, as I base my wardrobe on the classic pieces reminiscent of Audrey, my sister gravitates towards bold and edgy designs, emulating her favourite style icon - Marilyn. So this Halloween if you want to play up your sex appeal, channel the spirit of the sultry star in her unforgettable film, The Seven Year Itch.
We all remember the iconic photo of Marilyn standing over a subway vent, her figure-hugging white halter dress blowing around her as she coyly tries to keep it in place. Again, this is a fairly easy image to replicate. Start by finding a white, V-neck halter dress with a pleated skirt. Accessorize it with a pair of strappy sandals, a cropped blonde wig full of voluminous curls and top it all off with Marilyn’s signature mole!
Flapper Girl
In the 1920’s the term flapper was used to describe a woman who projected contempt for acceptable social and sexual behavior. In terms of fashion, flappers were responsible for endorsing less constricting and less modest garments - lowering the waistline, raising the hemline and removing the corset. They also popularized the cropped haircut, coined the bob.
To emulate this style for a fabulously stylish Halloween costume you will need a loose, knee-length dress, preferably tiered with fringe and a long strand of pearls, knotted, to hang from you neck. Women were beginning to play with the idea of high heels, so step into a pair that aren’t toweringly high. You may also want to incorporate a cigarette holder or a feathered headpiece into your outfit, this is a costume to have fun with, after all it was known as the Roaring Twenties!
1950’s Housewife
Feminine fashions were at the height of their popularity with the end of WWII, when rations were lifted from fabrics and women were no longer working in factories. Women were encouraged to fall back into the role of dutiful housewife, cheerfully fulfilling their husbands every whim. Women were encouraged to enhance their femininity by emphasizing their womanly appeal through floral patterns, full skirts and cinched waists.
Take a hint from the epitome of the post-war housewife, 1950’s TV stars June Cleaver and Lucy Ricardo when planning your costume. Wear a full-skirted dress with a tie or belt to accentuate your waist, polka-dots or flower patterns are a plus! Wear your hair cropped and curled or pinned up in a chignon. Play up your femininity by accessorizing with a great pair of heels and a strand of pearls. Add an apron to complete the look!
