Is YOUR 2022 Halloween costume tacky? Stylist reveals the dos and don’ts

There’s only a few days left until Halloween and many fans of the holiday will be hoping their costumes impress when attending spooktacular parties and gettogethers. 

Thankfully, for those wanting to appear on-trend and avoid looking ‘tacky’, a UK-based celebrity fashion stylist has revealed the ultimate guide to themed dressing for this October 31st.

Speaking to FEMAIL, Ellis Ranson shared the dos and don’ts of Halloween ensembles – including ditching the ‘basic’ fake blood, scary witch and cute cat outfits for on-trend Barbie, Elvis Presley or even Kourtney Kardashian’s bridal look.

The American A-lister, 43, donned a white figure-hugging mini dress when tying the knot with Travis Barker in Italy in May 2022.

Barbie, meanwhile, has had a resurgence thanks to Margot Robbie’s 2023 film about the character – and Elvis Presley is predicted to be a popular costume this year after Austin Butler’s portrayal of the singer in 2022’s Elvis.

Here, Ellis and celebrity stylist Rochelle White break down what not to wear this spooky season – as well as the classy ensembles that will leave you commanding attention… 

DON’TS

ADD FAKE BLOOD TO ANY LOOK

Demi Lovato was a convincing, if rather cheerful Zombie, but overdoing the fake blood is a cliché, according to style experts 

In 2019, Nicola Peltz donned a skimpy black bikini top, angel wings and fake blood on her face to a Halloween party

Ellis said: ‘Don’t just add fake blood to any look… it doesn’t count as a Halloween outfit and it could end up looking tacky.’

Instead she suggested being creative and having a ‘look through your own wardrobe and reworking something you never thought you would be wearing on Halloween’.

The stylist continued: ‘Don’t spend a fortune, you will be amazed what you can create on a budget.’

However, she warned: ‘This doesn’t mean an on-the day look. A good Halloween outfit simply needs preparation.’ 

Echoing Ellis’ point, celebrity stylist Rochelle White told FEMAIL: ‘Get creative with makeup. Platforms like TikTok are a great source of creative makeup ideas. 

‘Nowadays it’s much more than a bit of fake blood on the face. 

‘Think contact lenses, face paint, wigs and accessories, that can be used to create a bespoke look that is your own or create a movie character.’

GO FOR THE SCARY WITCH OR A CAT 

American star Kendall Jenner wore a witch costume in 2018 (left), while English actress Denise van Outen sported a cat look in 2021 (pictured right)

Ellis suggested that ‘basic’ ensembles such as a cat or a witch are no longer enough to impress at parties.

She said: ‘Halloween has changed from previous years, now it is more about how creative and unique you can be and no longer just being a scary witch or a cat.’

Admittedly, cat and witch costumes have previously been firm favourites with celebrities – including Kendall Jenner and Denise van Outen. 

American star Kendall wore a witch costume in 2018, while English actress Denise sported a cat look in 2021.

DOS

REMAKE ICONIC LOOKS

Speaking to FEMAIL, Ellis Ranson shared the dos and don’ts of Halloween ensembles – including wearing on-trend Barbie (Margot Robbie as the character, right) or Elvis Presley (Austin Butler as the singer, left) outfits

You can also look stylish by going for a Barbie-inspired look without opting for a tacky costume, like West End actress Marisha Wallace did for the London Cabaret Club’s Day of the Dead party last night 

Kourtney Kardashian donned a white figure-hugging mini dress when tying the knot with Travis Barker in Italy in May 2022

Ellis suggested the best way to embrace Halloween was by remaking some of the iconic looks from the past year.

‘Think of something topical and Google the best Netflix series of the year or most popular celebrities and remake their looks,’ she said. 

‘Pinterest is great for finding some of your favourite styles. Could you remake Travis and Kourtney’s wedding look? I think Dolce would approve. I also predict we will see a lot of Elvis Presley and Barbie.’

LEAVE SOMETHING TO THE IMAGINATION 

Rochelle said: ‘Be creative with costumes, thanks to platforms like TikTok, being creative at Halloween outfits has become a thing. 

‘The days of skimpy outfits aren’t as popular as before. There has a been rise in full costumes like Pennywise from IT, where people have been going full out to make an impression.

‘Do leave something to the imagination. You can be spooky, creative and sexy without showing everything. A little tease is better than full on skin. Skip the skin-baring costumes.’