This post was originally published on October 20, 2015.
A strong Halloween costume is only as good as its execution. You could have the most brilliant concept in the world, but if you let it sit in the back of your mind for months , odds are you'll be scrambling to piece something together at the very last second that doesn't do it justice. October 31 is quickly creeping up — do you have an outfit at the ready? Look no further than your regularly-scheduled Saturday shopping trip: You can surprisingly put together a solid look from your favorite fast-fashion retailer, no trip to an actual Halloween store required.
While many of our retail go-tos, like Topshop and H&M, have dedicated Halloween sections, you shouldn't let these box you in. With a little imagination, clever item pairings can make for some easily recognizable costumes. Stripes on stripes? Hello, Beetlejuice. A bow-blouse and black skirt? Suddenly, you're a contemporary Eloise.
Admit it: You're perusing these sites on your lunch break anyway. So, you might as well add a costume to your haul while you're at it (and before it's too late). Click on for some super-easy Halloween looks you can shop right now — and most likely wear again all season long.
Store: H&M
Costume:Stranger Things Kid
Hit up the men's section to be easily transformed into your any of your favorite boys from Stranger Things. Go for baseball caps, oversized outerwear and '80s-esque tees, and show up to your party on a bike for a photo opp straight from the Upside Down.
H&M Cotton Blend Cap, $5.99, available at H&M.
H&M Wool-blend Bomber $59.99, available at H&M.
H&M Cotton T-shirt, $12.99, available at H&M.
Store: H&M
Costume: Eloise
You still haven't quite fulfilled your dream of living on the "tippy top" floor of the Plaza Hotel, but you can get one step closer by dressing like your childhood-favorite book character, Eloise. All you need is a pretty blouse, a black skirt and some black patent shoes.
H&M Blouse With Bow, $14.99, available at H&M.
H&M Circle Skirt, $14.99, available at H&M.
H&M Patent Shoes, $34.99, available at H&M.
Store: H&M
Costume: Ikea Monkey
Even though a few years have gone by, we'll never forget the monkey that infamously roamed a Toronto Ikea in an on-trend shearling coat. Channel the fabulous, shopping monkey with a cozy coat of your own, and complete the look with some boots and a big, big tote bag (because, Ikea).
H&M Faux-Fur Lined Biker Jacket, $49.99, available at H&M.
H&M Suede Shopper, $129, available at H&M.
H&M Pile-lined Boots, $39.99, available at H&M.
Store: Mango
Costume: Vitamin D
Unfortunately, it's about the time year when we all start seriously lacking Vitamin D. Bring the sunshine this Halloween by scooping up a bright yellow dress and sporting it with some shades and sandals. It may be fall, but you're heating things up.
Mango Side Slit Dress, $59.99, available at Mango.
Mango Round Mirrored Sunglasses, $25.99, available at Mango.
Mango Interwoven Cord Sandals, $59.99, available at Mango.
Store: Mango
Costume: Fashion Pirate
Be the most sartorially inclined pirate your Halloween party's ever seen with a ruffled top, wide-brim hat, and heavy gold jewelry.
Mango Ruffled Blouse, $59.99, available at Mango.
Mango Wool Fedora Hat, $49.99, available at Mango.
Mango Link Chain Necklace, $19.99, available at Mango.
Store: Topshop
Costume: Cat Lady
This blouse is all you need to show your love for felines on Halloween night, but a bathrobe and some crazy cat-eye glasses seal the deal. Bonus points if you bring your actual cat (or cats).
Topshop Cat Print Ruffle Shirt, $80, available at Topshop.
Topshop Kooky Oversized Round Sunglasses, $40, available at Topshop.
Topshop Teddy Robe, $60, available at Topshop.
Store: Topshop
Costume: Cadet Kelly
As an ode to our favorite DCOM (Disney Channel Original Movie) character played by Hillary Duff, get your Cadet Kelly on in camo leggings and a bright pink tee, with a very-2002 wide belt to complete the costume.
Adidas Originals Trefoil T-Shirt, $35, available at Topshop.
Ivy Park Camo Mesh Panel Legging, $82, available at Topshop.
Topshop Double Eyelet Belt, $35, available at Topshop.
Store: Zara
Costume: Punk Ballerina
Zara has been on quite the Miu Miu-inspired, punk-ballerina-esque kick lately, and Halloween is the perfect time to take advantage of its bodysuits, tulle skirts and badass ballet flats.
Zara Ballet Bodysuit With Open Back, $22.90, available at Zara.
Zara Contrast Straps Ballerinas, $49.90, available at Zara.
Zara Double Layer Skirt, $29.90, available at Zara.
Store: Zara
Costume: Après Ski
Want to know how to get away with wearing leggings on Halloween? Dress up as "après ski" with a cozy pair of grey leggings, a zip-up pullover and heavy duty boots and you'll look like you just wrapped up a day on the slopes (plus, they're all pieces you'll totally wear again).
Zara Jacquard Legginsg, $29.90, available at Zara.
Zara Zipped High Neck Sweater, $39.90, available at Zara.
Zara Leather Ankle Boots With Track Sole, $159, available at Zara.
Store: ASOS
Costume: Beetlejuice
It doesn't get any easier than a Beetlejuice costume — just pile on the stripes and a tie (and some crazy makeup, of course).
Motel Halloween Prairie Ruffle Shirt In Stripe, $49, available at ASOS.
Tripp NYC Stripe Skinny Pants, $81, available at ASOS.
ASOS Tie In Black, $10, available at ASOS.
Store: ASOS
Costume: Twinning Emoji
Grab a friend and bring everyone's favorite twinning emoji to life with black leotards and animal ears — but make sure you have the pose down pat before you leave the house.
Quontum Petite Mesh Insert Cross Back Body, $64.49, available at ASOS.
ASOS Black Lace Bunny Ears, $12.90, available at ASOS.
New Look Triple Strap Suedette Pump, $41, available at ASOS.
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