Dressing Up for Halloween

Etsy.com handmade and vintage goods
hedykiesler

Story by Gabriella Cetrulo

Published on Sept 23, 2012 in Shop

hedykiesler

Halloween isn’t just a time to play dress up and assume a new identity. It can also be a day to playfully reveal a part of ourselves that we don’t get to express in our ordinary lives. Whether we want to stand out as the belle of the ball or just give our friends a laugh, our costume choices sometimes say more about us than the characters we portray.

As for myself, I’ve always been a fan of the Halloween classics. I never pass on a chance to dress as a witch or a 1920s flapper, but I abandon the standard uniform in favor of my own interpretations. I love searching through thrift stores and coordinating what I find into a fully realized costume. It may take a bit more effort and time, but the end result is always worth it. And once Halloween is over, I can keep on wearing these new additions to my vintage collection throughout the year.

Here are some inspiring vintage pieces that can be treasured long after All Hallows Eve.

 

Witchy Woman

[1. Custom dress by TheBlackSwanTheory; 2. Perfume bottle necklace from LorenzoMele; 3. Steampunk granny boots from VintageReBelle; 4. Victorian wool cape from LeMollusque; 5. Primitive broom from timepassages.]

A Victorian capelet and a pair of granny boots give a Halloween classic a new sophisticated air.

 

Silent Star

[1. 1920s Lilac organdy garden dress from breadandbuttervtg; 2. Shimmering silver tassel necklace from kikisvintagejewelry; 3. 1920s Flapper heels from Funastrum; 4. Gold Art Deco cigarette holder from TheSalvages; 5. 1920s Fascinator from 4birdsvintage.]

Ditch the fringes and pearls in favor of a more elegant 1920s look.

Queen of the Nile

[1. Vintage tiara from ElrondsEmporium; 2. Vintage strappy heels from LookAgainVintage; 3. Egyptian snake bracelet from TheDeeps; 4. 1960s Nightgown from concettascloset; 5. Egyptian Revival cuff from GypsyRoadStudio; 6. Vintage chevron bib from RevampedVintage1973.]

An excess of gold jewelry is all you need to achieve this reigning look. An ethereal vintage nightgown can give it an unexpected twist.

 

Prom Princess

[1. Vintage tiara from DevineCollectible; 2. Vintage scepter from FabulousVintageHats; 3. 1950s Ombré tulle dress from millstreetvintage; 4. Vintage millenary flowers from Avaricia; 5. 1960s white gloves from hipfashionstylist; 6. 1950s Pearlized pink leather pumps from catlady531.]

A 1950s prom dress is one of those coveted items I always want to add to my collection. Halloween can be the perfect time to indulge in the frills and ruffles of yesteryear.

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Gabriella Cetrulo is a freelance illustrator with a BFA in illustration from Parsons the New School for Design. She is also the shop owner of vintage oasis Tomorrow Is Forever. She is in the process of opening a second online shop featuring her illustration work.

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3 Featured Comments

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  • JennasRedRhino

    Jennifer Schmidt from TheCatBall says: Featured

    You are right- Halloween is a time to reveal and to express! I am always thrilled to encounter someone who seems to be wearing a costume that really does create a visual manifestation of their personality.

    237 days ago

  • papernickle

    Brandy and Tyler from BrandyCupcakesStudio says: Featured

    Everyday is Halloween for me. Why save the fun of exploring other parts of your personality through fashion for one weekend a year? That being said, my favorite Halloween costmes are always the extra clever ones, which I can never think up on my own, but always adore seeing on others.

    237 days ago

  • ResurrectedMe

    ResurrectedMe from ResurrectedMe says: Featured

    I got my Bachelor's degree in Theatre so Halloween is definitely my favorite holiday. I love putting together authentic looking costumes and portraying all my favorite characters. It satisfies the split personality disorder I think every actress has inside her. : ) Absolutely the best time of year to sell on Etsy!

    237 days ago

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