DIY Halloween Costumes Inspired By 5 Iconic Music Albums!
.jpg)
If it’s last-minute Halloween and you still want a costume that clicks in one glance, this is for you. We picked the most famous, easiest-to-copy album eras that you can build from closet basics. Each section translates the cover or era visuals into a quick, wearable fit and points to an official post or video so the reference is unmistakable!
1. Kid Krow by Conan Gray
Kid Krow leans dark and moody, and — as the title hints — leans into crow imagery. It is easy to copy and fits Halloween perfectly, especially if you already own a few grungy basics.
Album cover cue: Picture a black tank, light-wash straight jeans, white crew socks, and chunky black lace-up shoes. Hair sits tousled at chin length with a natural middle part. Add a crow motif over one shoulder (paper cutout taped to a jacket, a small patch, or a printed sticker on a tote) and the look reads instantly.
"Heather" outfit cue: "Heather" softens the edge without leaving the Kid Krow lane. Pair a black sweater vest with varsity trim and a pleated plaid skirt. Keep the white crew socks and the same chunky lace-ups. Let the silhouette carry the mood; accessories can stay minimal.
"Maniac" music video: "Maniac" is iconic because the video unfolds on Halloween Eve, so it translates cleanly into a party costume.
2. GUTS by Olivia Rodrigo
GUTS is punchy pop-rock: lots of black and purple, chipped nail-polish, red lipstick, mini-skirts and chunky shoes. The vibe is dramatic, and wry — perfect for a Halloween costume.
Album cover cue: The cover nails your base: a black dress, rings that spell G-U-T-S, chipped dark nails, and anything purple (backdrop, ribbon, or scrunchie) to complete the palette.
"Obsessed" music video: Key elements are easy to copy: A silver/white satin sash worn diagonally, printed with large black block letters reading “OBSESSED”, a black, off-the-shoulder dress, layered neckwear consisting of a black cord choker with a heart-shaped pendant. A pair of opera gloves and a cheap trophy or DIY one from cardboard and gold spray paint are great for the final touch of the look!
3. Future Nostalgia by Dua Lipa
The vibe is retro-futuristic disco, with chrome and candy colors, satin blouses, long gloves, and sharp ponytails; pieces that belong on a light-up dance floor or in a vintage convertible under the moon.
Album cover cue: Wear a pink short-sleeve button-down knotted at the waist and long white opera gloves with circular cutouts. Add large silver hoop earrings and chunky rings. Style your hair in a sleek high pony with a looped topknot and blonde front panels over darker roots with a clean middle part. Finish with graphic winged eye makeup and a high-waisted mini skirt in a blue-and-black print. There you have a futuristic-nostalgic look!
FUTURE NOSTALGIA - THE ALBUM - COMING TO YOU APRIL 3RD - SHOT BY HUGO COMTE - ??? pic.twitter.com/rRSiSbl2Oe
— DUA LIPA (@DUALIPA) January 30, 2020
"We’re Good" music video: Channel a vintage ocean-liner supper club with crystal sparkle, opera gloves, and Old Hollywood hair; the setting reads Titanic-coded without saying it. Wear a shimmery cocktail dress or a green satin slip, and add long white gloves. Style a deep side part and add rhinestone earrings or a simple pearl strand. Keep makeup classic with a clean wing and rosy lip!
4. The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess by Chappell Roan
Chappell Roan’s debut builds a neon fairytale out of small-town dreams and big, campy pop. The visual world mixes cowgirl and pageant queen — hot pink and cherry red, bows and rhinestones, fringe, ruffles, and heart-blush drama.
Album cover cue: She wears a strapless teal dress trimmed with rhinestones, a glittered pageant sash, and a small silver tiara. Her hair is a curly, copper-red updo with loose ringlets around the face. Makeup lands in full pageant mode: icy blue shadow, dramatic liner, heavy blush, and a red lip. She holds a bouquet made of satin ribbon rosettes, and the vanity-mirror background with round bulbs amplifies the backstage-pageant vibe. A pale feather boa peeks in at the shoulder.
The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess out 9/22 I'm in shock. This is surreal. you can pre-order the vinyl and pre-save the album now. We also made a little documentary that goes along with it (◕ ˬ ◕✿) I cannot wait i can't believe pic.twitter.com/EWGRXj8cvi
— Chappell Roan (@ChappellRoan) August 2, 2023
"Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl" visualizer: Wear a hot-pink top or mini (vinyl, satin, or anything shiny) and add a shrug or shoulder piece if you have one. Do theatrical makeup: white base, rounded blue shadow up to the brows, heavy liner, and a vivid red lip. Add big earrings (crosses or dangly silver), and style red hair (wig or temporary spray) into a high pony or pin-up swoop. Sprinkle a little body glitter or chrome nail stickers to sell the “ultra modern” shine.
5. Fine Line by Harry Styles
Fine Line blends ’70s-soft glam with playful pop polish; pearls, bright color hits, and relaxed, high-waist silhouettes. It’s instantly readable for Halloween without being revealing, and you can build it from simple closet pieces plus one or two statement details.
Album cover cue: Wear white high-waist wide-leg pants and a bright pink button-down (tucked or half-buttoned). Add a pearl necklace and a few chunky rings. If your pants lack the sailor buttons, fake them with gold craft buttons or stickers in two vertical rows. Slip on black boots and one sheer black glove.
"Adore You" music video: Coastal-town cozy fits this era: a navy-and-cream palette, chunky knits, a pea coat, and a beanie. Wear a Breton striped tee under a navy pea coat with cuffed straight-leg trousers and black boots. A cream cable-knit with dark denim and a plaid scarf lands the same cue. Carry a small paper fish in a clear jar or cup to sell the Eroda storyline, and tuck a homemade “ERODA” ferry ticket in your pocket.
Choose your era, add one smart prop, and go!
