Float down
Like autumn leaves
Hush now
Close your eyes before the sleep
And you're miles away
And yesterday you were here with me
- Autumn Leaves, Ed Sheeran
Happy Autumnal Equinox everyone. The weather may turn in a second and I have possibly the worst cold on the planet, but this is totally my favourite time of year. I can dig out my boots and tights and knitwear and scarves and yes. This is good. This time of year is good. The weather is f.r.e.s.h and as long as I’m inside I can happily enjoy the patter of rain in the windows.
With Halloween only a week away, you’re most likely be spending this weekend scrambling for an outfit to throw on. But never fear, as I’ve put together a few ideas for you for this year’s ‘Halloween costumes for the fashion conscious’. So if you’re after something a little more chic than scary, here are this year’s ideas to try for size…
Beyonce’s fifth studio album may have been released at the end of 2013, but the tidal wave effect it had on the music landscape can still be heard in 2014. And the song that had everyone up and proclaiming that they ‘woke up like this’ was Flawless. Not only a stomping anthem for the feminist cause (and an incredible platform for Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche’s Ted Talk speech) the music video is my favourite out of the entire visual album. It’s full on grunge, so dig out the plaid, eyeliner and stomping boots for this one.
2014 seems to be the second coming of Barbie. First her brand new Instagram page – putting all of us fashion bloggers to shame with her street style photos – and now Moschino’s perfectly pink tribute to the doll. Anything goes for this look as long as it’s pink but for added authenticity the more garish the better.
Move over Katniss there’s a new badass in town. Tris Prior’s costume would be pretty simple to copy. Black jeans, tank top, leather jacket and boots made for running from the bad guys. Don’t forget Tris’ bird tattoos across her collar and if you’re a book purist you’ll want to add in her extra tattoos too.
The old witches costume just got a whole lot more stylish. American Horror Story is somewhat of an institution now, so why not take on their most recognisable set of costumes as made famous by the likes of Jessica Lange, Emma Roberts and Taissa Farminga. All black is the only rule, but think Morticia Adams meets Valley Girl than traditional Wicked Witch of the West.
Go the extra mile details:
Lace veils and netting
Black umbrellas and sunglasses
A tiny voodoo doll
*images via Pinterest Polo neck jumper, Sir Oliver//Black trousers, Reiss//Pointed flats, Modcloth//
Ok I’ll admit I included Taylor in last year’s Halloween costume edition…but hey it’s 2014 and with a new sound and new look I wasn’t going to pass up a chance at adding her in again! There are so many looks in Shake It Off but I would personally take on the simplicity of her ‘performance’ outfit. Black polo, skinnies, and flats for a super comfy Halloween outfit. Oh and don’t forget the red lip! Though if you have a group of willing friends why not take on the entire catalogue of dance outfits from the video (I shotgun the cheerleader outfit though!)
Go the extra mile details:
Megaphone to shout over to the ‘fella over there with the hella good hair’
Short blonde bob wig
Your best dance moves
Pick a favourite guys! Which Halloween costume would you go for?
If you’re still stuck for ideas, don’t forget to check out last year’s post and my post from back in 2012 for more outfits you could use this year!
Graduation is so hard to dress for! On one hand you need an outfit that will still look great under those billowing grad gowns, but you also need something that will stand out on it’s own once you’ve finished the official ceremony!
Never fear! If you’re struggling for a last minute outfit, here are 3 fail-safe dress styles to search for that will look great on the day…
Low key but high impact | The minimalist look is very on trend at the moment and it’s easy to see why. Single colour or colour blocked dresses are a good choice if you’re after a dress you can dress up or down, depending on how formal or informal your ceremony is. To keep this look interesting add a statement necklace – think chunky jewels or a layered boho styles.
Smart but chic | You’re a graduate who means business and ready to take on the world, so reach for a dress that reflects your new Sandberg-esque attitude. The ‘pencil’ dress is simple yet super flattering, so you really can’t go wrong with any of these. And when you’ve finished up with graduation, you’ll be able to break this out for those all important post-grad interviews and around the office of your first big adult-world too.
Popping prints | This style is all about giving people something extra to look at in between the folds of your dark ceremonial gowns. Florals are a safe bet especially for Summer ceremonies, but bold geometric or photographic prints are also all the rage right now too. And for an extra something to make this look stand out, contrast your dress colour with the colour of your grad gown.
Whatever you choose, the key is comfort. Graduation is big day and it’ll be a long day, so make sure you’re in something that’ll make you look and feel great!
