Nights begin to get longer, pumpkins are carved and costumes are planned as the spookiest night of the year approaches. For lovers of fashion who are seeking to set the mood for Halloween, here are the best movies to watch!
Costume design is an essential part of movie-making. It breathes life into the characters you love and helps to create the perfect spooky atmosphere. From vintage classics to contemporary cult favourites, we’ve made a list of the most stylish Halloween films to see, in chronological order.
Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
In this psychological thriller, Anthea Sylbert brilliantly thought out Rosemary’s outfits, contrasting the sinister plot with quintessentially 60s sweet baby-doll dresses and pastel colours. Mia Farrow’s pixie cut became a defining haircut for the era, and to this day the movie is still an inspiration for creators and designers.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
Glam, glitter and gold are the defining features of the cult-classic. The movie encourages self-expression and celebrates LGBTQ+ identities, which is reflected in the wardrobe. Both Brad and Janet’s clothes and their traditional ideas of gender-norms and sexuality are discarded as they enter the castle and meet its inhabitants. From Tim Curry’s iconic portrayal of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in a sparkly corset and platform heels, to Columbia’s colourful outfit, the film fuses camp with couture.
The Shining (1980)
This masterpiece by Stanley Kubrick might not be the first place one might think to look to for fashion inspiration. However, Shelley Duvall’s getups ooze a certain vintage charm. Most notable are the earthy-toned turtleneck, plaid shirt and overalls, and the complementary coloured blue-and-red gingham dress. There is also no forgetting the twins wearing those identical blue dresses, which are hauntingly stylish.
Death Becomes Her (1992)
This satirical comedy stars Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, who find themselves ageing and decide to take a potion of immortality. The leading ladies’ attire is made up of glamorous floor-length dresses, fur, satin and silk. And, of course, one can’t forget Isabella Rosellini’s outlandish wardrobe, with her crazy bejewelled chest pieces, gossamer capes and that extravagant collar on her bathrobe.
Interview With the Vampire (1994)
In this gothic movie, legendary costume designer Sandy Powell shows her prowess through a myriad of period costumes and modern-day outfits. Claudia, played by Kirsten Dunst, wears a series of opulent 19th-century gowns which evolve as the film travels through time. Also notable are the embroidered velvet jackets and flowy shirts donned by Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise, as well as Antonio Banderas’ crisp suit, worn under a luscious red robe.
The Craft (1996)
This supernatural horror film follows a group of tennagers who become interested in witchcraft. The girls have an envious edgy 90s wardrobe, composed of lace and mesh maxi skirts, longline black trench coats, skinny sunglasses and lots and lots of layered jewellery. Even in their school uniforms, the accessories and makeup that the characters wear help define their individual personalities.
Dark Shadows (2013)
Tim Burton’s “Dark Shadows” has a quirky yet dark aesthetic. Costume designer Colleen Atwood drew inspiration from the late 1960s and 1970s, when the original series was filmed, while perfectly encapsulating the personality of the characters. Matriarch Elisabeth Collins wears dark and romantic dresses, Angelique combines fierce, sleek corporate outfits and a gorgeous sequin red dress. Victoria is seen in sweet get-ups with peter-pan collars and Dr. Hoffman rocks funky prints and huge sunnies. Barnabas’ look is appropriately vampy, and influenced by 18th century fashion.
Last Night In Soho (2021)
Last Night In Soho alternates between fashion student Eloise Turner in a modern London and aspiring singer Sandie in the Swinging Sixties, travelling back and forth between Eloise’s dreams and reality. Sandie’s wonderful wardrobe consists of 1960s clothes, including a floaty peach mini dress, a white mackintosh, gogo boots and sparkly silver accessories. Eloise tries to emulate the 60s in a contemporary way, with clashing patterns, lace, turtlenecks and her own white mackintosh to match Sandie’s.
Pearl (2022)
This slasher is set in 1918 and follows the story of Pearl, who lives on a farm while yearning to be a performer. The costumes chosen reflect her character’s journey, as she wears a deceivingly innocent look made up of a teal polo under denim overalls, with little white ribbons in her hair. At her audition, however, she switches to a brightly coloured red dress, which makes her stand out while heightening the audience’s sense of horror.