20 Little Black Dress to Wear for Halloween and Beyond
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Trends come and go, but the little black dress will forever be a wardrobe hero. The closet classic is not only versatile, seasonless, and perfect for black-tie weddings and year-round affairs, but it also comes in handy for last-minute Halloween costumes. Whether you want to channel Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's, emulate a flapper girl of the Roaring Twenties era, or recreate Princess Diana's iconic revenge dress moment, there are tons of styles you can wear on October 31 and beyond. Ahead, 20 of the best little black dress Halloween costumes to give a go this year.
Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's
We know, we know, you thought of this one already. But recreating Holly Golightly's iconic Hubert de Givenchy dress is never a bad idea, so go for it! Bonus: It's an excuse to have a croissant with you all night. Trick or treat!
Sleeveless Stretch Wool Sheath Dress
Coco Chanel
The real fashion lover's costume is all about jewelry and attitude, which means you can write off Chanel's favorite Verdura Maltese Cross cuffs as a Halloween expense. Your accountant will understand.
Dress Silk Crepe Black
Posh Spice
This outfit could not be more appropriate for the Spice Girls' 25th anniversary, celebrating a quarter of a century of us all not-so-secretly wanting to be Victoria Beckham. It's a minimal one so don't forget the platforms and microphone to land the look.
Thin Strap Mini Dress
Flapper
A drop-waist LBD, small heels, and Art Deco jewelry (brooches and long strands of pearls galore), make this costume an easy one to improvise from your closet.
1920s V Neck Beaded Fringed Great Gatsby Dress
Madame X
Tell us you're an art history buff without telling us you are an art history buff. This elegant woman caused quite a scandal when John Singer Sargent painted her with a strap slightly off the shoulder (he later re-painted it to its prim and proper place). Swap out the straps of a dress with delicate chains, sweep your hair into an updo, and if you are really feeling wild, let one strap slip just so...
Estella Gown
Ruth Bader Ginsberg
The woman was a legal legend, but her ability to accessorize should also be recognized. Layer an elaborate collar (a paper one is fine if you are in a pinch) over a black dress along with Ginsberg's signature specs and a pair of classic earrings.
Pilar Mixed Media Long Sleeve Dress
Tina Turner
Celebrate Tina Turner's legacy with a spotlight stealing LBD with thigh-high slits—all the better to dance the night away.
Sequin Ruched Mesh Dress
Princess Diana in the "Revenge Dress"
Fans of The Crown know that this dress is coming up soon and big time. Don't forget the choker, black sheer tights, and a good dose of blue eyeliner to go with it.
Lovinia Mesh Dress
Morticia Addams
"Darling, I always wear black," Morticia Addams purred. And what more recognizable LBD costume than this? It also works well for a group costume—or maybe Wednesday Addams for a gothic twist on Mommy and me costumes?
Long Sleeve Ruched Jersey Gown
The Ladies of Sexy and the City
It's hard to imagine Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha, and Miranda in 90s minimalism, but we have it on the record. Grab your friends and make sure to keep the signature hairstyles on point.
Illusion Yoke Crepe Cocktail Dress
Josephine Baker
A stylish twist on the flapper costume (and infinitely more wearable than bananas), channel Josephine Baker with a dramatic 1920s gown and a pearl bracelet.
Cami Dress in Black
Jacqueline Kennedy
Channel the former first lady with a sweet boat neck, modest pumps, and pristine white gloves. Not to be missed: her signature voluminous bob.
New York Harpson Sleeveless Sheath Dress
Elvira
The campy Mistress of Dark just gets better with age. Top it off with piles of black hair and a whole lotta leg.
Jersey Long Sleeve Asymmetrical Ruched Gown
Rita Hayworth in Gilda
A film noir bombshell is just the right costume for a formal October affair. The black silk gloves are a must!
Strapless Satin Gown
Marilyn Monroe in The Asphalt Jungle
Marilyn Monroe may have a reputation for wearing pink and white (ok and Chanel No. 5), but her early role as Angela Phinlay in this film noir flick is all about the little black dress.
Tara Side Drape Gown
Liza Minnelli in Cabaret
Evoke Berlin in the 1930s via New York in the 1970s with Liza Minnelli's famous "Mein Herr" ensemble. An LBD (or vest and hotpants), garters, derby cap, and a beauty mark, divine decadence indeed.
Izzy Mini Dress
Betty Boop
Don't forget this cartoon classic! Thick hoops, a black wig, and some perfectly drawn red lipstick complete the look. Boop-Oop-a-Doop!
Fit & Flare Sweetheart Dress
The Black Swan
Whether you go classic ballet or modernized Natalie Portman, the Black Swan costume tows the line between spooky and sophisticated.
Tulle Midi-Dress
Sofia Loren
A retr0-style fit and flare dress a la Sofia Loren looks timeless no matter the decade.
Off the Shoulder Beaded Chiffon Midi Dress
Cindy Crawford
In 1992, Cindy Crawford stepped out in a sultry Herve Ledger bandage dress that continues to be revered as one of the most iconic LBD dresses of all time. Give the style a go with matching opera gloves, black tights, and pumps for a look that turns heads.
Backless Bandage Fishtail Dress
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