Haunted

How to Design Your Own Taylor Swift Halloween Costume

The lights dim. The crowd cheers. A spotlight falls on the stage, and Taylor Swift strums the first chord on her guitar. The energy is incredible, and you don’t ever want to forget this moment. What better way to re-live a concert than to make your own Taylor-inspired Halloween costume? With her new album and new folklore aesthetic, there are even more possibilities this year. Her memorable outfits would make a perfect individual or group costume this year.

Step 1: Know your limits

Let's be honest, some of Taylor's outfits are extremely complicated and intricate. If a costume like this is something you think you could pull off, with dye or paint and a sewing machine, by all means go for it. Maybe you already have these pieces at home (if this is the case, please let me know and let's be best friends), or maybe you are willing to drop $685 on a pair of shoes. But if this outfit seems daunting, don't worry, there are plenty of other options to choose from.

Step 2: Go Back to the Basics

This simple look is easily replicated and just as easily recognized. The T-shirt from this famous photo can be found on Amazon, or simply recreated at home with iron-on letters from any craft store. The hat, sunglasses, and black shorts are easily found at Walmart or a thrift store, or check your closets to see if you have something similar on hand already.

Step 3: Glitter, Glitter, Glitter

Remember, any skin-tight dress or even shirt/pants combo can be pulled of as a Taylor Swift costume, as long as it has enough glitter. From her outfit to her boots to her microphone, Taylor is covered head-to-toe in bright shiny material. She even glitter-bombed the entire Grammy's audience. If you can't find an exact replica, this might be a helpful tip to remember as an alternative.

Step 4: Don't Forget the Thrift Store!

Swifties are grateful for the newest album, folklore, for so many reasons. Besides being full of incredible songs, Taylor also blessed us with a photo shoot full of easily replicated outfits. Can't find a striped, collared shirt? Check your brother's closet, then your local thrift store. Remember, Taylor Swift did her own hair and makeup for this shoot as well, so the more you DIY the better.

Step 5: If All Else Fails, Scrap Fabric

This is probably Taylor Swift's most recognizable red carpet looks. Honestly, it couldn't be simpler. A few stitches, or even just safety pins, and your orange t-shirt is now a tube top. Pink curtains, sheets, blankets, or scrap fabric (check your mom's stash or splurge for $10/yd at Joann's) can quickly form a long, draped skirt. Add a glittery necklace and strappy heels, and you've got the whole look.

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In summary, no matter what kind of resources you have, you can likely create a recognizable Taylor Swift costume on any budget. Let me know what kind of amazing ideas you come up with!