Halloween from the silver screen

Happy Halloweek!

For those of you that haven’t had your costume since April (guilty as charged), you might be struggling to find a look for Thursday night. Before you head to S-Club in a white sheet, consider taking inspiration from the silver screen. Whether you’re a fan of classic romance, laugh-out-loud comedy or indie darlings, film-inspired costumes are a classy alternative to the “slutty animal” look.

Romeo and Juliet was recently re-adapted for the screen and is a perfect choice for couples. Don’t be afraid to dress in traditional Renaissance garb. Value Village is full of interesting finds this time of year. Ladies, I recommend looking at old wedding dresses. If below-the-knee skirts aren’t exactly your thing, break out the fabric scissors.

Most of us are more familiar with Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 take on the Shakespearean tale. Luckily, it’s a lot easier to pull of this incarnation of the famous couple. For Juliet, all you need is a sleeveless white dress and a pair of angel wings. For guys dressing as Leo DiCaprio’s Romeo, grab a Hawaiian shirt. Looking like Romeo and Juliet is perfect for Halloween – just make sure your own romance doesn’t meet a similar end.

Speaking of Baz Luhrmann, who didn’t see The Great Gatsby this summer? I’ll be expecting to see a lot of Daisy Buchanan’s come Thursday. It’s a great choice for anybody looking for a last-minute fix. This costume only requires three things: a shapeless dress (no waist-cinching allowed), a sparkly headband or patterned headscarf and a string of pearls. Don’t forget to pile on the bracelets and rings.

For guys looking to emulate the suave style of Mr. Gatsby, a tailored white suit is ideal. If that’s a little too much, tone it down with khakis, a crisp white shirt and some suspenders. Make your look even more authentic with an ascot and cane.

We all know who Audrey Hepburn was, but how many of you have actually seen her movies? While the Breakfast at Tiffany’s look is a popular choice year after year, why not mix things up for 2013? For classic movie buffs, Hepburn’s Jo Stockton from Funny Face is a simple yet dramatic look.

To transform into the iconic bookkeeper-turned-fashion model, all it takes are some items in your closet. A skinny black pant, a black turtleneck, and some black booties (personally, I recommend Blundstones). Style your hair into a simple ponytail and put on a dramatic smoky eye to become a screen siren.

Who else is excited for Anchorman: The Legend Continues? There’s no better time to assemble your own Channel 4 News Team for Halloween. Suit up in 70s styles – burgundy, beige and yellow are your go-to colours. Accessorize with a cowboy hat, oversized glasses and, of course, a moustache. Go the extra mile and carry a glass of scotch with you at all times (or do what I would do and have a tub of Scotchy Scotch Scotch ice cream).