Halloween, But Make It Fashion: 5 Looks You'll Wear Again
The best Halloween outfits shouldn't retire on November 1st. Five second-hand looks from Qué Retro in Los Cristianos, Tenerife – black lace, sheer, red and velvet – that work on October 31st and long after.
Halloween dressing has two different camps. There's the full costume – wigs, fake blood and all the usual extras – and there's the fashion approach: taking something you'd genuinely want in your wardrobe and making it feel a little more Halloween.
This year, we're firmly in the second camp.
Think black lace, sheer fabrics, a touch of velvet, deep reds, unexpected accessories and a little vintage glamour. The kind of pieces that can look perfectly Halloween after dark and perfectly everyday – once the pumpkins are gone – the following weekend.
We went through the rails at Qué Retro, our vintage and second-hand store in Los Cristianos, Tenerife, and picked five pieces that feel just right for Halloween – and long after it.
The 5 looks at a glance
The little black dress – Zara black mini dress, €25
Something sheer – Guess mesh dress, €45
A red statement piece – H&M Studio long dress, €35
The statement blazer – royal blue velvet blazer, €65
One dramatic accessory – United Colors of Benetton red leather gloves, €28
1. The Little Black Dress, Obviously
There is a reason the black dress survives every decade, every trend cycle and approximately every Halloween party.
For October 31st, skip the predictable accessories and let the dress do the work. Add sheer tights, pointed heels, an oversized blazer or dark sunglasses and suddenly it's giving mysterious woman with an undisclosed past.
Qué Retro find: Zara black mini dress, €25
2. Something Sheer
If there is one night of the year when sheer feels particularly appropriate, this is it.
A transparent blouse, lace top or semi-sheer dress brings exactly the right amount of gothic romance without crossing into costume territory. Wear it with a black bralette and tailored trousers for something minimal, or pile on jewellery if subtlety isn't on the agenda.
Qué Retro find: Guess mesh dress, €45
3. Red Is Having Its Villain Moment
Black may own Halloween, but red is considerably more interesting.
A scarlet dress, top, blouse or pair of heels instantly changes the mood of an otherwise simple outfit. No horns required. Keep everything else pared back and let one red piece be the plot twist.
Qué Retro find: H&M Studio long dress, €35
4. The Statement Blazer
Not everyone wants to wear a dress. Enter: the blazer.
Go oversized, sharply tailored, velvet, embellished or slightly '80s. Wear it over almost nothing, add mini shorts or a skirt, sheer tights and heels, and you have a Halloween look that feels much more fashion-week after-party than fancy-dress aisle.
Bonus: on November 1st, it goes straight back into your regular wardrobe.
Qué Retro find: royal blue velvet blazer, €65
5. The Power of One Accessory
Sometimes, one accessory is all it takes.
A pair of long red gloves can turn even the simplest black outfit into something that feels instantly more dramatic. Add a black dress, sharp heels and dark lipstick, and you're Halloween-ready without actually wearing a costume.
And once Halloween is over? Wear them with a coat, an oversized blazer or your favourite little black dress. Drama, but make it useful.
Qué Retro find: United Colors of Benetton red leather gloves, €28
Why a look you'll wear again beats a costume
The most interesting Halloween looks aren't necessarily costumes. They're just a slightly more theatrical version of how you already want to dress.
And buying something you'll wear again beats spending money on an outfit destined to disappear into the back of a wardrobe after one night.
Halloween outfit questions
How can I dress for Halloween without a costume?
Pick one piece you would wear anyway – a little black dress, something sheer, a red dress or a velvet blazer – and give it a darker edge with sheer black tights, pointed heels, dark lipstick and one dramatic accessory such as long red gloves.
Which colours work best for a Halloween fashion look?
Black is the classic, deep red adds a "villain" twist, and jewel-toned velvet (like royal blue) feels gothic without looking like fancy dress. Lace and sheer fabrics add the mood.
Where can I buy second-hand Halloween outfits in Tenerife?
At Qué Retro, Avenida de Suecia 26, Los Cristianos, Tenerife. We stock vintage, pre-loved and designer pieces, with new finds arriving regularly.
Discover our Halloween edit in store
Visit us at Avenida de Suecia 26, Los Cristianos, Tenerife. We have vintage, pre-loved and designer pieces, with new finds arriving regularly – browse what's in store now.