The Lazy Woman’s Guide to Halloween Costumes, Feat. Shirts

Halloween is creeping up, and if the thought of spending at least 50 quid on a costume you’ll wear once fills you with horror, we have good news: your existing wardrobe might already be terrifyingly well-equipped.

This year, we’re embracing the ultimate lazy-girl hack: the humble button-down shirt. No bloodcurling last minute quests, no tacky plastic accessories, and absolutely no need to fight someone for the last witches hat in the charity shop.

Whether you’re channelling a horror-movie villain, an off-duty final girl or someone who definitely has a mysterious backstory, the right shirt can do most of the heavy lifting with a bit of imagination

Murderously Preppy, Heathers Style

Channel your inner Veronika Sawyer from Heathers with a crisp white button-down, a statement black bow and a healthy dose of teenage angst. Add a blazer, a plaid skirt and your most unimpressed expression for that perfect ‘80s high-school-meets-dark-comedy aesthetic.

In the original movie Veronika (Winona Ryder) wears a more oriental inspired number, but we have updated the look to match the more contemporary Heathers musical with her preppy little bow. 

Shirt Inspiration: The Karter in White 

Halloween: The Final Shirt 

It's a perfectly ordinary day in Haddonfield. You're wearing jeans, a casual button-down and minding your own business. Then Michael Myers turns up and suddenly your outfit is doing a lot more than getting you through the school day.

Inspired by Jamie Lee Curtis's Laurie Strode in Halloween, this look is an ode to the original final girl: practical, unfussy and dressed for running. The good news? You don't need a Hollywood wardrobe department. The bad news? You’re going to have to carry a fake knife and a mask around so people actually know who you are. 

Shirt Inspiration: The Colleen in Ocean Blue 

The Shining: Red Shirt, Red Flags

Add a little inspiration from The Shining to your red button down, and suddenly your everyday outfit has a rather sinister edge. Think vintage styling, dark accessories and an expression that says you’ve definitely heard something strange coming from the hotel corridor.

For a more direct film reference, channel the film’s unsettling retro colour palette and pair the shirt with a checked pinafore, red tights and mustard-toned shoes.

“Here's Johnny!” Except it's just you, five minutes late, clutching some emergency corner shop wine.

Shirt Inspiration: The Coleen in Red

Crimson Peak: Gothic Romance, Minimal Effort

A ruffled button-down is already a wardrobe staple with a romantic streak. Add a little inspiration from Crimson Peak, and suddenly your everyday shirt looks right at home in a crumbling Gothic mansion. Think Victorian-inspired details, flowing skirts and muted colours, with just enough drama to suggest you’ve uncovered a rather inconvenient family secret.

For a more on point film reference, channel Edith Cushing’s dreamy, vintage aesthetic with a delicate blouse, a long skirt and a few carefully chosen accessories. The more romantic the sleeves, the better.

Shirt Inspiration: The Filadelfia in White 

Agent Scully: A Paranormal Investigator With a Capsule Wardrobe 

Combine a sharp white button-down with a dark blazer and the unbothered poise of someone who fully believes the truth is out there and you're basically in the X-Files. C

hannel your inner Dana Scully with this crisp corporate ensemble, proving that serious expressions and smart tailoring are all you need to step straight into FBI headquarters. All that's left is to dust off the laminator to make that iconic badge.

Shirt Inspiration: The Penelope in White 

Pirates of the Can't Be Arsed

A white button-down is a surprisingly good starting point for a spot of Caribbean piracy. Take a cue from Elizabeth Swann in Pirates of the Caribbean and give your shirt a swashbuckling twist with a waistcoat, a wide belt and a few strategically rumpled layers. It's giving fearless heroine who can hold her own in a sword fight, even if you get a bit frightened every time you pop the prosecco. 

Dead Men Tell No Tales, but your fit might just tell everyone you planned this costume in approximately six minutes… in a good way, of course. 

Shirt Inspiration: The Lottie in Ivory

Wednesday Addams: Collar Me Impressed

A black dress, a white collar, and a resting face that says “this party could have been an email.” Wednesday Addams is the ultimate lazy Halloween icon: minimal colour, minimal effort, maximum judgement.

A detachable Peter Pan collar does most of the work here, leaving you free to perfect your deadpan stare to silently critique everyone's costumes and remind everyone that enthusiasm is, frankly, overrated.

Shirt Inspiration: The January Collar 

Mia Wallace, But Make it Lazy

Some costumes require elaborate props. Mia Wallace requires a white shirt, black trousers and the kind of effortless cool that us mere mortals can only aspire to (although a black bob and a red lip certainly help).

 Uma Thurman's iconic character in Pulp Fiction is proof that the simplest outfits can make the biggest impression. It's sleek, instantly recognisable and practically indistinguishable from an excellent off-duty outfit. In other words, a Halloween costume you might actually wear again. Now to perfect the dance… 

Shirt Inspiration: The Cameron in White