In a year that will bring smaller, socially distant Halloween celebrations, ditch the single-use costumes for ones that make use of the jeans already in your closet—or on your shopping list.
Halloween offers the perfect excuse to try on flare jeans or test your sartorial boundaries with Y2K denim style.
The best—and most sustainable—kind of Halloween costumes are the ones that you can wear after Oct. 31.
Tiger King
Among the strange turns of events in 2020, the Netflix documentary “Tiger King” united viewers during the start of quarantine. Now fans can channel the same energy of the film’s star Joe Exotic with a big cat-themed costume that will get everyone talking. Pair a bold top with light-wash jeans and purple aviators.
Asos Design Regular Revere Satin Shirt
Banana Republic Slim-Fit Summer-Weight Light Wash Jean
Jim Optical Classic Aviator Sunglasses
Carole Baskin
Carole Baskin, the other breakout star of “Tiger King,” exudes hippie style. Fortunately, ’70s-inspired denim is back, making it easy to dress the part. Pair a bohemian tunic top with flare jeans and the flower crown you never had a chance to wear to festivals this year.
BDG High-Waisted Flare Jean
Banana Republic Ruffle-Front Top
Wayren USA Womens Floral Fall Boho Headband
Leopard
Turn “Tiger King” into a group costume by dressing as a big cat. Forgo the tiger for a trendy leopard print denim set and cat accessories to drive the point home.
DL1961 Manning Jacket
DL1961 Jenny Skirt
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Banana Republic Face Mask
Glitter Cat’s-Ear Headband
Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears
The ultimate couple’s costume for denim heads is the iconic all-denim ensemble pop stars Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears wore in 2001. In an interview earlier this year, Timberlake said the memorable red carpet moment is back in vogue and said fashionistas could “kind of rock that today.” Get the look with head-to-toe denim and statement accessories.
Grlfrnd Isabella Strapless Denim Mini Dress
Retrofete Silver-tone Crystal Choker
Levi’s 512 Slim Taper Fit Men’s Jeans
Justin Men’s 6x Western Felt Hat
Cowboy
A cowboy costume gives you the excuse you’ve been waiting for to buy western boots. Add a millennial vibe to the costume by donning blue jeans and a shirt from sustainable brands and functional cargo vest.
Wrangler Cowboy Cut Slim Fit Jean
Everlane The Organic Cotton Long-Sleeve Pocket Tee
L.L. Bean Men’s Double L Waxed-Cotton Upland Vest
Levi’s Baron Bandana
Ariat Heritage R Toe Western Boot
Stetson Gunfighter 10x Cowboy Hat
Rosie the Riveter
It is easy to honor the legacy of hard-working women with a Rosie the Riveter costume. Pair a classic denim button-down shirt with jeans and work boots. Tie up your hair and wrap a red bandana around it for the full retro effect.
Monki Katja Short Sleeve Denim Shirt
Carhartt Original Fit Blaine Jean
Thursday Captain Boots
Gap Print Bandana
Steve Jobs
If you have a black turtleneck and a pair of jeans, you already have everything you need for a classic Steve Jobs costume. Add glasses and an old iPhone to finish the look.
The Rickie Top
Agolde Vintage Hi-Rise Flare Jeans
Taylor Blue Light Round Glasses
Thelma and Louise
Grab a friend and channel your inner rebel with a “Thelma and Louise” duo costume. All you need are high-rise jeans, a band tee, some ’90s makeup and heaps of attitude.
Hollister Faded Print Graphic Tee
Topshop Mom Jeans in Bleach Wash
Dior Black Cat Style Sunglasses
Greasers
Nod to everyone’s favorite required reading, “The Outsiders,” with a greasers-themed group costume. Be sure to use a lot of hair gel and pop your collar so everyone knows who you are.
Disney Mickey Mouse Ringer Tank Top
G-Star Raw 3301 Straight Tapered Jeans
J.Crew Classic Denim Jacket
