You love Halloween. You do not love wearing a foam pumpkin to a quarterly review. Somewhere between those two truths is a whole month of outfits with a little secret in them, and only the observant will catch on.
Articulated Skeleton Earrings
Two very small skeletons, hanging around. Literally. Each earring is jointed, so the arms and legs swing whenever you turn your head, and the tiny skulls are surprisingly detailed for something this petite. The silver finish keeps them on the jewelry side of the line rather than the party-store side.
One wearer, who admits she’s tough on accessories, says they’re fun, comfortable and sturdy enough to survive her. They’re as at home at a pumpkin patch as they are on a perfectly ordinary Tuesday.
Style it with: A black turtleneck and hair pulled back so the bones can dance.
Skeleton Hand, Spider and Web Claw Clips
Your messy bun wants in on the theme. This set gives you a skeleton hand that looks like it’s gripping your hair, a spider and a spiderweb, all in a moody gunmetal finish that reads more gothic than goofy.
They’re metal, made for thick or thin hair, and come in large and medium sizes. A buyer who rotates them through her workweek says they’re not too heavy, hold up well and earn compliments every day she wears one. That’s the subtle part: from the front, it’s a normal outfit. From behind, a hand is holding your hair.
Bat Wing Claw Clip
If one hair accessory is enough, make it a bat. The wings spread wide across a twist or a French roll, and the glossy metal catches the light like something out of a vampire film. A reviewer was pleasantly surprised that it’s metal without feeling heavy, grips firmly and stays exactly where she places it all day.
It comes in a dozen styles, in case you want a backup bat.
Verdusa Floral Mesh Mini Dress
Is it a brunch dress? Is it what a forest witch wears to collect herbs under a new moon? Yes. Dark florals under a sheer mesh overlay give this spaghetti-strap mini a romantic, slightly gothic mood, while the stretchy fabric and open back keep it comfortable enough to wear all day.
One buyer calls the fabric very soft and the design beautiful. It comes in five colors, so pick the darkest one if you want the most spellbound effect.
Style it with: Chunky tall boots and a cropped cardigan when the evenings get cold. Or the tights below.
Sparkly High-Waist Fishnet Tights
Fishnets already flirt with the dark side; add glitter and they become the most fun thing in your drawer. These high-waist tights have a subtle sparkle woven through the net, which makes even a plain black skirt look like it has plans after dark.
A festival-goer got compliments all day and was relieved the waistband didn’t dig in the way many tights do. There are nine colors and two sizes.
Style it with: The mesh dress above, ankle boots and those skeleton earrings. Costume? Never. Coincidence? Also no.
Wear one piece and it’s a wink. Wear all of them together and, well, you’ve basically answered the “What are you going as?” question for good.
