Ideas for modest women’s Halloween costumes that are still flattering

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Most of the Halloween events I attend are family-friendly ones – so I don’t want to show up in a sexy nurse outfit when my doorbell rings with little trick-or-treaters!

But if you look in any Halloween mail flyer, you might notice that it can be quite difficult to find modest costumes for women that are still cute and flattering to wear.

You won’t want dated or out of style costumes either.

Good news: I’ve managed to find some cute solutions to this dilemma for you - without breaking your budget!

Here are a bunch of different options you can try:

Idea 1. Masquerade ball costume – ultra-cheap, ultra-elegant!

This one is very easy to do, cheap, and super-elegant. Simply get:

1. An existing evening gown you own - although be careful: if you don’t want to risk any damage, purchase a pre-owned gown at your local thrift shop for this costume
2. A masquerade mask. This should be a very cheap item – you might be able to get this in-store locally in the Halloween aisles, or you can even make your own to match your dress with some cardstock, a wooden kebab skewer and some paint, glue, feathers and glitter. No time to shop in-person or make your own? These masks (the hands-free version is known as a "Venetian mask") are also available cheaply online in the Mardi Gras or masquerade section of Halloween stores. My favorite places for where to get this style of mask: Amazon.com's selection of masquerade masks for women or Spirit Halloween (see their masquerade mask section here).

You’re done! You’ll look absolutely stunning – yet modestly covered.

Idea 2. Fairy

For a fairy, you'll need:

1. A long tulle skirt
2. A fitted top
3. Ballet flats, or a high heeled sandal or shoe, or even soft ballet slippers
4. (optional) butterfly wings
5. (optional) wand
6. (optional) pixie ears

You can find long tulle skirts at Amazon and some exciting tulle skirt designs at Etsy. Use a fitted top and footwear you already own to save time and money. You can find the optional fairy accessories at Amazon or Etsy, or you can make your own wand using a kebab stick, some glue, cardboard and glitter. This fairy costume is a quick, easy and cheap way to have a modest costume while still looking beautifully feminine.

Idea 3. Renaissance costume

Yes, even if you don’t attend Renaissance fairs, you can get yourself a Renaissance dress for Halloween! Most styles are modest and very figure-flattering for truly all shapes and sizes.

If you want to keep to a cheap price point, I suggest you avoid specialty Renaissance stores – these tend to be more historically authentic but can get quite pricey.

Instead, go for a Renaissance costume from a Halloween store. For this, I recommend Spirit Halloween because they are:

1. family-friendly – ideal if you’re letting your kids watch while you browse,
2. have a good range of Renaissance costumes at different price points

An alternative is the selection of Renaissance costumes at Amazon:

Idea 4. Bride of Dracula costume

A bride of Dracula is perfect: it combines the horror of Halloween with a modest and feminine costume. Here's what you'll need:

1. A long black skirt
2. Fitted dark red top
3. Scary makeup

This is super-cheap and easy - you likely can do it with existing items from your closet.

Idea 5. International woman of mystery

This mysterious woman costume is super-easy - just put a long hooded cloak over any long evening gown or formal skirt and top you already own, and theme the outfit with accessories. You could go for a masquerade mask as before, or you could do long gloves. Or carry a satchel or briefcase suggesting exciting secrets. You can make the look as contemporary or as historical as you like. Not only is it modest, but the sense of intrigue will add a hint of extra excitement and allure to your look. The two main things you'll need are:

1. An evening dress you already own (or get a thrift store one if you're worried about potential damage)
2. A hooded cloak

Idea 6. Select an all-in-one modest Halloween costume

Consider any of the ideas I've curated below from Amazon.com for a modest yet flattering costume. You can click/tap on any of these for info on sizing.

Conclusion

Yes, it is possible to select a modest yet flattering Halloween costume - without breaking the bank. Enjoy!