I’m eagerly anticipating Halloween and the promise of fall leaves, apple cider, ghost stories and most of all, costumes. This holiday comes with a flurry of scary movie nights and costume parties and I love to come up with creative, yet chic costumes for these events. Some of the very best costumes are built around pieces straight from my wardrobe and over the years, I’ve discovered that the little black dress, a time-honored fashion staple of anybody’s wardrobe, is one of the most versatile and transformable pieces that I can use for the base of my costumes. Here are two unique ways to dress up your little black dress for a fun and fabulous-looking costume that will be sure to have you looking smashing at any upcoming costume parties.

1. Gypsy: Go Bohemian with this gypsy-inspired costume!  The key here is accessories, the more striking the better. Think bold patterned scarves, flowers, and dangling jewelry in metallic shades. I chose this particular little black dress for its soft lace ruffles and gauzy capped sleeves and slightly gathered bodice. For accessories, I’ve used this gold coin bracelet and necklace set by Free People, and a somewhat flameco-inspired scarf and red flower fascinator combination. I finished off the look with understated black pumps that draw attention back to the dress and accessories.

Dress: Notte By Marchessa
Fascinator: Grevi
Scarf: Janus
Necklace: Free People
Bracelet: Free People
Heels: Steve Madden

2. Fairy: This is one of the very best costume options for looking dressy and dressed up all at once. Lace is key to this outfit. Also, think floral patterns, frills, flowers and soft, flowing cuts. This little black dress makes a great base to a fairy costume because of its soft fabric, sheer lace sleeves and neckline, and backless cut. For accessories, I added a floral headband, a flower-themed necklace and bracelet combination, lace heels and a frilly clutch. Don traditional fairy wings to complete this look.

Dress: Rare 
Heels: Stuart Weitzman
Purse: Christian Louboutin
Necklace: Suzanna Dai Moravia
Bracelet: Nolan
Headband: Asos

3. Witch: Always a stylish Halloween classic but often a challenge to get right! Tocreate this look,  I went past the storybook conceptions to a modernized blend of boldness and sophistication. I built this outfit around this gem of a  little black dress by Alice + Olive. I particularly love the fur sleeve caps. I chose accessories that emphasized the dress’s sense of fun and elegance, particularly this scarlet animal print scarf and red-ribboned pumps.  Finally, in order to add a sense of “witchiness,” I threw  in spiderweb tights and a feathered fascinator by Charolette Russe. Add a broomstick to complete the look!

Dress: Alice + Olivia
Fascinator: Charlotte Ruse
Purse: Christian Louboutin
Scarf: Alexander McQueen
Tights: ModCloth
Heels: Steve Madden

Sher-Min Yang is a writing intern for Chic Galleria and an English Honors student at the University of Washington. She loves art, literature, classical music and philosophy. Follow her blog at http://beauty-is-truth.tumblr.com/

Tags: autumn, costumes, Halloween, holidays, Little Black Dress