Gearing up for Halloween? City stylist shares tips to get a perfect spooky look

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Desi all the way

>> Incorporating Indian or desi elements into your Halloween costume can be a unique way to celebrate the holiday. The key is to embrace the spirit of the character or theme and enjoy the celebration. Add traditional or culturally significant elements to make your costume stand out and reflect your heritage and interests.

>> For a quirky look, get a spooky twist on traditional attire by dressing as a zombie in a sari. Add ghastly make-up and fake wounds.

Vidya Balan's role as Manjulika is a popular Halloween look

>> Seek inspiration from Bollywood villains and create a sinister look with dark clothing, dramatic make-up, and props like a fake cigar or whip. You could dress as the iconic, larger-than-life villain Gabbar Singh. Wear a khaki shirt with patch pockets and epaulettes, a broad leather belt on the waist and rope under the arm. Add a taweez on a black thread for the neck and a black leather wristband. Carry a dummy pistol, and voilà, the look is ready.

>> One of my favourite desi Halloween looks is the character of Manjulika, played by Vidya Balan in Bhool Bhulaiyaa. This look can be created with a bharatanatyam costume or a kanjeevaram saree draped in similar style. Accessorise with temple jewellery, from head to toe, and dying flowers in your disheveled hair. Add ghungroos for sound effect, and for your make-up, wear a smudged, heavy red vermillion bindi on the forehead, blood red lipstick rubbed off untidily and extremely heavy kohl eyes. Alta on your feet and hands will complete this look.

Mexican Holiday Day of the Dead costume is a make-up-heavy look

The ones that never die

>> Pay homage to iconic horror movie characters like Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, or Michael Myers.

>> Pick a traditional witch look or get a modern twist on it. Or, transform into a sophisticated vampire with pale make-up, fangs, and elegant attire. Or go for a more monstrous, blood-thirsty look.

>> You can also take inspiration from the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos [Day of the Dead]. For this, get a colourful sugar skull make-up and their
traditional attire.

>> A favourite Hollywood look is the character of Bram Stoker's Count Dracula. This look can be created with a well-fitted tuxedo or tail coat, a cravat, eerie looking cape, heavy dark eye make-up, fangs and a hypnotic stare.

>> Remember that the most important aspect of your Halloween look is to have fun and express your creativity. It is a time for self-expression, so don't be afraid to think outside the box and have a blast with your costume and styling choices.

Rima Melwani, costume designer, celebrity fashion stylist and educator
Log on to @rimamelwani (for more tips)

Are you prop-ready?

Let there be light
Light up the celebration with glowing digital and LED skull masks, candle luminaires in fire retardant paper bags for décor, and neon face and body paint, among other cool yet ghostly options.
Delivery Across Mumbai (within two days)
Log on to: @astronomiashoppe

Pics couresty/Instagram

Looks like Halloween
Throw the spookiest party in your neighbourhood with pumpkin lamps, ghost masks, dummy mummies, and everything Halloween.
At Party Hunterz, Powai.
Call: 9820600561

All spook in one
Get the classic Halloween costumes of the scary yet chic nurse, witches, devil, and even that of a feline. They have an on-the-spot make-up service, and props.
At: Wanna Party, Andheri; Goregaon
Log on to: wannaparty.in (to order online)