Joe A to Zee: Halloween

The Cleopatra

From ELLE

October 31: Glamour-puss Liz Taylor embodied her, and rumor has it Angelina will be next. In fact, I don’t think there’s a woman out there who doesn’t fantasize about being the Queen of the Nile—the jewels! Mark Antony!—for one night, at least.

The Cleopatra Update

How I’d Style It for Everyday: This is an easy fix. I took my inspiration from Michael Kors, whose runway always hints at the decadence of the ’70s. After all, didn’t Studio 54 offer the same debauchery as the wild Egyptian times? (They shared a taste for outré eyeliner, at least.) I love the shine of gold lamé for day and the pleated fullness of the skirt; cutting it to knee length and pairing it with a sumptuous multi-ply cashmere sweater is the perfect example of modern chic.

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The Carmen Miranda

October 31: Is there anything more campy than wearing plastic fruit on your head? Tonight, shake your maracas as Carmen (or Charo), then use every other day to channel her fun sexiness.

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The Carmen Miranda Update

How I’d Style It for Everyday: I went for cruise chic—the colorful, frilly bra top peeking out from under a boyfriend button-down, worn with a long skirt. Does anyone actually lounge by a pool in full regalia, you’re wondering? My answer is, if you dress for it, you never know what could happen. At the very least, you’re set for next summer’s beach party/clambake/heat wave.

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The Pirate Wench Update

How I’d Style It for Everyday: The other 364 days a year, I’m not a big fan of the peasant top—it’s just sloppy. And boho chic is so done. But when it’s worn with tailoring and jeans à la Chanel, it becomes something else altogether: the perfect daytime uniform.

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Krueger

October 31: Forgoing the typical “sexy” characters? Bravo. This menswear-inspired Elm Street look is shockingly on trend.

Krueger Update

How I’d Style It for Everyday: This time, I was inspired by the cool street chic of Parisian designer Isabel Marant. Which selfrespecting French girl—or wannabe—doesn’t adore a standby striped top? In this case, I neutralized the shirt’s masculinity by slimming down the body and slashing off the sleeves to create a summer tank—all easily accomplished with the help of a seamstress at the local dry cleaner.

The Sock Hopper

October 31: Bad Sandy is a no-brainer on the one day of the year when everyone’s unleashing their inner vixen. But while Good Sandy may not be the most popular option—choosing to be dowdy is a tough sell—it’s available at any thrift shop and infinitely easier than squeezing into a black spandex catsuit.

The Sock Hopper Update

How I’d Style It for Everyday: It may have been de rigeur for every priss 50 years ago, but the poodle skirt/sweater set look screams librarian. Take a cue from Gossip Girl: Shrink the skirt, then add a modern knit and a skinny belt.

The Witch

October 31: These days, the witch looks like someone who might be more suited to dancing onstage (ahem) than taunting Snow White with an apple. This witch may not have warts, but at least she’s still equipped with the broomstick and pointy hat.

The Witch Update

How I’d Style It for Everyday: After I ditched the theatrical add-ons, this was an easy fix: I incorporated the black bustier as a peek-a-boo layering piece under the always sexy LBD. But if your witch is a little more classic, use your imagination: hem the dress short and cinch it with an eye-catching belt. At least it’s already black.

See the Full Joe A to Zee Halloween Gallery on ELLE.com