Halloween is fast approaching, But eek, you've been caught outfit-less in the middle of costume party season!
Never fear, Playbill is here with a series of Broadway-bounding suggestions that you can put together with pieces from your wardrobe, or with a quick trip to the store that won't break the bank. Inspired by the Disney Bounding movement (when individuals dress in a style reminiscent of a Disney character but using regular clothes), we have four individual outfit recommendations, as well as a duo and a trio costume set, that are sure to win you top honors at your local theatre-themed Halloween haunt.
And once spooky season passes, you can always Broadway Bound for your next theatre trip, theme days during school spirit week, or even on any average day to channel some theatre fun.
Velma Kelly (Chicago)
This merry murderess is an instantly recognizable option for a dance-loving theatre fan. Put on your t-strap character shoes, some black stockings and fingerless gloves, and a black leotard with some fringe, and you're ready to paint the town! If you have long hair, you can pin it up into a faux bob, or pick up a blunt bang brown wig to complete the Movie Velma look, or just wear your hair naturally! Longtime Velma Amra-Faye Wright has rocked her own blonde pixie cut for years, and Lana Gordon wears her natural curls free and down: Velma is all about carrying herself with confidence, in whatever way works for you.
(Pictured: Leotard by CHICTRY, Garter Belt and Stockings by Unique Vintage, Gloves by Light In The Box, Heels by Minishion)
Lydia (Beetlejuice)
Lydia's closet is any goth teen's dream come true. So for a Lydia Broadway Bound, pair any black top with a sheer mesh neckline, a quirky tulle skirt on the bottom, and the most bulky, bold pair of combat boots you can find. But beware: people may shout "Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice!" as you pass by!
(Pictured: Shirt by Old Navy, Skirt by Unique Vintage, Boots by Jessica Simpson)
Christine Daaé (The Phantom of the Opera)
Whether you're heading to a music lesson or down into the Phantom's lair, emulating Christine's notorious white robe in a casual and modern way is surprisingly easy to do. For the robe, look for a long, semi-sheer white lace duster or cardigan (bonus points if it has trumpet sleeves). For a similar look to her bejeweled Hannibal bodice, which has a velvet base of maroon and emerald, look for a red or green dress with a bustier neckline. Complete the look with a pair of ballet flats as a nod to Christine's performance in the ballet portion of the Hannibal opera, and you'll be looking so much like Christine, you'll have to watch your back to make sure the Phantom isn't following you around! (...Unless you want him to.)
(Pictured: Dress by Cider, Robe by Lauren Conrad, Ballet Flats by Old Navy)
Veronica Sawyer (Heathers the Musical)
Heathers takes place in the '80s, and it brings forward an era of fashion that's always making a comeback. And the best part is it's super easy to create your own Veronica look. Look for a white collared shirt (ideally with a black bow around the neckline), a blue blazer and blue knee-highs to match, a plaid pleated skirt, bowler shoes, and of course, a red scrunchie. If you have a group of four, search for matching blazers and knee socks in red, yellow, and green to complete the squad!
(Pictured: Blazer by H&M, Skirt by Zara, Button Up by Zara, Scrunchie by Claires, Blue Socks by Uniqlo, Saddle Shoes by Unique Vintage)
Elphaba and Glinda (Wicked)
Everyone knows that one pair of best friends where one of them wears every piece of pink fabric they can find, while the other prefers wearing more dark, edgy options. If you are one half of that pair of friends, this is the combined Broadway Bound for you! To mimic Elphaba's school outfit specifically, pair a long, pleated dark blue skirt with a high-neck dark blue shirt, a dark blue blazer, and brown boots. See if you can find or DIY a dark blue crochet hat to complete the look! And if you're dressing up as Elphaba for Halloween, you can learn how to greenify yourself the same way they do on Broadway by watching this makeup tutorial from Mac cosmetics.
For Glinda, any sparkly, bubbly, bright pink party dress will do, plus pink heels as high as you can handle!
(Pictured for Elphaba: Blazer by Target, Turtleneck by Lands End, Skirt by Only Faith, Beanie by Domes, Boots by Rocket Dog)
(Pictured for Glinda: Dress by Forever21, Shoes by ASOS)
The Schuyler Sisters (Hamilton)
For a friend group of three, all you need are tops in coordinating colors to become Hamilton's Schuyler Sisters! Eliza wears blue-green, Angelica wears a peachy-orange, and Peggy wears a spring yellow: pair the tops with your favorite casual wear, and you're ready to look for other minds at work at any party (and if Peggy opts to wear a little red in her ensemble, well, Maria Reymolds certainly wouldn't mind).
(Pictured: Tops by Old Navy, Jeans by Old Navy, Sneakers by Nike)