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Designer Halloween costumes fashionable and affordable

By Jasmin James

Published Sept. 24, 2010

Sometimes, when two conflicting fashion worlds come together, the results can be scary good. That's what happened this fall.

Simon Doonan is from one fashion world. Some of you might recognize Doonan as the stylish little British man who often contributes his somewhat ruthless opinions about various pop culture phenomenon on VH1's "I Love the 80s," "I Love the 90s," etc. Others might recognize him as the man who, in 1989, changed the face of window-shopping forever with his gallant, edgy window displays at Barneys New York.

Doonan has since become synonymous with forming new age constructs of modern fashion. His regular column featured in the New York Observer, "Simon Says," brings the real world a little bit closer to luxury and style. Simon is, in one word, marvelous. And he will always be one of the great pioneers of this obsession called fashion. This year, he continues to marvel us.

Target is from another fashion world. Target's reputation has been shaky lately. Some people think of it as the Wal-Mart for the more affluent America, which, before parent company Dayton Hudson sold luxury retailer Marshall Field's in 2004, could have very well been the case. Another contingent might think of Target as the launch pad for innovative fashion, featuring both rising and established designers at an amazing price. Alexander McQueen, Isaac Mizahri, Michael Graves, Zac Posen — they've all been there.

Either way, it's impossible to ignore the social staple Target represents and the tremendous value they wish to give consumers. Sure, you could by a $9 shirt from Wal-Mart, but will it be as trendy as a $9 shirt from Target? I'm afraid not.

So what happens when the Minneapolis-based retail chain — the second largest discount retailer in the world — and the face of Barneys New York unite? What about the most chic Halloween costumes ever? Doonan introduced a series of costumes for the entire family (even the family dog) that are just as fashionable as they are occasion-appropriate.

The line, which hit stores Sept. 12, had a variety of inspirations and features 14 signature costumes. The costumes range from spins on the traditional threads, such as diva witch and A-list celebrity, to more imaginative costumes such as giant candy corn (Candace Corn) and spaghetti. Perhaps the most obviously chic costume is the glamour ghost, a large sheet-like hooded dress with the words "trick or trend" stylishly printed on the front. Doonan's clever ideas are a twist on the popular and stylish interpretation of the fame-obsessed society we live in.

Halloween is probably the only day you can wear anything and essentially go crazy. Platforms, fishnets, pink wigs, body glitter — the whole nine yards. Anyone can throw in a Bumpit, bathe in tinted moisturizer, overdo the eye make-up and be Snookie for Halloween. But not just any girl can pull off a stylish plate of spaghetti or a glowing piece of candy corn.

On another note, if you're more interested in a less boisterous Halloween ensemble, Urban Outfitters Online carries a few trinkets, such as headbands, hats and glasses. If styled correctly, they can pass as the minimalist's perfect costume. My favorite? A headband with giant pink bunny ears.