Better late than never.
RuPaul, Scorpio, drag superstar and wise sage once argued, “You’re born naked and the rest is drag…We are in reality, an extension of the power that created the whole universe. Can you handle it?”
Halloween asks us to peer into that power and create ourselves anew in costume. Here’s hoping Ru.
Halloween is nigh and worry not my babies, it’s not too late to trick or treat, troll for strange or bob for apples in style.
If you’re the last-minute sort, looking at you Pisces and Gemini, or cost-conscious, we see you Capricorn, we have a costume for you.
The following list is pop-culture inspired, tailored to the proclivities of each zodiac sign and with priority placed on DIY costumes that require little in the way of time, effort or cash monies.
ARIES (March 21 – April 19)
Rosie the Riveter
Aries is a cardinal sign with a can-do attitude and a war lord for a ruling planet. Enter Rosie the riveter, the face of an iconic recruitment campaign to get women involved in the wartime workforce.
To raise your own Rosie all you need is a rolled sleeve, a red bandana, and a slash of lipstick. Bonus points if you rock a pin that points to the gender wage gap.
Fight the good fight.
TAURUS (April 20 – May 20)
Eleven
While Eleven from “Stranger Things” is absolutely a Scorpio, her deep loyalty to her friends and willingness to self-sacrifice to ensure their survival also speaks to the highest expressions of the Taurus nature, plus the low maintenance costume of a bloody nose, dress, and blue jacket ensures bulls will stay warm while exerting minimal effort.
GEMINI (May 21 – June 20)
Olsen Twins
The Olsen twins are a pair of real live Geminis and they make for a cheap and easy DIY Halloween costume for those born under this sign.
Channel the twins in their early aughts glory with a sprinkle of bag lady chic, all you need is a pal, gratuitously large sunglasses, messy hair, venti-size Starbucks cups, questionable taste in romantic partners, and a general effect of bored/bothered rich person.
CANCER (June 21 – July 22)
“The Bachelorette”
Cancers love a love story even one that is dubiously designed to entertain an audience of millions and emotionally cripple its leading ladies. Nevertheless, fans, or critics of the show can easily channel it by putting on an evening gown and holding a hopeful rose.
This one translates easily to a group or couple costume. Double down on the fun by carrying a pillowcase emblazoned with the face of supervillain Clayton Echard or another suitor of your choice a la Gabby Windey.
LEO (July 23 – August 22)
Frances “Baby” Houseman
Nobody puts “Baby” in a corner or a Leo in the shadows.
Ruled by the sun, Leos and Baby are born to shine. Her iconic summer camp looks range from denim pedal pushers and a tied-up white shirt to a pink slip dress to a polka dot crop top set, some of which can easily be salvaged from a thrift store or a friend’s closet. Curl your hair and carry a watermelon and you’re set.
VIRGO (August 23 – September 22)
Freddie Mercury
All hail the king of Queen. Channel real-life Virgo Freddie Mercury with some wardrobe staples and a statement-making mustache. Add a studded belt and armband. Accessorize with a microphone and you are stage-ready and legend-worthy.
LIBRA (September 23 – October 22)
Sandy Olsson
Late, great, Libra Olivia Newton-John proved the power of pants and high hair when she turned a virginal Sandy into a black leather bombshell in “Grease.”
Fellow Libras can follow suit with little more than spandex, a teasing comb, an unlit cigarette, and a pair of red pumps. For further inspiration, see Gigi Hadid’s hot take on Sandra Dee.
SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21)
Medusa
The mythical character of Medusa, like the average Scorpio, is deeply misunderstood and oft-maligned. Medusa’s name derives from the Greek, “to guard” apropos for a sign that is fiercely protective of themselves and those they hold dear.
Medusa’s serpent hair also echoes Scorpio as snakes and their shed skins are synonymous with the eighth house of sex, death, and transformation, the celestial home base for this water sign. Find instructions for costume creation here.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 21)
Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski
There has never been a more Sagittarius-spirited stoner in all of cinema than Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski played by real-life archer and king of hearts, Jeff Bridges.
Paying your respects to the dude is as easy as donning a pair of slides, some gas station sunglasses, and a dingy bathrobe while keeping a White Russian at the ready.
CAPRICORN (December 22 – January 19)
“Risky Business”
Capricorn typically likes to wear the pants but for an easy and economical costume, don’t wear any. Capricorn is the ever-enterprising, hidden hedonist of the zodiac, and sea goats can support “Risky Business” and a young entrepreneur’s attempt to make it rich by peddling flesh.
Cue the Bob Seger, pull on the white socks and the wayfarers and dance your way to the cheapest, easiest Halloween ever.
AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18)
Jackson Pollock painting
Famed Aquarius painter, womanizer, and boozer Jackson Pollock revolutionized the art world with the vital originality of his action paintings.
Water bearers can pay homage to the man and the expressionist movement by throwing paint at white fabric, t-shirt, dress or otherwise with vigor. Best accessorized with a brush and a bourbon on the rocks.
PISCES (February 19 – March 20)
Pegasus
Pisces folk are right at home in the land of make-believe, where winged creatures take flight, weirdos rule, and whimsy reigns.
This DIY Pegasus unicorn comes together with little more than paper plates, straws, and tissue paper, items the average fish is likely to have on hand for minimal dinner clean up, binge drinking, and present wrapping. Pegasus was the daughter of Medusa so water signs can join easily tides for a Freudian couple costume or a cute parent/kid costume.
Astrology 101: Your guide to the star
- The 12 zodiac signs
- What are the astrology houses
- Here’s what each planet represents
- Sun, moon, and rising signs: Get to know your Big 3
Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and irreverently reports back on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture, and personal experience. To book a reading, visit her website.
