I adore Halloween, but there is something about it that totally bugs me: When people don't make an effort with their costume. I mean, why not take the opportunity to get creative? If you're rubbish at crafting, you can even update your cat costume to flaunt up-cycled Halloween attire that you might already have.
IMO, the cat costume can be the most boring of them all, especially if you take a leaf out of Mean Girls' Karen's book, which means that your outfit will consist of a pretty dress and an animal ear headband. No. Just no. This is the one night when you can go all out and have fun playing dress up by wearing a fabulously outrageous costume and not get any weird looks along the way. So you better step it up a notch and at least do a Gretchen Wieners, pairing your cat ears with a PVC catsuit.
Now, I'm not talking Ariana Grande's simple cat costume — although she does look great in it — or even Halle Berry's overly sexualized Catwoman outfit. I'm talking a feline costume influenced by fashion icons and trends and an outfit that wouldn't be out of place among Katy Perry's Prismatic Tour costumes.
Here are a number of ways that you can update your cat costume in time for Halloween.
1. The Theatrical Cat
Back in 2013, Cara Delevingne mimed Shania Twain's "That Don't Impress Me Much" for LOVE Magazine while dressed in a fabulously stylish Catwoman ensemble. During the video, she was seen stroking a cute kitty like an evil James Bond villainess. An outfit inspired by Ms. Delevingne's sultry, dramatic look would be great for a Halloween ball or a trip to the theater to watch a performance of Dracula. If you have a formal event to attend this Halloween, here's how to update your cat outfit.
First, pick a black maxi dress with feminine accents such as this gown with floral appliqué.
Ashley Roberts For Key Collections Serenity Maxi Dress, $135, ASOS
This stunning sequined maxi with a thigh high slit is sure to steal the show.
Plus Zoe Sequin Top Front Split Maxi Dress, $44, Boohoo
Pair your maxi with a dramatic, feline eye mask that is reminiscent of a masquerade ball.
Halloween Black Lace Mask, $5, Claires
Choose a seductive, red lipstick like Cara Delevingne's to draw attention to your pout.
Lip Color In "Crimson Noir," $52, Tom Ford
Keep your look theatrical with opera length black satin gloves.
Women's 22 Inch Classic Long Opera Length Satin Gloves Black, $2.61, Amazon
Complete your polished, femme fatale look with a striking, scarlet lip clutch bag.
Red Perspex Lips Clutch, $390, Luluguinness
2. The Bondage Grunge Kitten
This look takes inspiration from Enid Coleslaw's '90s grunge style, the bondage-like outfits of Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman, and Taylor Swift's girl squad in the "Bad Blood" video. This updated version of the cat costume would be great to wear to a house party. Better yet, why not throw your own Halloween house party this year?
Get major Tim Burton's Catwoman vibes in this creepy cat mask.
Catwoman Batman Deluxe, $24, Etsy
Get a little slinky in this zip-front crop top.
Raise Hell Zip Crop, $56, Black Milk Clothing
This feminine peplum top is given a hard edge with a metallic accent.
Plus Leanne Plunge Neck Belted Peplum Top, $26, Boohoo
Look like a sleek cat burglar in these PVC panel leggings.
Spartans Black PVC Leggings, $72, Black Milk Clothing
Unleash your inner dominatrix in these bondage-esque plus size pants.
Tripp Black PU Lace-Up Pants Plus Size, $108, Hot Topic
Add majorly spooky Lady Gaga in American Horror Story: Hotel vibes to your look. It is a Halloween costume, after all!
One Custom Stainless Steel Cat Claw, $14, Etsy
3. The Kooky Kitty
Make like Katy Perry and wear a super kooky style cat costume this Halloween, because who says you have to stick to the traditional black cat look?
Stand out in style wearing this electric, neon, leopard print catsuit that is available in sizes Small to XL.
Wild Panther Catsuit, $90, fj swim
Keep color coordinated by wearing this quirky, neon, cat ear hat.
Bright Neon Spotted Fleece Cat Hat, $10, Etsy
If you're not so great at makeup or you're just looking for a lazy girl hack, look no further than this leopard face tattoo.
Halloween Leopard Sticker Face Tattoo, $5, Claires
Match your nails to your costume with these totally wild false nails.
Matte Neon Animal Print False Nails, $5, Claires
Add a sassy streak to your outfit with these edgy leopard print heels.
ASOS Prompt Pointed High Heels, $69, ASOS
4. The Pinup Feline Fatale
Pinup fashion is in vogue right now, so why not apply this style to your cat costume? My friend and I dressed as retro inspired felines for a Halloween concert with our vintage girl band. This is a sophisticated look purr-fect for any aspiring femme fatales.
Start with a black bodysuit. A lacy style instantly adds a vintage vibe to your look.
Mia Lace Contrast Turtle Neck Body, $26, Boohoo
Even cats can be foxy, as proven by this bodysuit that draws attention to the cleavage.
Plus Macy Strappy Front Bodysuit, $20, Boohoo
Clip-on cat ears are the way to go so that you can place them around your vintage inspired victory rolls.
Black Cat Ear Clip, $6, Etsy
Inject a boudoir feel into your look by wearing a lacy choker.
Black Roses and Lace Choker Necklace, $5, Claires
Sparkly false eyelashes will give your vintage outfit some much needed va-va-voom!
Eylure Party Sparkled False Lashes, $5, Claires
Diamonds are a girl's best friend, so take style notes from Marilyn and shine this Halloween in crystal embellished tights.
Black Crystal Back Seam Fishnet Stockings, $10, Amazon
Finish off your look with some darling lace gloves, and don't forget to wear a scarlet nail polish.
Black Lace Gloves, $25, Etsy
5. The Celebrity Cat Look
After seeing Dee Koppang's charming Choupette outfit, I realized that (as far as I'm aware) nobody has dressed up as celebrity cat of the moment Olivia Benson. Isn't that a crime? Take style notes from Ms. Koppang and make your own collar to accompany your outfit.
Form the basis of your look around this darling white cat cosplay set.
White Cosplay Cat Set with Ears, Tail & Bell Collar, $43, Etsy
Olivia is only a young cat, so she would probably like to wear something fun and youthful such as a white, velvet dress.
Minimalist White Velvet Dress, $115, Etsy
On the other hand, she is a pretty kitty so she'd most likely approve of this traditionally feminine plus size frock.
Women's Sleeveless Lace Fit Flare Sweat Heart Bow Dress (Plus Size), $39, Amazon
A delectable, fluffy shoe would be right up Ms. Benson's street.
Handmade White Marabou Boa Slippers, $42.99, etsy.com
Carry your catnip in a cute Olivia lookalike purse.
Cat Face Purse, $3, Amazon
Add a touch of class to your look with a fluffy stole.
New Look Mongolian Fur Stole, $37, ASOS
You'll be purring in content this Halloween when you turn the traditional cat costume on its tail.
Want more Halloween fun? Check out the video below, and be sure to subscribe to Bustle’s YouTube page for more inspo!
Images: Moonstone Photographic/Phoebe Waller (2); Courtesy Brands; Purr by Katy Perry; Giphy (3)
