The local burlesque and cabaret hosts give some tips on acing your Halloween attire this year
If you’re struggling to know what to wear this Halloween, relax: dressing up doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive (unless you want it to be!). But the best thing to do is to start as early as possible – themes like this always result in the shops selling out of costume items, and it’s always nice to have a bit of choice!
Luckily Cambridge has several costume suppliers, so you have plenty of choice. You can cover your bases with a few simple items:
FACE PAINT
Go for black and white; they’re the essentials, and together they cover you for the simplest of looks like a skull; add red for blood or a more demonic look.
The most popular brand is water-based Snazaroo – but you’ll also want a brush and sponge, and possibly an artistic friend! Typically girls do better with face paint because of all their experience with make-up. There are lots of great videos online to help you too.
Be careful applying anything directly to your skin though – try a small amount on your wrist first to check for allergies.
A CLOAK OR LAB COAT?
Nothing is more dramatic than a good cloak. They’re also really easy to put together if you have a sewing machine, or you can look for something that will give the same effect.
University gowns and a black kimono both work really well. Alternatively, go down the mad scientist/doctor route with a white lab coat which can be stained to give that ‘mad’ look. The really great thing about these is the amount of coverage you get on your costume with a single item.
GOGGLES OR MASKS?
Immortalised by the steampunk scene, goggles are a great way to break up the shape of your face and give a more mysterious look. Watch out for them steaming up in a hot club though. Alternatively, a good quality mask can be trotted out for masquerades, balls or even magical themed events – it’s a really useful standby.
Hopefully this has provided some inspiration to get you started with your costume. Have fun, and remember, when it comes to dressing up, there is no such thing as going too far!
At the Neon Moon Burlesque and Cabaret Club, our guests always dress for the event. Check our website for upcoming events at Halloween, Christmas and New Year as well as more specialist dressing-up advice.
HALLOWEEN BALL
Step into the dazzlingly decadent world of the Neon Moon Club for their famed Grand Halloween Ball on Saturday 29 October. Always a hugely popular event, this glittering and ghoulish shindig sees the Guildhall transformed into a sumptuous playground filled with thrills, from the captivating world-class burlesque performances to the exquisite cocktails and raucous dancing. Dress to impress and simply let your imagination fly with your outfit…
Tickets are £30.50 each and can be booked via the Cambridge Live website.
