It is the (second) most wonderful time of the year: Halloween. Whether you’re searching for a DIY-project or a last-minute costume, look no further. Here are five easy costumes inspired by artists’ self-portraits using things that you might already have in your closet!
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Frida Kahlo, Self-Portrait With Monkey, 1938.
Arguably the most iconic unibrow in the history of civilization, the only requirement for this costume inspired by Frida is an eyebrow pencil. For Self-Portrait With Monkey specifically, add a monkey and some green hairspray for extra credit.
Frida is perhaps the most versatile costume on this list, with a plethora of varied self-portraits to suit your every need. For those who are not keen on hairspray, try braiding in some lavender ribbon instead for Frida in Fulang-Chang and I. Not enough hair to form a braid? Go for Frida's Cropped Hair look instead. Of you’re looking for a two-person costume, grab a friend for The Two Fridas or Frieda and Diego Rivera
Elisabeth Louise Vigee-LeBrun, Self-Portrait with A Straw Hat, 1782
Elisabeth Louise Vigee-LeBrun, known for her portraits of Marie Antoinette, is perfect for hat lovers in a warmer climate or those looking for a DIY project. Decorate a straw hat with flowers and a feather, and pair it with a pink dress and artist's palette.
Rembrandt, Self-Portrait with Two Circles, 1665-9.
If berets (or warmth) are more your thing, go for one of Rembrandt’s self-portraits. For Self-Portrait (1630), go for a black beret or a taupe beret for his other Self-Portrait. If you are not prohibited by reduced arm capacity, go for a white beret and an artist’s palette for Self-Portrait with Two Circles. Pair with a large coat, white shirt, and a brown or burgundy apron.
Vincent Van Gogh, Self-Portrait with a Bandaged Ear, 1889
If you’re looking for an excuse to show off your favorite hat, Van Gogh is the artist for you. Pair your ushanka (or a fuzzy earflap hat) with some bandages for Portrait with a Bandaged Ear. Or dust off your gray felt hat for Self-Portrait with a Grey Felt Hat, alternatively your dark felt hat paired with an easel and artist's palette is the spitting image for Self-Portrait as a Pianter.
If you’d like an extra prop (or an idea of how to decorate your trick-or-treating vessel), we recommend carrying around some sunflowers.
Anthony Van Dyck, Self-Portrait with a Sunflower, 1632.
For the sunflower enthusiasts out there who do not enjoy hats, consider going as van Dyck from Self-Portrait with a Sunflower. A fake mustache is mandatory if you can't grow your own. Finish off the look with a red turtleneck shirt and a crossbody bag with a golden chain.
Looking for more low-budget, last-minute Halloween costumes? Check out Halloween Costumes that Are Basically a Bedsheet and Art History Costumes for Lazy People.
Sr. Contributor
I already have my costume, but these are a great idea for next year!