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Halloween-Inspired Looks That Work All Year

Woman with gothic look. Here are some Halloween-inspired looks that work all year long.

Getty Images / Ekaterina Guseva

Sure, some so-called gothic looks are perfect for the spooky season, but some of these darker, Halloween-inspired trends can be sported all year. I, for one, have always liked wearing black nail polish. I remember, when I first started to wear black nail polish, a lot of people would say to me, "Why are you wearing black nail polish? It's that just for Halloween?" But, now, black nail polish is very common and considered a sophisticated look. I'll just pretend that I started the crazy. So, here are some Halloween-inspired looks that work all year long.

Halloween-Inspired Looks for Every Season

Black or Very Dark Red Lipstick

Black lipstick is everything on Halloween. Also, very dark, red lipstick can be a perfect compliment to a vampire costume. But, black and very dark lipstick is actually a very cute look that can work year-round. I personally think it looks trendy and lovely to wear black or dark lipstick on a date night. It's definitely a nighttime look that can light up a nightclub, too.

Sweaters or Other Clothing with Skulls

Skulls aren't just for Halloween. Skulls have worked their way into a lot of fashion pieces. All it takes is a simple search online to find lots of skull-infused sweaters, socks and other clothing, and they're cute for the entire fall and winter season. I have a Halloween-inspired skull sweater that's super cozy, and I love wearing it whenever it's cold out.

Dark, Smoky Eyes

Classic, gothic makeup is very common around Halloween, but it's also setting a trend for a year-round look. "Dark, smoky eyes" are "a trademark, achieved through the use of heavy black eyeliner, dark eyeshadows, and sometimes exaggerated winged eyeliner," notes The History of Gothic Makeup, in a new article published the beginning of 2024. "Lips were often painted in deep, vampy shades like black, burgundy, or deep purple, adding a dramatic contrast to the pale face."

Retro Goth Makeup

Retro makeup is popular around Halloween, but it's such a great look for any season. Pop Sugar notes that if you're a "lover of a good vintage goth makeup look" to keep things "simple with a subtle winged liner as well as a bold lip. Allow the rest of your look (hair, nails, or even clothing), to bring the look home." Contact me with your favorite Halloween-inspired looks that work for you year-round. Let's embrace the season and find some trends to love a lot longer.

Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.