⏱️ 11min read

Because sometimes the difference between “I’m wearing a black dress” and “I am clearly Catwoman” is approximately one pair of ears.

You've found the costume.

You've sorted out what's happening underneath it.

You've survived the shoes.

And you've performed enough sit, bend, walk and bathroom tests to qualify for some form of Halloween accreditation.

Now comes the really fun part:

Accessories.

The ears. The gloves. The stockings. The hat. The tie. The cuffs. The jewellery. The glasses. The belt. The bag. The one ridiculous prop you absolutely did not need but somehow completes the entire outfit.

Accessories are where a Halloween costume stops looking like something you pulled from a packet and starts looking like your version of the character.

And after styling ten costumes at Lube Lady HQ, we've learned something important:

You don't necessarily need more accessories.

You need the right ones.

So before you attach seven props to your body and lose circulation to your left wrist, let's accessorise properly.

Start With the Costume Clues

Every recognisable costume has a handful of visual clues that tell people what they're looking at.

Catwoman?

Black. Ears. Mask. Gloves.

French Maid?

Black and white. Lace. Headpiece. Stockings.

Flight Attendant?

Hat. Scarf. Wings-style badge.

Police?

Hat. Badge-style detail. Belt. Aviators.

Bunny?

Ears. Tail. Cuffs. Hosiery.

You don't need every accessory associated with the costume.

Usually two or three strong clues are enough.

That's particularly useful if you're creating a costume from clothes you already own.

A fitted black outfit on its own might simply be a fitted black outfit.

Add cat ears, a sleek eye mask and gloves?

Meow. We have a situation.

😂

The Rule of Three

This might be my favourite Halloween accessory rule.

Choose approximately three hero details.

For example:

Bunny: ears + tail + cuffs.

Flight Attendant: hat + scarf + badge.

Schoolgirl: tie + hosiery + hair accessory.

French Maid: headpiece + stockings + cuffs.

Police: hat + belt + aviators.

You can absolutely wear more than three accessories, but deciding which three are doing the heavy lifting stops the costume becoming visual chaos.

Because there is a point where accessories stop supporting the costume and begin staging a coup.

Start at the Top: Hats, Ears & Headpieces

Headwear is one of the easiest ways to establish a character instantly.

Bunny ears can transform a bodysuit.

Cat ears can transform almost anything black.

A pillbox-style hat immediately helps sell Flight Attendant.

A structured cap works for Police.

A lace headpiece finishes French Maid.

Hair bows, ribbons and headbands can support Schoolgirl styling.

The secret is making sure the thing actually stays on your head.

That sounds obvious.

Halloween suggests otherwise.

Bobby Pins Are Tiny Heroes

If your hat or headpiece is lightweight, use bobby pins, clips or discreet elastic where appropriate.

Test it while moving.

Shake your head.

Dance.

Lean forward.

If your police hat launches itself across the bedroom during testing, it will not magically develop better behaviour at the party.

And if you're wearing ears?

Check their pressure after half an hour.

A headband that's adorable for eight minutes can become a medieval torture device by midnight.

Masks: Mysterious Until You Walk Into Furniture

Masks can completely change an outfit.

Catwoman.

Masquerade looks.

Superheroes.

Gothic costumes.

They're fabulous.

But check three things:

Can you see?

Can you breathe comfortably?

Will it stay put?

Your peripheral vision matters, particularly in busy venues, around stairs or while walking outside.

Also check whether the mask interferes with your makeup or presses painfully around your nose and temples.

Sexy and mysterious?

Excellent.

Walking directly into a decorative plant?

Less commanding.

😂

Hosiery Is Basically an Accessory Department of Its Own

We have discussed stockings so often during this series that they should probably be paying rent.

But that's because hosiery can completely change a costume.

Fishnets

Fantastic with Police, French Maid, Catwoman, punk-inspired Schoolgirl looks and plenty of general Halloween outfits.

They add texture without needing another colour.

Sheer Stockings

A more polished option for Nurse, Flight Attendant, Bunny, Boss Girl and retro-inspired costumes.

Thigh-Highs

They can become a deliberate feature rather than something hidden beneath the outfit.

Tights

Useful when you want a little more coverage or security, particularly under shorter costumes.

Patterned Hosiery

Spiderwebs, seams, dots and other patterns can turn a very simple outfit into something obviously Halloween.

But if the costume already contains lots of patterns?

Be careful.

Plaid skirts + patterned tights + elaborate boots + patterned accessories can become very busy very quickly.

Sometimes plain black hosiery is the accessory equivalent of saying:

Everybody settle down.

😂

Gloves: Surprisingly Powerful

Gloves are one of those accessories people forget until they see the finished outfit.

Long black gloves can make Catwoman feel sleeker.

White or lace cuffs can finish French Maid.

Driving-style gloves work beautifully with Rally Girl.

Satin gloves can add vintage glamour.

Fingerless gloves can push a costume towards punk, gothic or motorsport styling.

And gloves have another useful trick:

They make inexpensive costumes look more intentional.

Just make sure you can still operate your phone.

Because discovering Face ID has rejected your entire Halloween identity while you're wearing gloves, a mask and false eyelashes is a very modern kind of crisis.

Belts: Tiny Detail, Massive Difference

Never underestimate a belt.

A wide black belt can define a loose costume.

A utility-style belt strengthens Police or Catwoman.

A motorsport-style belt can sharpen Rally Girl.

A slim waist belt can make an inexpensive costume dress look considerably more structured.

And a belt gives you somewhere to attach lightweight costume accessories.

Keyword:

lightweight.

If you've attached handcuffs, keys, a pouch, a radio prop, a chain, three mystery objects and something that jingles every time you move...

You've stopped accessorising.

You're now carrying inventory.

😂

Glasses & Sunglasses: Instant Attitude

Aviators with Police?

Easy win.

Slim sunglasses with Rally Girl?

Excellent.

Fashion glasses with Boss Girl or Teacher?

They immediately shift the character.

Cat-eye frames can give a retro costume more personality.

But costume glasses don't need to stay on your face all evening.

Use them for the entrance.

Use them for photos.

Push them onto your head.

Pop them into your bag.

Accessories are allowed to have shifts.

They do not all need to work overtime.

Jewellery: Don't Forget the Outfit Already Has a Personality

Jewellery should support the costume rather than compete with it.

For Boss Girl, chunky gold jewellery can work beautifully with tailoring.

For Catwoman, sleek silver or minimal black pieces suit the sharper aesthetic.

Bunny can handle something playful or glamorous.

Flight Attendant works beautifully with small polished earrings and retro-inspired pieces.

French Maid often doesn't need much jewellery at all because lace, stockings, cuffs and headwear are already doing plenty.

One statement piece can often look more expensive than six unrelated ones.

And if you're wearing costume jewellery for several hours, check that heavy earrings aren't slowly attempting to remove your earlobes.

Bags: Because Apparently Women Still Need Somewhere to Put Things

Costume photographs rarely include handbags.

Real life does.

Phone.

Keys.

Lipstick.

Cards.

Emergency hosiery.

Maybe fashion tape.

Potentially half the contents of your bathroom cabinet.

You need somewhere to put it.

Choose a bag that works with the outfit where possible.

A little structured handbag for Boss Girl.

Mini satchel for Schoolgirl or Teacher.

Small black crossbody for Catwoman.

Retro handbag for Flight Attendant.

Compact clutch for Bunny or French Maid.

And remember:

A bag that leaves your hands free is extremely useful if your costume already involves props.

Sexy but able to locate your house keys remains an underrated aesthetic.

Props: One Is Usually Enough

This is where Halloween gets dangerous.

You see the costume.

Then you see the accessories.

Then suddenly you're holding twelve things.

Police handcuffs.

French Maid feather duster.

Teacher ruler.

Schoolgirl books.

Flight Attendant mini suitcase.

Rally Girl chequered the flag.

Boss Girl briefcase.

And somewhere along the way, you've become responsible for transporting an entire theatrical production.

😂

Choose one strong prop if the costume needs it.

Ideally, pick something:

Lightweight.

Easy to carry.

Easy to put down.

Not sharp.

Not realistic enough to cause concern.

Not likely to annoy everyone within a two-metre radius.

And check venue rules before bringing costume props, especially anything that could be mistaken for a weapon or restricted item.

A Halloween prop should make the costume better.

It should not result in a fascinating conversation with security.

The Shoes Are Accessories Too

We have learned things during this Halloween series.

Mostly about feet.

😂

Your shoes can completely change the same costume.

Mary Janes: Schoolgirl, retro looks, cute styling.

Loafers: Teacher, Schoolgirl, Boss Girl.

Pumps: Flight Attendant, Boss Girl, Police.

Platforms: Bunny, Y2K Schoolgirl, bolder costume looks.

Chunky boots: Catwoman, Police, punk styling.

Knee-high boots: Catwoman, Police, Rally Girl.

Trainers: Rally Girl and casual costume interpretations.

But here's the Lube Lady Halloween rule:

You need to be able to walk in them.

If you're determined to wear spectacular heels, consider bringing flats or another comfortable option if you'll be out for hours.

There is no prize for finishing Halloween barefoot on a Sydney footpath carrying your stilettos like two tiny instruments of betrayal.

Hair Accessories: Small Detail, Big Finish

Hair accessories are especially useful when you don't want to wear a full hat.

Try:

Ribbons.

Velvet bows.

Headbands.

Decorative clips.

Scrunchies.

Small veils.

Cat or bunny ears.

A scarf tied into the hair.

The accessory can repeat one colour from the costume and make the whole thing feel coordinated.

This is particularly useful for costumes you've built yourself rather than bought as a matching set.

Makeup Can Be an Accessory

Not everything needs to be attached to your body with elastic.

A dramatic cat-eye can become part of Catwoman.

A strong retro lip can finish Flight Attendant.

Graphic liner can push Rally Girl into a more fashion-led direction.

Smoky eyes can transform a punk or spooky Schoolgirl interpretation.

And Halloween gives you permission to experiment.

Glitter.

Metallics.

Gems.

Bolder lashes.

Darker lips.

Unexpected liner.

Just remember that products used around the eyes and lips should be intended for those areas, and skin adhesives or special-effects products should be used according to their instructions.

We want Halloween drama.

Not an unexpected dermatology subplot.

When the Accessories Get a Little Naughtier 👀

Well.

We are Lube Lady.

You knew we'd eventually arrive here.

😂

Some accessories work just as well for consensual adult role-play as they do for Halloween styling.

Stockings.

Garters.

Harness-inspired pieces.

Collars.

Cuffs designed for adult play.

Masks.

Lingerie accessories.

The important distinction is knowing whether something is costume jewellery/prop equipment or actually designed for intimate use.

Novelty costume handcuffs, for example, aren't automatically appropriate for restraint just because they resemble something intended for it.

If an accessory is going to become part of adult play, use products designed for that purpose, understand how they work, agree on boundaries and make sure everyone involved can stop comfortably.

Halloween costume first.

Optional second career later.

👀😂

Don't Let Accessories Attack the Costume

Before leaving home, check whether anything is:

Catching on lace.

Snagging hosiery.

Pulling your wig.

Rubbing your neck.

Digging into your skin.

Getting caught in your hair.

Damaging the costume fabric.

Clattering against everything you walk past.

A rhinestone bracelet may look fabulous until it attaches itself permanently to your fishnets.

A long necklace can disappear into a plunging costume.

A chain belt can catch delicate hosiery.

Velcro can destroy lace with the enthusiasm of a small chainsaw.

Accessories need compatibility too.

Who knew Halloween required this much project management?

The Accessory Edit: Take One Thing Off

You've dressed.

You've accessorised.

You're ready.

Now look in the mirror.

If everything is competing for attention, take one thing off.

Then look again.

Sometimes removing the necklace lets the neckline shine.

Removing one prop makes the costume cleaner.

Swapping patterned tights for plain hosiery lets the plaid skirt work.

Losing the enormous earrings lets the headpiece become the feature.

Sexy styling isn't necessarily about adding more.

Sometimes it's knowing when you're finished.

And yes, we appreciate the irony of Lube Lady telling anybody to practise restraint.

😂

The Lube Lady Halloween Accessory Cheat Sheet

After ten costume guides, we might as well put our qualifications to use.

Nurse: hosiery + headpiece + simple medical-inspired novelty prop.

French Maid: lace headpiece + stockings + cuffs.

Police: hat + aviators + belt.

Bunny: ears + tail + cuffs or collar.

Flight Attendant: pillbox-style hat + scarf + wings-style badge.

Rally Girl: sunglasses + gloves + motorsport-inspired cap or chequered detail.

Boss Girl: statement jewellery + glasses + structured handbag.

Catwoman: ears + mask + gloves.

Teacher: glasses + hosiery + one academic-inspired prop.

Adult Schoolgirl: tie + hosiery + hair accessory.

Notice something?

None of them requires fifteen accessories.

The character comes from choosing the right details, not wearing the entire costume shop.

The Final Accessory Test

Oh yes.

Another test.

At this point Lube Lady Halloween has more quality assurance than some airlines.

😂

Put everything on.

Costume.

Shoes.

Hosiery.

Jewellery.

Hat.

Ears.

Mask.

Gloves.

Bag.

Prop.

Then live in it for a little while.

Walk.

Sit.

Dance.

Use your phone.

Carry your drink.

Open your handbag.

Go to the bathroom.

Take photos.

Remove your jacket if you're wearing one.

Put it back on.

Ask yourself:

Can I comfortably wear all of this for several hours?

Then:

Is every accessory actually helping the costume?

If something hurts, falls off, catches constantly or needs adjusting every three minutes?

It has failed its audition.

Take it off.

The Little Details Make the Costume

A brilliant Halloween costume doesn't necessarily need to be expensive.

It doesn't need twenty accessories.

And it certainly doesn't need you carrying a feather duster, clipboard, handbag, handcuffs, fake telephone and three books around all night.

It needs a clear idea.

A few recognisable details.

And enough of your own personality to stop it looking like everybody else wearing the same costume packet.

Maybe that's Catwoman's ears.

Bunny's tail.

Flight Attendant's scarf.

French Maid's stockings.

Boss Girl's glasses.

Rally Girl's shades.

Or a pair of completely unnecessary hot-pink platforms that somebody at Lube Lady HQ has once again approved without consulting Finance.

💗😂

Choose the accessories that tell the story.

Make sure you can actually wear them.

Leave behind anything that's merely getting in the way.

And remember:

The costume gets you into character.

The accessories make the character yours. 🎃🖤💗