How To Dress Up Like These Iconic Women Of Horror

(Photo: Getty)
(Photo: Getty)

We’re suckers for vintage style, so with Halloween around the corner, we figured there’s no better time to look back at some of the horror genre’s most iconic leading ladies.

From the campy Vampira to the alien-fighting Ellen Ripley and, of course, Morticia Addams, these ladies have no doubt left their mark on the world of horror films and TV. And lucky for us, the bulk of their most notable looks are easy to put together with things you probably already have in your closet or at the local department or thrift store.

Some of their ensembles wouldn’t be complete without specific hairdos, like the Bride of Frankenstein’s curly bouffant, so depending on your hair and styling level, a wig might be essential. Add some red lipstick, coffin nails and the right accessories, and you’ll be good to go.

Scroll through to see our favorite spooky ladies and find out how to replicate their looks yourself:

Vampira

Vampira, the campy 1950s TV personality played by Maila Nurmi, has been dubbed the "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1593765436/boingboing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">dark goddess of horror</a>." Her look was one part Bettie Page, one part Morticia Addams and one part gothic '50s housewife. To recreate her style, you'll need a fitted black dress, some red lipstick, some extra-long red nails and severely arched brows. To finish everything off, wrap a chunky belt around your waist.

What To Wear:

<strong><a href="https://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/lady-love-song-sheath-dress-in-black/106348.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Modcloth Lady Love dress</a>, $85; <a href="https://www.unique-vintage.com/products/hell-bunny-1950s-style-black-patent-leather-kailey-belt" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hell Bunny 1950s style belt</a>, $18; <a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/mattemoiselle-plush-matte-lipstick-P45874456" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Fenty Mattemoiselle matte lipstick in Griselda</a>, $18; <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/529713720/sexy-red-coffin-stiletto-square-oval" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Red coffin nails</a>, $12 and up</strong>

Bride Of Frankenstein

To achieve this spooky look, you'll need a white dress -- caftan styles are best, but you can definitely wear a white maxi dress and add a costume cape -- some gloves, which you can decorate with tissue to mimic wrapped bandages, and a bold red lip. Depending on what type of hair you have, you can top everything off with a wig, or tease your own locks to epic heights. And don't forget the iconic white stripe on either side of the bouffant that truly topped off Elsa Lanchester's memorable look.

What To Wear:

<strong><a href="https://blockbustercostumes.com/products/adults-deluxe-white-elbow-length-nylon-gloves.html?CAGPSPN=pla&amp;CAAGID=44328011715&amp;CATCI=pla-325999585365&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwsMDeBRDMARIsAKrOP7GyAP9xRbhb1NTUAny1UxCTKGrmD6IfMGdj7Ior4Xws5F86GEhfrJ4aAl0bEALw_wcB" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">White elbow length gloves</a>, $3.99; <a href="https://www.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/donna-karan-crepe-caftan?ID=2896174&amp;CategoryID=2910#fn=ppp%3Dundefined%26sp%3DNULL%26rId%3DNULL%26spc%3D1%26cm_kws%3Ddonna%20karan%20crepe%20caftan%26spp%3D1%26pn%3D1%7C1%7C1%7C1%26rsid%3Dundefined%26smp%3DallMultiMatchWithSpelling" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Donna Karan crepe kaftan</a>, $35.10; <a href="https://www.maccosmetics.com/product/13854/52593/products/makeup/lips/lipstick/retro-matte-lipstick#/shade/Ruby_Woo" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MAC Ruby Woo</a>, $18.50</strong>

Morticia Addams

Morticia Addams, as portrayed by Carolyn Jones, is perhaps one of the most elegant spooky ladies we've seen on screen. Her long black tresses paired with her fitted black dress and blood red nails made for a classic look that's easy to DIY. Add some gothic-style rings for a more embellished appearance, and you're good to go.
Morticia Addams, as portrayed by Carolyn Jones, is perhaps one of the most elegant spooky ladies we've seen on screen. Her long black tresses paired with her fitted black dress and blood red nails made for a classic look that's easy to DIY. Add some gothic-style rings for a more embellished appearance, and you're good to go.

What To Wear:

<strong><a href="https://www.target.com/p/essie-174-nail-polish/-/A-53827187" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Essie Russian Roulette nail polish</a>, $8.99; <a href="https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0667514001.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Gothic-inspired ring set</a>, $9.99; <a href="https://www.withchic.com/black-wrap-front-plunge-long-sleeve-split-maxi-dress/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Black wrap front dress</a>, $18.99</strong>

Lily Munster

Lily Munster was the matriarch of TV's fictional Munster family. To get the look made famous by Yvonne De Carlo, you'll need a long pale pink or white dress, preferably with flowy sleeves, and a bold, gothic-inspired pendant necklace. For Munster's hair, get yourself a long black wig with white streaks or, if your hair is already long and dark, get some <a href="https://www.partycity.com/white-hair-spray-182046.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">white hair spray</a> and add them yourself. Add a rope or ribbon belt and bold red lip, and you're set.<strong>&nbsp;</strong>

What To Wear:

<strong><a href="https://www.walgreens.com/store/c/rimmel-lasting-finish-by-kate-moss-lipstick/ID=prod6100998-product?skuId=sku6156625" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rimmel Lasting Finish lipstick in 111</a>, $5.99; <a href="https://us.romwe.com/Tassel-Skinny-Belt-p-292646-cat-698.html?recommend=Customers_Also_Viewed" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Romwe tassel belt</a>, $2.59; <a href="https://www.lulus.com/products/wondrous-water-lilies-blush-pink-maxi-dress/371212.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Pink maxi dress</a>, $47;&nbsp;<a href="http://us.topshop.com/en/tsus/product/bags-accessories-7594012/jewelry-70524/mega-geometric-pendant-necklace-8038443" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Geometric pendant necklace</a>, $28</strong>

Agent Ripley

Agent Ripley, played by Sigourney Weaver, is one of the most badass women in the sci-fi/horror genre. To get her look -- this specific ensemble is from the first film in the "Alien" series -- you'll need coveralls, a white tank top and some sneakers.
Agent Ripley, played by Sigourney Weaver, is one of the most badass women in the sci-fi/horror genre. To get her look -- this specific ensemble is from the first film in the "Alien" series -- you'll need coveralls, a white tank top and some sneakers.

What To Wear:

<strong><a href="https://www.nike.com/t/converse-chuck-taylor-all-star-high-top-unisex-shoe-xX439O" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers</a>, $55; <a href="https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0500133008.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">H&amp;M white tank top</a>, $TK; <a href="https://www.dickies.com/coveralls-overalls/basic-blended-coveralls/48611.html?dwvar_48611_color=DN#sz=24&amp;start=2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dickies coveralls</a>, $34.99</strong>

Melanie Daniels

Melanie Daniels, the lead character in Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds," was Tippi Hedren's most famous role. The key to her look is the matching dress and jacket set, but as long as you find pieces in similar colors, you can definitely make it work. Just make sure to embellish your outfit with some fake black birds and people will know exactly who you are. (If they don't, tell them to brush up on their film history.)

What To Wear:

<strong><a href="https://www.jcrew.com/us/p/womens_category/dressesandjumpsuits/sheathdress/mockneck-sheath-dress-in-stretch-ponte/J8008" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">J.Crew mockneck sheath dress</a>, $128; <a href="https://www.amazon.com/HyBrid-Company-Womens-Casual-Office/dp/B01M0IJ2G3/ref=sr_1_5?th=1&amp;psc=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hybrid and Company blazer</a>, $13.99 - $23.99; <a href="https://www.macys.com/shop/product/charter-club-gold-tone-imitation-pearl-collar-necklace-created-for-macys" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Faux pearl necklace</a>, $15.90; <a href="https://www.partycity.com/black-raven-392834.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Fake raven</a>, $1.99</strong>

Rosemary Woodhouse

Mia Farrow's most iconic role is hands down Rosemary Woodhouse in "Rosemary's Baby." To get the look, all you really need is a nightgown (preferably light blue). For some extra touches, carry around a toy knife (to ward off the demonic cult members) and a pair of slippers.&nbsp;
Mia Farrow's most iconic role is hands down Rosemary Woodhouse in "Rosemary's Baby." To get the look, all you really need is a nightgown (preferably light blue). For some extra touches, carry around a toy knife (to ward off the demonic cult members) and a pair of slippers. 

What To Wear:

<strong><a href="https://www.potterybarn.com/products/cozy-fur-slippers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Pottery Barn slippers</a>, $20; <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rubber-Johnnies-Kitchen-Realistic-Halloween/dp/B071FH9ZS3/ref=sr_1_3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rubber toy knife</a>, $14.97; <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ekouaer-Victorian-Nightgown-Button-up-Sleepwear/dp/B07H2Q99VR/ref=sr_1_28" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ekouaer blue nightgown</a>, $28.99</strong>

Carrie White

The hallmark of Carrie's most recognizable look is definitely her pale pink satin prom dress. Hers was homemade, but you can surely find something similar at a thrift store or department store. Cover yourself in fake blood, and you've got down the look that propelled Sissy Spacek to stardom.
The hallmark of Carrie's most recognizable look is definitely her pale pink satin prom dress. Hers was homemade, but you can surely find something similar at a thrift store or department store. Cover yourself in fake blood, and you've got down the look that propelled Sissy Spacek to stardom.

What To Wear:

<strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Forum-Novelties-65368-Supplies-Gallon/dp/B008UYXCWG/ref=asc_df_B008UYXCWG/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Fake blood</a>, $15.21; <a href="https://www.partycity.com/princess-tiara-175762.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Plastic princess tiara</a>, $6.99; <a href="https://www.prettylittlething.us/rose-strappy-plunge-satin-slip-maxi-dress.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Pink satin slip dress</a>, $38</strong>

Wendy Torrance

Shelley Duvall's performance as Wendy Torrance in "The Shining" -- especially in the climactic final scenes -- is unforgettable. Her final outfit consisted of an overall dress paired with a turtleneck, flannel shirt and a blue robe.
Shelley Duvall's performance as Wendy Torrance in "The Shining" -- especially in the climactic final scenes -- is unforgettable. Her final outfit consisted of an overall dress paired with a turtleneck, flannel shirt and a blue robe.

What To Wear:

<strong><a href="https://us.shein.com/Bib-Pocket-Front-Overall-Dress-p-417030-cat-1727.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Overall dress</a>, $11; <a href="https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/women-flannel-checked-long-sleeve-shirt-412648COL58SMB005000.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Uniqlo flannel shirt</a>, $29.90; <a href="https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/women-extra-fine-merino-ribbed-turtleneck-sweater-408716.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Uniqlo turtleneck sweater</a>, $29.90; <a href="https://www.amazon.com/TowelSelections-Womens-Turkish-Cotton-Bathrobe/dp/B07HK4K3LT/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_193_bs_t_1?th=1&amp;psc=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Towel Selections robe</a>, $34.95</strong>

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