Be inspired by these Nordic legends this spooky season
By the pricking of our thumbs, something spooky this way comes. September is drawing to a close and that means one thing: Halloween is nearly upon us. The time has come to start mulling over what costume to choose for this year. Should you be creepy, or a cultural icon? Are you going as a group or scaring solo this year? Is now the time to whip out those make-up skills you save only for this time of year? Well, whatever dark direction you choose, we firmly believe you will win best dressed should you take inspiration from these Scandi icons.
ABBA
If you're going as a group this year, this is an unsurpassed option. Everybody loves ABBA, or at least they should, and thankfully this is not a difficult costume to whip up. The difficulty comes in choosing which ABBA era will you be. We recommend echoing the Swedish quartet's appearance in Copenhagen in 1975 (with those cat-covered mini dresses!) If in doubt, however, you cannot go wrong with bell bottoms and platform boots.
Photo: Getty
Britt Ekland
Move aside Bond, James Bond, we’re here for the Bond Girl. If you’re in the mood to channel 007 we recommend you do so by throwing it back to Britt Ekland’s Mary Goodnight in the 1977 hit The Man with the Golden Gun. Get this Scandi beauty’s look with long blond locks, a camel '70s shirtdress – and an ability to completely up-end Bond’s plans. Those a bit braver and willing to risk the cold could even opt for Ekland’s iconic purple and blue Pucci bikini.
Photo: Getty
Neneh Cherry
The award for the most iconic music video (and song) of all time should go to Swedish singer Nenah Cherry. Cherry cemented her icon status in the video for her single 'Buffalo Stance' with her black and yellow bomber jacket, huge hoop earrings and a statement dollar sign pendant. With these pieces donned, you simply over-line your lips in a '90s brown shade, draw on dangerously thin eyebrows and dot on a beauty mark. From there, you can dance the night away, as any icon should.
Ingrid Bergman
“Here’s looking at you kid…” A line that could bring a tear to a grown man's eye is punctuated all the more by the beauty of Scandinavian Ingrid Bergman. Arguably one of the most famous starlets of all time, Bergman will always be remembered as the beautiful Ilsa Lund from Casablanca, with perfect pin curls and immaculate suiting. Dip into this '40s classic for Halloween by ransacking your favourite vintage store for that perfect skirt set, heat your tongs, and wear your sleekest fedora with a flirtatious tilt.
Björn Borg
The '70s gave us many things – Star Wars, Blondie and disco, to name a few – but we believe the best thing to come out of the decade was Björn Borg. Unmissable with his blonde locks tucked under a headband, this is a costume you have to try at least once. Channel Borg in white short-shorts, an awkwardly tight pin-striped tennis shirt and, of course, a tennis racket. Wear your headband low and your Scandinavian pride high as you sport this ensemble.
Photo: Getty
Greta Garbo
While the debate for thin eyebrows is teetering on a knife's edge in the beauty realm, take your opportunity to try out the trend by channelling the Swedish femme fatale, Greta Garbo. Synonymous with her thinner-than-thin arches, spidery eyelashes and Scandi melancholy, this is an easy and quick costume fix. Reach for a glue stick to smooth down and eliminate those brows (if in doubt, look to a drag queen tutorial) and pencil on Greta-esque arches. Use some ‘falsies’ to emulate her lashes and add an androgynous black and white suit. The final touch, however, is most important: an air of mystery.
Edvard Munch's 'The Scream'
Edvard Munch’s famous painting ‘The Scream’ is a Norwegian national treasure. The swirling sky and sea, this is a look you can whip out your hidden makeup skill for, bringing the panic, unease and melancholy of this priceless painting to your next Halloween party. And the beauty of this? Munch’s strokes are so intentionally imprecise that if you mess up, it is easy to cover: no need to be too meticulous with this one. Top it off with a black, long-sleeved dress and a surprised (or scared?) look on your face.
Anita Ekberg
You may not be anywhere near Rome's Trevi Fountain this Halloween, but nothing is stopping you from paying homage to Anita Ekberg’s iconic performance in La Dolce Vita. Use this as your excuse to wear a floor-length black gown with a thigh-high slit – how often does the occasion arise? Complete this look with long blonde curls and thick black eyeliner. Bonus points if you can find a body of water to saunter in. (If you manage this, however, we would recommend making your eyeliner waterproof.)
Brigitte Nielsen
Who could forget Karla Fry, the jewellery-store robber in Tony Scott’s Beverly Hills Cop II, brought to life by Dane Brigette Nielsen. We certainly can’t! Channel her in an unmistakably ‘80s all-white look this October with pieces you may already have in your arsenal. Opt for a trench coat with exaggerated shoulders (as we said, this is the ‘80s), tiny face-framing sunglasses, white leather gloves, a (fake) gun and a stunning red lip.
Thor
You don’t have to be a fan of Marvel to be a fan of Thor. The Norse God of lightning and thunder, the son of Odin will always be on our Halloween shortlist. For a costume that will bring a spark to the party, you’ll need long blonde locks, preferably a braid-able beard (feel free to skip this part if you aren’t too keen on facial hair), a helmet with those famous little wins and a floor-length cape. And don’t forget Thor’s trusty BFF Mjölnr. After all, who would he be without his hammer?
Ann-Margret
Swedish-American singer and actress Ann-Margaret is best known for the quintessential 1960s girl-next-door look, and this is definitely something to channel for Halloween. Opt for her most recognisable look as swimming instructor Rusty Martin in the 1964 motion picture Viva Las Vegas. Put on a pair of opaque black tights or leggings (it is October so warmth is key), black jazz shoes and a lipstick-red long-sleeved mock-neck shirt. A simple, yet chic get-up - especially if you can find an Elvis to dance with you.
Björk
Björk set Iceland on the pop music map, but what we love the most is her otherworldly style. For your costume this year, consider the star’s famous look for the Oscar’s red carpet - possibly the best red carpet look of all time. The swan dress, with match egg, and loose dark locks will make this a costume to remember. Alternatively, if you wish to be a tad more current, why not channel her iconic Vogue Scandinavia cover? Choose a sheer ruffled dress with corsetry underneath (reminiscent of Maison Margiela’s recent couture show), floral bonnet, never-ending hair and wine-stained lips. We will forgive you if you choose to forgo the merkin.
Roxette
First, there was ABBA. Then there was Roxette. This is the couple's costume for those who wish to avoid the cliches. There are bound to be enough Barbie and Ken’s or Harly Quinn and The Joker’s to go around, so how about turning your attention to the Nordics and channel Per Gessle and Marie Fredrikson. Typically ‘80s this Scandi-pop phenomenon gave us hit after hit, alongside blonde and black dyed voluminous hair. Grab oversized leather jackets, higher-than-high-waisted leather trousers, and, of course, Gessel’s red guitar and belt ‘It Must Have Been Love’ all night long.
Freya
Look to a higher power this year when choosing your costume. Norse goddess of love, fertility, battle and death, Freya is an obvious choice. A strong and powerful woman is always a good idea. For your inspiration for this look, we suggest you turn to the painting ‘Freyja and the Necklace' by Irish painter J. Doyle Penrose. Opt for a floor-length white gown and accessorise with a gold belt and tiara - fitting as Freya is also the goddess of gold. For make-up add from golden tears as, yes, she cries gold. In true goddess fashion, your chosen vehicle of the evening should be a chariot pulled by two cats, however, this could be frowned upon, so perhaps skip that particular detail. Kudos if you can incorporate a statement necklace to represent Freya’s necklace, the Brísingamen, which was subsequently buried with the witch Völva circa the year 1000.
Pippi Longstocking
Perhaps the most iconic Scandinavian figure of all time is Pippi Longstocking (Pippi Långstrump). Tap into your inner child this Halloween by embodying her whimsical nature. Pair a yellow and green gingham pinafore dress with two different coloured socks for a classic Longstocking look. And what Pippy costume would be complete without the absolutely iconic, horizontal red braids? Dot some freckles on your nose, add a monkey and a black and white spotted horse, which you must be able to lift over your head - that part is non-negotiable. Make sure to carry a suitcase of gold coins, and your costume is complete.
Kimi Räikkönen
It seems as if the whole internet has got an enduring F1 fever, sparked by the documentary Drive to Survive. Well, if being obsessed with F1 is wrong, then we don’t want to be right. Look no further than the tracks for your next costume. Kimi Räikkönen, the Finnish driver nicknamed ‘The Iceman,’ famously drove for Ferrari and won the championship in 2007, and now he should win top contender for your Halloween ensemble. For this one, it’s time to bust out the all-red Ferrari jumpsuit, a racer's helmet and gloves. You’ve won Halloween if you manage to find the car as well.
The Ikea Bag
What comes to mind when you think of yellow and blue? Obviously IKEA…and the Swedish flag. This is a DIY costume that can be easily achieved using materials you definitely knocking about the house somewhere. Locate your old IKEA bag, grab a pair of scissors and get sewing. This is a Scandinavian icon if there ever was one.
The Northern Lights
Not everyone has been blessed with seeing the elusive Northern Lights, so this Halloween, ensure everyone gets the chance to gaze at them by painting them on your face. This is another one for those make-up fiends out there. Choose from an array of green, purple, pink and blue eyeshadows or pigments, pick up a brush and start blending. If you are feeling particularly artsy, perhaps try something a bit more Bob Ross and use make-up to actually sketch the landscape onto your visage. Pair this with an all-black ensemble to keep the attention to your handiwork, or drape yourself in a mesh dress (not dissimilar to the one from the Björk costume above) and make your entire being into the Aurora Borealis.
Photo: Getty
Moomins
Last, but by no means least, we offer our choice of a family costume. Why not take the chance to dress you, your partner and your little ones up as beloved Finnish icons: Moomins. Pick up some fluffy white onesies, and stuff a pillow by your belly to create a round, ballooned shape. Fashion some ears and use makeup to emulate their sweet faces. Elect one of your group to complete the ensemble by dressing as Snufkin, with a green cape and hat, adorned with flowers, and a yellow scarf.
Photo: Pinterest