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Witch and Vampire CostumesAnd let's not forget wizards, too!
Witch and vampire costumes for Halloween are "old standbys." They've been worn as long as Halloween WAS Halloween. You'll even find them filed under the words "traditional Halloween costumes" when you look through an online store's website or thumb through the pages of a sewing pattern book.BUT...new "looks" are shaping up for these oldies-but-goodies! New fabrics, trims, makeup kits and accessories are giving an updated look to the old styles. And, an emphasis on "cute" witches for little girls...and flirty witches for teens and women...are replacing the "old crone" image that this type of costume used to conjure up in one's mind. On this page, we'll talk about some of the latest vampire and witch costumes you'll come across in stores and sewing websites. Maybe you'll discover a "look" that's right for YOU! Photo note: in the picture to your left, you see an elegant-looking boy's vampire outfit. Velveteen fabric was chosen for the pants and vest, and the wide-collared black satin cape is lined with contrasting red. Which witch? Cute or sassy?
When it comes to witch costumes, almost NOBODY opts for the "old crone" style outfit these days. However, this style still has its place...often as a choice for "last minute costume ideas." It's so easy to grab a witch hat and cheap wig...almost any store, from the corner grocery to the nearest Walmart carries them. Next, don a black dress or robe and, voila...instant costume. It's too easy a choice when someone hasn't planned ahead for this old standby to die out completely. BUT, there are better and classier options!The cutie pie witch is becoming the fast favorite for younger girls. Often made with brighter fabrics combined with the traditional black (or even WITHOUT the color black in the costume at all!) these costumes feature such girlish details as ruffles, lace, ribbons, cute decals, gathers & puckers, etc. The effect can be adorable! The flirty witch is a trendy Halloween costume style for teens and young women. This type of witch costume is more closely fitted to the body than traditional "sack" style robes. Fabrics used in these costumes can be coated with glittery sparkles, and fancy lace can be used as a trim. The hemline can be short, long, or even layered. The finished look implies to a woman's date, "Hey, turning you into a toad is NOT what I want to do with you!" A flirty witch can be absolutely enchanting! The witch costume in the picture to your left falls into the "flirty witch" category. Though it looks "sack-like" hanging from a tree, the midriff can be cinched tight to conform to the wearer's exact waistline. The longer-looking skirt's inner layers are made of see-through netting which shows off the wearer's leg from the lower thigh on down. Sleeves are made with a sparkly-but-sheer material. Where to buy Witch and Vampire outfits in California
Since witch and vampire outfits are so very popular, many styles are made...for women. This is a good thing; you won't be "running into yourself" at parties! In the Vampira dress at right, the traditional "lady vampire" look is updated by several different means. Pink and blue accents liven up the black fabric. See-through lace is used for the sleeves, while a sheer netting which sparkles with pink and blue highlights is used as an overskirt. Crushed velvet is used for the main body of the costume, providing a trendy-but-elegant look.With guy's vampire outfits, though, the costume pretty much revolves around the cape...so make sure it's a nice-looking one. Guys don't seem to worry as much about being seen in a costume that someone else is also wearing...and it's a good thing, because one men's vampire outfit looks pretty much like another. While wearing cool-looking makeup (and fake teeth!) is all part of the fun in choosing a Vampire outfit for Halloween, it's ESPECIALLY important for guys to concentrate on doing a great-looking, blood-drooling makeup job to distinguish themselves from other vampires at the party. In fact, if there's any rivalry or one-upmanship with guys in vampire suits, it's DEFINITELY "all about the makeup!" What California stores sell vampire and witch costumes? At Halloween time, they're everywhere! Discount stores like Target & Walmart; grocery stores, drug stores, party suppy stores, and the seasonal Halloween stores that crop up during September and October every year. Of course, if you need your vampire outfit at some other time of the year, only an year-round costume shop will have what you need...whether it's online or a brick 'n mortar store. Here's a list of the pages on this website that will help you find a witch or vampire Halloween costume that's convenient for your needs--- SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA: 1.) Party America OTHER SOUTHWESTERN AREAS--- Sewing witch & vampire costumes1,) Cute witch sewing patterns---
1.) A multi-layered skirt with jagged hemline is the most striking feature of Simplicity's #3680 cute witch pattern for girl's sizes 3 thru 8. An extra-wide belt which laces up like sneakers is another cute touch. Patches of vividly-colored fabric contrast with traditional black to create a cute and updated take on the traditional witch "look."2.) A mini-skirted witch costume with ruffles at the hemline (made from pre-gathered trim) is another cute Simplicity witch pattern for girls (size 7 to 14.) Witch costume pattern #3687also comes with a separate corset-style garment which laces up the front, which is worn over the top of the dress to add interesting detail. OTHER GIRL'S WITCH COSTUME IDEAS--- If you need a simpler, quicker girl's witch pattern, try Simplicity witch dress pattern #3595, which comes in girl's sizes 3 through 8. This is a one-piece A-line dress that includes instructions for a long, flowing robe. A pointed witch hat and striped tights (which are shown in the photo for this pattern) are not included. Still another relatively-quick witch costume pattern with less detail is Simplicity girl's costume pattern #3617. A jagged hemline on the dress and a separate cape are 2 visual highlights of this pattern, which comes in girl's sizes 7 to 14. Who says witches need to wear a dress? Today's modern witch may decide to choose a pants outfit, as Simplicity's costume pattern #3607 proves! For girls size 7 to 14, this 2-piece pattern includes pants and top; witch hat pattern come in the package, as well. As of Summer 2008 , this pattern was moved to Simplicity's "out of print" list, but you may still get it at the Simplicity website while supplies last. EBay is another possible source if you can't find this pattern elsewhere. 2.) Flirty Witch sewing patterns---1.) Simplicity witch costume pattern #4015, in Misses sizes 10 through 24, is Simplicity's mini-skirted witch pattern. The one piece dress with gathered skirt is accompanied by a separate cape and a tall, pointed hat.2.) Another mini-skirted witch pattern is Simplicity women's costume pattern #4046, in Misses sizes 6 through 20, features different details than the pattern above. Several layers of ruffles (made from pre-gathered trim) adorn the hemline, and a separate, cinch-able corset is worn over the basic dress for a stunning "layered look." A peasant style neckline add further intrigue. Witch hat is shown but not included. Do you want a more traditional witch costume? If so, try Simplicity witch pattern #5375, which comes in Misses sizes 6 through 20. The long flowing robe and separate cape conjure up an image right out of MacBeth! Wizard of Oz witch costume: Another very traditional-looking teen & adult witch costume is Simplicity's Wizard of Oz pattern set, which includes not only the Wicked Witch pattern, but also Dorothy and Glinda the Good Witch costume patterns, as well. Sizes Miss 6 thru 22 can be made. Children's sizes: For little girls, these same outfits can be made using the Simplicity Oz pattern #4139 Girl's sizes 3 thru 8 are included. 3.) Vampire costumes for girls & women
1.) Join the un-dead wearing a stylish classical look! Simplicity vampire costume pattern #3613, in Misses sizes 4 to 20, is perfect for creating the "vampiress of yore" look. Styled with an eye to centuries past, this vampire dress pattern can be updated with modern fabric & trim, or can be made to look as if you were born in days gone by.2.) Butterick also makes a classy-looking vampire pattern which has both a boy's and girl's version included in the same package. Butterick vampire costume #B4314 fits a wide range of ages from 7 through 16. The girl's pattern features an elegant (but obviously vampire-looking) long dress, and has a separate tall collar which doubles as a necklace. (Similar to the collar/necklace in the adjacent picture.) Unfortunately, as of Summer 2008, this pattern has been moved onto Butterick's out-of-print list. It will still be available at Butterick.com as long as supplies last. Finding it on EBay is another option. 4.) Vampire & Wizard costumes for boys & men
Wizard costumes---1.) Boy's wizard costume: Simplicity's wizard costume #3597, for boys size 7 thru 14, features both the flowing robe and tall wizard's cap. Contrasting fabric at the end of each sleeve ads a distinctive touch. As of Summer 2008, this pattern has moved to Simplicity's "out of print" list, but will still be sold until all copies are gone. 2.) Another Simplicity wizard pattern for kids is Simplicity costume #3610, for sizes 6 through 14. A hat and wizard's "dress" to wear under the voluminous robe is included with this pattern. 2.) Would-be wizards may love the huge, billowing sleeves of Butterick's wizard pattern #B4050. This flowing robe comes with an attached hood...but no pointed hat, alas. This pattern comes in either Men's small/medium or Men's Large. Vampire costumes--- 3.) Father and son can haunt the night together wearing elegant matching vampire suits made from McCall's costume pattern #M5212, which ranges in size from Child's 3 to Adult's extra large! A classic long vampire cape, which should be lined in contrasting satiny fabric, is the high point of this outfit's "look," but other interesting features are a vest and lace-trimmed, old-fashioned cravat. Count Dracula himself couldn't have appeared this charming and debonair! (Note: a similar looking "traditional" vampire or magician's suit can also be found in McCall's sewing pattern #M2854. This version only comes in sizes for boys aged 2 thru 12. The advantage? The package ALSO contains a Grim Reaper's hooded robe pattern!) Note: as of 2008, this pattern moved to McCall's out-of-print list. It is still available on the McCall's website, while supplies last. Ebay is another option for finding it. 2.) Butterick also makes a very classy-looking vampire pattern for boys (which also has girl's version included in the same package.) Butterick vampire costume #B4314 features a more modern vampire look with its long, floor-length vampire coat, which may be worn open or closed. Butterick #B4314 fits a wide range of ages from 7 through 16. This pattern has been moved onto Butterick's out-of-print list. It will still be available at Butterick.com as long as supplies last. 3.) Young boys can dress up as vampires, too! Simplicity vampire pattern #3595, which features a flowing, floor-length cape, gives kids age 3 thru 8 a chance to get in on some Halloween vampire action. Included in this pattern comes a fully lined cape with high, stand-up collar and a cummerbund. You may use the boy's own clothing, or included patterns for a plain-looking shirt & pants. Simply purchase Vampire Teeth, and your outfit is complete. Vampire Costumes on EBayAnother place to get ideas for vampire and witch costumes is on the EBay auction website. In the EBay widget below, you'll see current auctions for vampire costumes and accessories. This widget updates itself throughout the day...so that the next time you come back to this page, you'll find all-new vampire merchandise shown in the pictures!
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