Style guide - Halloween

Halloween embodies everything you love: darkness, symbolism, breaking with norms, and a healthy dose of "f*ck the mainstream." This style guide from EASURE You will get a deep, practical overview of Halloween – from its origins and “true meaning” to outfits and make-up, decorations, films and Spirit board vibes.

1. What is Halloween – and why does it fit perfectly with the Gothic and alternative scene?

Halloween on October 31st now seems like a huge pop culture carnival in orange and black. But for the Gothic and alternative community, it's much more than that: a rite of passage, a play on death and transience, a deliberately cultivated contrast to the garish everyday world.

You play with symbols of death, ghosts, witches, demons, and creatures of the night without trivializing them. You use them as an artistic language. In the Gothic scene, this play is already part of everyday life; at Halloween, you simply amplify it and add a layer of ritual, nostalgia, and pop culture on top.

In short: Halloween is not a childish prank for you, but an aesthetic and cultural playground.
This style guide will help you to demonstrate exactly that clearly and stylishly.

2. Origins of Halloween: From Samhain to Pop Culture

2.1 Halloween Origin: From Samhain to All Hallows' Eve

Most researchers trace the origins of Halloween to the Celtic festival of Samhain in Ireland. There, Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the dark half of the year. The boundary between the worlds was considered permeable, and spirits and beings from the Otherworld roamed about. Fire, masks, and offerings played a significant role. ( faz.net )

With Christianization, All Saints' Day (November 1st) came into being, and the evening before it evolved into All Hallows' Eve , from which the word " Halloween " was derived. The custom reached the USA via Irish immigrants, where it developed into the Halloween festival you know from films and TV series – including trick-or-treating, jack-o'-lanterns, and horror pop culture . ( faz.net )

2.2 The true meaning of Halloween – beyond plastic decorations

The true meaning of Halloween isn't about a cheap costume from the supermarket shelf. On a cultural level, it's about:

• the transition from light to darkness
• the confrontation with death, transience and fear
• the ritualized playing with taboos
• Community, stories, fire, masks

3. Halloween in German: Terms, translations & misunderstandings

3.1 Halloween Translation & Glossary

Many people ask: "What is Halloween called in German?"
Linguistically, the name comes from " All Hallows' Eve "—the evening before All Saints' Day . A literal translation of "Halloween" isn't elegant; the closest equivalent is:

• "Evening before All Saints' Day"
• All Saints' Eve

In everyday life, “Halloween in German” means more of a mix of spookiness, costume party, pumpkins, horror films and street customs .

3.2 Halloween in Germany: Pumpkins, turnip ghosts and criticism of the church

Halloween has been gaining popularity in Germany since the 1990s – boosted by US films, retail, and pop culture. This contrasts with older customs like turnip ghosts (hollowed-out fodder beets with faces), which existed long before the Halloween tradition of carved pumpkins. ( welt.de )

Today, various elements merge:

• carved Halloween pumpkin (Jack O'Lantern)
• Trick-or-treat variations ("Trick or treat")
• Parties, clubs, bars, festivals
• Alternative versions with a Samhain feel, Pagan influences, Tarot and Spirit Boards

For you as a Gothic fan, this results in an exciting mix of folk custom, horror aesthetics and alternative spirituality , which you curate according to your own values.

4. Halloween & Religion: What does Halloween mean to Christians?

4.1 Why are Christians against Halloween?

Not all churches reject Halloween, but critical voices often refer to:

• occult symbolism and ghost themes
• a supposed proximity to "witchcraft"
• the mixing of pagan and Christian traditions

Parts of the organized church criticize Halloween as a commercialized, superficial horror event that overshadows the true nature of All Saints' Day. Other Christian voices see Halloween more as a cultural festival with historical roots that has become detached from serious religious practice. ( faz.net )

4.2 What does Halloween mean for Christians – and what does that mean for your style?

For many Christians, Halloween remains a custom with problematic symbols , for others a "harmless" event. Attitude and context are crucial.

If you wear Gothic, dark art, and occult symbols , you are already consciously embracing these themes. You are not naively playing with symbols, but rather using them as an aesthetic language and social commentary .

5. Halloween Style Guide: Basic Principles for Your Look

This style guide will help you create a strong, cohesive Halloween look from any costume – suitable for Gothic, Darkwear, Metal or Alternative styles.

5.1 Define mood: From “spooky cute” to “occult ritual”

First ask yourself: What mood do you want to convey?

• Spooky Cute : Bats, ghosts, cats, lots of soft lines, more "Tim Burton" than hardcore splatter.
• Occult ritual : pentagrams, goat's head, tarot, Ouija board, deep black, clear symbolism
• Classy Gothic Horror : Lace, velvet, cross motifs, rosaries, elegant old-school horror
• Corpse & Decay : Zombies, skeletons, skulls, weathered fabrics
• Queer & Bold : bold colors combined with black, statement prints, fetish elements, glitter and latex look

Every mood calls for different outfits, accessories, makeup, and decorations. The key is to maintain a consistent theme – then your Halloween style will look like a curated concept rather than a collection of leftovers.

5.2 Color schemes: More than black & orange

Black is a must. Of course. But for a striking Halloween look, deliberately chosen color contrasts are helpful:

• Classic : Black + Orange (pumpkin, autumn leaves)
• Witchy : Black + Purple + Silver
• Necro : Black + shades of grey + off-white (bones, dust)
• Gore : Black + Red (Blood, Roses, Abysses)
• Ghostly : Black + Misty White + Pale Blue

Clothing, jewelry, makeup, and decorations all reflect this pattern. This is how you achieve cohesion – in photos, at home, in clubs, and on the street.

6. Halloween Outfit Guide: From Street to Ritualwear

6.1 Suitable for everyday life: “Halloween, but wearable”

Want to embrace Halloween in everyday life without a full costume? Opt for gothic basics with Halloween details :

• Black shirt with a ghost, bat or Grim Reaper motif
• Dark art shirt with occult symbolism made from organic cotton
• Gothic necklace with pentagram or Baphomet head
• Black tights with spiderweb pattern or bat print
• Subtly creepy Gothic earrings (guillotines, skulls, bats)

Combined with jeans or black trousers, it creates a look suitable for everyday use, which appears more intense at Halloween, but accompanies you all year round.

Matching parts from the shop:

• For casual, dark tops, it's worth taking a look at the Gothic Shirts category.
• The "Theme - Death" collection is suitable for subtle but clear statements about death, ghosts and the like.

6.2 Full-on Halloween costume in gothic style

If you want to go all-in, you build your Halloween costume like a mood board. Example setups:

1. Witchcraft High Priest

• Long black zip-up hoodie or coat
• Layers of shirt, long-sleeved shirt, harness or choker
• Many rings with pentagram, moon, occult symbols
• Statement necklace, e.g. with a Baphomet or goat's head motif
• Smokey eyes, black lipstick, artificial rune tattoos

2. Vintage Vampire Royalty

• Black shirt or blouse with ruffles/lace
• Dark velvet or brocade look, possibly with a corset or waist belt.
• Necklace with cross, rosary or blood drop pendant
• Pale complexion, dark circles under the eyes, deep orange or blood-red lipstick
• Long black or blood-red tights, pointed boots

3. Corpse Bride / Groom / Entity

• All-black outfit or black and white
• Tights with runs, a tulle skirt, a torn blazer or frayed shirt sleeves
• White-face makeup, dark shadows around the eyes and cheeks, suggested seams
• Accessories such as coffin pendants, Grim Reaper pins, gravestone motifs

For themes such as coffin, Grim Reaper or ghosts, check out the "Theme - Coffin/Coffin" and Grim Reaper designs collections.

7. Halloween Makeup & Hair: From a quick fix to a full transformation

7.1 Make-up: Three quick looks for Halloween night

Look 1: Classic Witch / Warlock

• Base: fair complexion, lightly contoured cheeks
• Eyes: black eyeliner, smudged eyeshadow in black or purple
• Lips: jet black or dark burgundy
• Plus: small pentagram or planchette point drawn under the eye

Look 2: Undead Glow

• Base: very light foundation, grey contour to highlight cheekbones
• Eyes: large dark shadow, fading downwards
• Lips: bluish purple or faded nude tone, fake blood effect at the corners of the mouth or neck

Look 3: Cute Spooky

• Base: your normal foundation
• Eyes: light black or purple winged liner
• Cheeks: Draw small bats, stars or ghosts with eyeliner.
• Lips: classic black or dark red, possibly with a gloss on top.

7.2 Hair coloring for Halloween – permanent or temporary

If you're going to incorporate hair color into your Halloween look, you can choose from two strategies:

• Short-term transformation : Washable, colorful dyes that allow you to transform yourself into a witch with poison-green lengths or a blood-red demon creature.
• Long-term dark identity : More permanent colorings that you integrate into your everyday style (black, blue-black, deep red, violet, emerald green)

8. Accessories & Details: From Outfit to Halloween Statement

8.1 Jewelry & Chokers: Small metal, big impact

Jewelry often plays a decisive role in creating a strong Halloween style in the Gothic scene:

• Choker with O-ring, pentagram, bat wings or chain elements
• Necklaces with symbols such as pentagram, Baphomet, moon phases, occult seals
• Rings with skulls, coffins, cats, spider webs
• Earrings in the shape of guillotines, bats, ghosts, gravestones

Many styles that you wear all year round unfold their full symbolic power on Halloween.

8.2 Tights, socks, harness, belt

Small fabric details add depth to your look:

• Gothic tights with spider webs, skulls or ripped designs
• Black socks with little ghosts or bats on them.
• Harnesses and belts with rings and chains for fetish-inspired Halloween looks

9. Halloween Decoration Guide: Your Crypt for Samhain

Halloween isn't just about what you wear on your skin; it's about what you wear in your home. Whether you live in a shared apartment, a studio apartment, or have a house party – decorations set the stage for your style .

9.1 Turning rooms into a crypt: Basics

Start with a clear plan: Which corners do guests see first, what ends up in social media photos?

• Entrance area: Pumpkin, turnip ghost, coffin decoration, door sign with occult symbolism
• Main room: fairy lights, fabric panels, wall decorations, tarot or Ouija setup
• Chill-out corner: lots of cushions, soft blankets, candles, small sculptures, skulls, cat figurines

9.2 Table: Decorating ideas by mood

Mood	Colors	Key decoration	Relevant EASURE categories
Witchcraft Coven	Black, purple, silver	Candles, Ouija boards, pentagrams	Ouija & Spirit Boards , Occult & Ritual Decoration
Haunted Mansion	Black, grey, off-white	Skulls, ghosts, spider webs	Theme – Ghosts , Theme – Spiderweb
Pumpkin Hell	Black, Orange	Pumpkins, coffin, gravestones	Halloween decorations , coffin/coffin
Necromantic Ritual	Black, Red	Grim Reaper, crosses, symbols of death	Grim Reaper themes , theme – death

This allows you to build your own personal crypt , which transforms into a Halloween scenario for one night and into a coherent Gothic home base in everyday life.

9.3 Spirit Boards, Tarot & Ritual Corner

Many in the scene associate Halloween with Samhain, contact with the Otherworld, tarot readings, and Ouija boards . If you set up a small ritual corner:

• Black or dark cloth as a base
• Tarot card deck or Ouija board placed centrally
• Candles in black, white and possibly red.
• Small statues (bats, cats, Grim Reapers)
• Crystals, dried herbs, notebook for impressions

For tarot decks and boards, you'll find Curated Pieces in the Tarot Cards and Ouija & Spirit Boards categories. We've compiled detailed instructions for the board in our blog post " Ouija Board Instructions " – perfect as an addition to your Halloween ritual setting.

10. Halloween & Movies: Horror as Style and Mood Inspiration

10.1 Halloween Movies: Classics for your watchlist

When planning your Halloween style , horror movies offer tons of inspiration. Many "Halloween Movies" lists include classics like:

• Halloween – The Night of Terror (1978) : Slasher icon, minimalist mask, iconic music ( de.wikipedia.org )
• Nosferatu , Dracula and other vampire films for classic Gothic horror ( welt.de )
• The Exorcist , The Shining , Night of the Demons , Pumpkinhead and many more ( welt.de )

These films have shaped our perceptions of Halloween for decades: masks, blood-soaked corridors, rainy suburban nights, creaking mansions, demonic symbols. You translate all of that into outfits and decorations .

In the film reviews on EASURE, such as those for "Dracula," "Nosferatu," or "Evil Dead," you'll find additional style and mood inspiration. Start with the blog section Film Reviews – Horror & Gothic Classics .

10.2 Recreating film style: Three examples

1. Slasher vibe (inspired by “Halloween”)

• Simple jumpsuit or dark trousers + neutral shirt
• Smooth, expressionless mask
• Dark boots
• Optional fake weapon (please only use where the setting is okay)

2. Gothic Classic (inspired by “Dracula” & “Nosferatu”)

• High-collar coats, capes, suits in black
• Lace, ruffles, brocade, corset
• Rosaries, cross necklaces, bat necklaces
• Pale complexion, striking eyes, blood-red mouth

3. Demonic ritual look (inspired by occult films)

• A wide, dark robe or an oversized hoodie
• Pentagram or Baphomet motifs
• Rings and necklaces with symbols reminiscent of sigils
• Black eyeliner, symbols on forehead or cheeks

11. Sustainable & political: Halloween without throwaway trash

11.1 Sustainable celebrations: Less plastic, more statement

According to trade associations, Halloween in Germany now generates hundreds of millions of euros in revenue, primarily from costumes, decorations, and sweets . At the same time, criticism is growing regarding mountains of waste, fast fashion, and short-lived products. ( welt.de )

If you take Gothic and alternative culture seriously, it hardly makes sense to wear disposable plastic just for one night. Better:

• Invest in high-quality basics like shirts, hoodies, and jewelry that you can wear all year round.
• Complement your standard Gothic outfit with targeted Halloween elements (pumpkin pin, ghost necklace, spiderweb tights).
• Use organic cotton, vegan faux leather , and durable metal jewelry instead of cheap alloys that quickly discolor.

If you want to delve deeper into material issues in jewelry, read our blog " Sustainability in Jewelry ".

12. Halloween Style Playlists: Looks for Different Scenes

Here you get compact style sets that you can use directly or adapt.

12.1 Club Night: Dark Rave of the Dead

• Top: black dark art shirt with occult motif
• Bottom: black skinny jeans or fishnet tights + shorts
• Accessories: Choker with O-ring, several rings, hair accessories with bats
• Shoes: Platform boots or combat boots
• Makeup: dramatic eyes, dark lips
• Photo props: small coffin bag, pumpkin clutch or Ouija-inspired bag

12.2 House party / Flat Halloween

• Comfort is paramount, but style remains: hoodie with dark art print, leggings or comfortable trousers.
• Statement socks with ghost or spider web motifs
• Lightweight jewelry that won't get in the way when chilling on the floor.
• Make-up: intense, but not too complicated (you sweat, laugh, eat)

12.3 Halloween with Kids, Family & Neighborhood

Do you want to go trick-or-treating or take a stroll around the neighborhood?

• Friendly-spooky motifs: ghosts, pumpkins, cats, bats
• Less gore, no explicit, disturbing motifs
• Child-friendly accessories such as plush toys, cute hair clips

13. Halloween Content & Culture: More depth for your dark season

13.1 Gothic Interior for Halloween Night

If you already decorate your rooms in a dark style, our tips in the blog " Gothic Interior – Inspiration for your Crypt " will help you. Combine these ideas with seasonal Halloween decorations to transform your apartment into a permanent, yet adaptable , Gothic retreat .

13.2 Tarot, Ouija and Witchcraft year-round

Halloween is an excellent introduction to Tarot, Spirit Boards and other forms of alternative spirituality .
You can find more information at EASURE:

• the guide “ Reading Tarot Cards ”
• Spiritually inspired decor under the themes of Witchcraft and Tarot.

This shifts the Halloween feeling from a one-off event to a year-round practice in which you integrate symbols, rituals, and aesthetics into your everyday life.

13.3 Year-round Gothic identity instead of a one-time costume

Many Halloween items end up in the trash or in the back of a drawer after just one night.
Instead, by focusing on Gothic and dark fashion, you build a permanent wardrobe that includes:

• Especially bright on Halloween
• the rest of the year shows your personality
• It works more sustainably than buying disposable costumes every year.

This ties in with the blog “ Gothic Style Through the Ages ”, in which we show how Dark Fashion develops and why it doesn't work as a short-lived trend, but as a lifestyle .

14. Frequently Asked Questions about Halloween, Meaning & Style

14.1 Is Halloween an official holiday?

Halloween is not an official public holiday in Germany. October 31st is legally considered a normal working day, even though Reformation Day is a public holiday in some federal states on the same date.

Nevertheless, Halloween has established itself as an important tradition in Germany – with parties, street events, house decorations, and a strong focus on spooky aesthetics, pumpkins, horror films, and alternative fashion. For your style, this means you can show up to work, university, or school in a Halloween-inspired gothic outfit without the day being treated structurally like Christmas or Easter.

14.2 What is Halloween called in German?

Linguistically, "Halloween" derives from " All Hallows' Eve ," the evening before All Saints' Day . There is no direct, everyday "Halloween translation" in German; "Allerheiligenabend" (All Saints' Eve) is the closest equivalent.

In everyday language, most people understand "Halloween in German" to mean:

• a spooky festival on October 31st,
• which consists of pumpkins, costumes, horror and Halloween movies, decorations and sweets.

For your style, it's enough if it's clear: Halloween = day on which you make your dark fashion soul especially visible.

14.3 Why are Christians against Halloween?

Some Christian groups reject Halloween for various reasons:

• strong focus on death, demons, witches and the occult.
• Mixing of pagan and Christian customs
• Commercialization around All Saints' Day

Other Christians see Halloween more as a cultural, secularized festival that is detached from their religious practice. For you, as part of the Gothic scene, this means:
You consciously reflect on the symbols you wear and use them as an aesthetic language and social commentary . With anti-fascist, queer-friendly, and inclusive values , you make it clear that your Halloween and Gothic fashion has nothing to do with misanthropic ideologies.

14.4 What is the true meaning of Halloween?

Historically, the true meaning of Halloween is revealed by:

• the transition from summer to the dark season (Samhain)
• the idea that the boundary to the otherworld is becoming thinner
• dealing with death, ghosts and ancestors

Today, consumption overshadows many things, but you can reclaim the core: recognition of transience, playing with fear and darkness, and jointly ritualizing transitions .

14.5 Where did Halloween originate?

Halloween Origin :
The custom primarily originates from the Celtic festival of Samhain , which was celebrated in the area of ​​present-day Ireland, Great Britain, and parts of northern France. There, Samhain marked the transition to the dark half of the year, associated with fire, masks, sacrifices, and the belief in wandering spirits.

Through Christianization, emigration to North America and pop culture, this evolved into the modern Halloween you know today – including trick-or-treating, Halloween pumpkins and horror movie marathons.

14.6 What do I say when children ring the doorbell on Halloween?

In Germany, the phrase "Sweets, or else there'll be a sour surprise!" has become established in front of most houses – the direct equivalent of "Trick or Treat".

If children ring your doorbell, it's a good sign:

• You open the door in a friendly-spooky outfit .
• You pick up on the formula, laugh, and offer sweets or small Halloween giveaways (e.g., cheap pins or stickers).

Here's how to celebrate Halloween in Germany and create positive memories of the holiday.

14.7 What is Halloween and why is it celebrated?

What is Halloween?
A custom on October 31st , historically rooted in the Celtic Samhain festival and Christian All Saints' Day traditions. Today, many associate Halloween with:

• Costumes and disguises
• carved Halloween pumpkins
• Horror and Halloween movies
• Street parades, parties, home decoration
• Sweets and children's sayings on front doors

Why is Halloween celebrated?
Because people sense the shift to the darker months , enjoy being spooked, slipping into different roles, and creating a festival of light, fire, and stories together. For the Gothic community, Halloween offers the perfect stage to showcase your everyday dark style – amplified, celebrated, and in the spotlight of cameras, clubs, and the neighborhood.

• https://www.ekd.de/halloween-ursprung-und-bedeutung-13330.htm – Background text from the Evangelical Church in Germany on the origin, meaning and Christian perspective of Halloween; can be easily linked to the section “Halloween & Religion”.
• https://www.archaeologie.bayern/presse/pressemitteilung/mitteilung/halloween-ein-keltisches-fest-die-hintergruende-zum-31-oktober-aus-archaeologischer-perspektive-1/ – An archaeological perspective on Samhain and the historical origins of Halloween; recommended after reading the section “Origin of Halloween”.
• https://www.ndr.de/ratgeber/verbraucher/Halloween-Was-steckt-hinter-dem-Brauch,halloween10.html – Consumer and cultural article by NDR on Halloween in Germany, customs and economic significance; relevant in the context of “Halloween in Germany” or “Celebrating sustainably”.
• https://www.zdfheute.de/wissen/halloween-bedeutung-ursprung-was-steckt-hinter-dem-brauch-100.html – ZDF knowledge article on the origin, development and modern celebration practices of Halloween; ideal after the general introductory section on meaning and history.
• https://www.br.de/kinder/halloween-der-abend-vor-allerheiligen-kinder-lexikon-100.html – Explained in a child-friendly yet thorough manner: historical roots and customs; suitable as further information in the FAQ section, especially for questions about "What is Halloween and why is it celebrated?".
• https://www.waz.de/freizeit/article406965682/halloween-2024-zehn-klassiker-fuer-den-gruseligen-filmabend.html – Overview of Halloween films and horror classics; useful as a supplement to the section “Halloween Films: Classics for your Watchlist”.