How to Dress Like a Total Betty for Halloween
When I was little, my mother would make all of our Halloween costumes by hand. And these weren’t your typical cat ears sewn onto a headband craft project, they were full-scale, theme-park-worthy creations. My sister and I are still living down the fated year our mother made a fully stuffed, head-to-toe CareBear costume and we both found it too uncomfortable to wear out on Halloween evening. Giant stuffed head aside though, the holiday was generally a success in our household.
Unfortunately, I never inherited my mother’s talent or desire to spend weeks sewing creations for just one night of wear, but I am a master at the last-minute, character pull-together. What I lack in sewing skills, I make up for with an excellent eye for fashion dupes and perhaps a little more patience than your average online shopper. Whenever possible, I try to purchase costume items that are real clothing pieces I can wear again later (let’s skip the disposable fashion). Still, every once in a while a mass-produced, plastic packaged homage to my favorite character is too good to pass up (or too hard to recreate with regular clothing).
So in honor of this last-minute talent I have for dressing up, I’ve put together a list of costume ideas inspired by some of the ‘90s icons in the Total Betty Goddess Deck (the second edition of which is now available for sale via Kickstarter here, since it’s the perfect time of year to add to your divination collection).
Costume Inspo #1: Clarissa Darling, Clarissa Explains It All
In the Total Betty Goddess Deck, Clarissa plays Mnemosyne, the goddess of memory and storytelling, which is fitting because she told many a story with just her clothes. If you’re a fan of pattern, color, and comfortable bike shorts, try these items on for size.
Costume Inspo #2: Wednesday Addams, The Addams Family Values
When it’s time to carve a path that’s all your own, you call upon goddess Ariadne. When that carving comes with a side of macabre, she’s played by Wednesday Addams…a Halloween costume classic that only requires a couple of braids and minimal accessories.
Costume Inspo #3: Selina Kyle/Catwoman, Batman Returns
Though Selina Kyle may have my mother’s sewing skills, I prefer to get my catsuits ready-made. Catwoman plays the divinely feminine Bastet in the Total Betty Goddess Deck, goddess of cats, sensuality, and protection, so it’s fitting that she comes with a wearable weapon. Just be sure your biting wit is the only thing friends are shocked by that night.
Costume Inspo #4: Cher, Clueless
Another costume classic (even with the tiny tween set). Cher appears as the goddess of Hope in the TB deck because what’s more hopeful than idealist debates in a yellow vest? Don’t settle for the pre-packaged, easily destroyed store bought version when you can wear a new plaid skirt for many falls to come. Plus, over-the-knee socks are some of the sexiest under-clothing accessories come winter. Trust me, I’m from the Midwest.
Costume Inspo #5: Lisle Von Rhuman, Death Becomes Her
One of my all-time favorite Hollywood costumes, Lisle’s sarong/beaded bra combo is not for the faint of heart. But if you can pull it off, you’ll be remembered for eternity. That’s why this character plays Hebe, the goddess of eternal youth (that, and a certain neon pink potion).
Costume Inspo #6: Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City
Craving a look that’s classic, fashionable, and more conservative than nipple necklaces? Try Carrie’s iconic tutu & high heels. Fittingly,Bradshaw plays Freyja, the goddess of flirting and love who’s known for her fabulous accessories.
Costume Inspo #7: Vivian, Pretty Woman
Since I personally own this particular Halloween look, I can tell you that it is both sexy and comfortable…at least as far as FashionNova-style dresses go. Vivian plays Total Betty Ishtar, goddess of sex, love, harlots, and battle, so you’ll be prepared to punch out pervy Phillips and pucker up for Prince Charming in this attire.
The Total Betty Goddess Deck is a ‘90s-themed goddess oracle creation by Michelle Shea Walker that is currently available in its second incarnation here. this attire.
The Total Betty Goddess Deck is a ‘90s-themed goddess oracle creation by Michelle Shea Walker that is currently available in its second incarnation here.