A costume can be amazing whether it contains an abundance of color or a total lack of it. In fact, the contrast of a black and white costume can create a really stunning visual effect. Whether you’re attending a black and white themed costume party or just not feeling very colorful this Halloween, here are some unique costume ideas to inspire you.

Illustration Inspired Edward Gorey Costumes

Take a cue from the spooky drawings of illustrators like Edward Gorey. His pen and ink drawing style produced many creepy characters that are perfect for translating into vintage inspired Halloween costumes.
Edward Gorey illustration inspired costume Edward Gorey Mystery! costume Edward Gorey Zillah Gashlycrumb costume

Edward Gorey Gashlycrumb group costumes Edward Gorey group costumes

Black and White Movies & TV

Get literal with the black and white theme! Paying tribute to film and television before they contained color, you can add white or gray makeup to your skin to really look the part. With a 40’s or 50’s costume in black, white, and shades of gray, you’ll be a Film Noir detective or bombshell in no time.
Film Noir men's costume idea black and white Rocky Horror group costumes Men's group black and white movie costumes
1950's TV costume

Silent Film Stars

Before black and white “talkies” and TV there were the stars of the silent screen. Recreate the legends like Chaplin or Clara Bow or be your own star. Keep mum and carry a small whiteboard with you to create your own instant silent movie.
Silent film star costume

Laurel and Hardy costume
Silent film damsel and villain costumes

Other Ideas

Priest and Nun costume
Nuns & Priests
Spy vs Spy costume
Spy vs Spy
Prisoner costume
Prisoner (traditional stripes)

Do you have a great black and white costume idea?
Leave a comment and inspire us!