BEYOND THE LEGEND: FASHION FROM FOLKLORE

Every October, a familiar chill runs down the spine—not from the wind, but from tales whispered in the dark: of beings that lurk, feast, and hunt. Halloween is the season where myth and fashion collide, giving rise to creativity wrapped in cobwebs and spiked with a little terror. But while Halloween lore celebrates all things eerie and otherworldly, the realities of daily life call for looks that stay stylish yet wearable. 

Full costumes can be stifling, uncomfortable, and impractical at times. So how do you channel the spirit of the season without sacrificing breathability or mobility? The answer: wearable Halloween fashion—outfits inspired by scary and mystical beings, grounded in lore, but adapted for real-world use. Let’s explore how horror legends can transform your everyday wardrobe into a walking nightmare (in the best way).

Arguably the most iconic creature in Filipino folklore, the “aswang” is a shapeshifting being that preys on the vulnerable—especially pregnant women. Often described as a beautiful woman by day and a winged monster by night, the “aswang” offers a compelling duality to inspire a fashion look. 

Wearable Look: Opt for a dark, flowing dress to suggest transformation. Add statement jewelry shaped like wings or claws. Use metallic makeup to hint at something otherworldly beneath the surface. Skip the prosthetic fangs—go for a deep red or black lip instead. This look nods to the “aswang” vibe without turning it into a cartoon version. It’s feminine and fierce in the boardroom or at a Halloween gathering.

The White Lady haunts old roads and colonial houses in the Philippines. Dressed in a long white gown, she embodies sorrow, revenge, and unfinished business. 

Wearable Look: A minimalist white dress can evoke this ghostly figure. Use pale or silver-toned makeup and wear your hair straight and loose to echo her haunting presence. Add a sheer shawl or veil for a hint of drama. This look is feminine but chilling—soft and graceful, yet eerily unsettling.

The witch is a timeless symbol of rebellion, wisdom, and hidden power. From ancient folklore to modern pop culture, she represents both fear and fascination—an outsider who owns her magic and her mystery. 

Wearable Look: Channel witchy vibes with an all-black ensemble. Add a wide-brim hat (if you're feeling bold). Dark makeup, smoky eyes, and deep lipstick complete the look. This look is commanding, mystical, elegant, and just a little dangerous.

The vampire is a symbol of eternal beauty, danger, and allure. Often portrayed as elegant and irresistible, this creature of the night blends sophistication with a thirst for power—both literal and symbolic. 

Wearable Look: Go for a sleek silhouette like a black satin dress. Pair it with a pale, flawless complexion and a blood-red lip for contrast. Accessorize with pointed nails and subtle fang-like earrings or a choker. Glossy hair or a slicked-back bun completes the polished, alluring vibe. This look is anything but fierce—elegant on the surface, with something lethal underneath.

The demon embodies chaos, temptation, and raw power—often feared but also admired for its defiance of rules and norms. In lore, demons are wild forces of nature, unchained and unapologetic. 

Wearable Look: Build a fiery, bold outfit using deep reds, blacks, or metallics. Add sharp accessories—horn-shaped hair clips, spiked jewelry, or claw-like rings. Smoky eye makeup and a bold, graphic liner seal the look. This look is untamed, striking, seductive, and burning with rebellion.

In Philippine mythology, the “sirena” is a sea creature—half-woman, half-fish—known for her hypnotic voice and haunting beauty. She lures sailors to their doom, blending innocence with deadly seduction. 

Wearable Look: Flowing and breezy pieces in ocean tones (teal or seafoam), paired with iridescent or shell-inspired accessories. Add shimmer to your makeup and style your hair in soft, wavy locks or a wet-look finish to channel an “emerged-from-the-sea” vibe. This look is soft, fluid, and captivating with a hidden edge.

This global archetype—also found in Filipino urban legends—is a bride who dies tragically before her wedding and returns wearing her gown, seeking closure or revenge. 

Wearable Look: White lace dress paired with sheer gloves, veil-inspired headband, and white heels. Use pale makeup with dark under-eyes or cracked face detailing to give a “back-from-the-grave” elegance. This look is broken, romantic on the outside, but grieving forever.

In a season ruled by shadows and stories, Halloween gives us the chance to embody the supernatural—not just through costumes, but through style. By drawing from both local and global lore, we can create wearable looks that are haunting yet practical, stylish yet deeply rooted in cultural symbolism.

In the tropical heat of the Philippines, where full costumes can feel more like a punishment than a party, these fashion-forward interpretations allow us to celebrate the spooky season with comfort, creativity, and a touch of mythology. After all, true Halloween spirit isn't about wearing a mask—it's about revealing a character.