Maybe it can't be Halloween every day, but that doesn't have to stop us from dressing like it is! In Salem, we like to say that once the fireworks are over on the 4th of July, it's officially Halloween and it gets progressively more autumnal from there. It's still too warm for sweaters at that point, but we're already aching for adding a little orange back into our wardrobes. We've been doing a lot of ordering for fall stock, and we've compiled a few favorites that are currently in-stock, or on its way back in stock soon! Let's take a look at a few options for achieving Pumpkin Spice Goth glory.
A wee FAQ for those who might need it before we show you the goods:
Q: What is Halloweencore?
A: Halloweencore is a fashion aesthetic built around wearing Halloween-inspired style as everyday clothing rather than as costume, worn casually and often year-round, not just on October 31st.
Q: How do I dress for Halloween without a costume?
A: We lean pretty whimsical and Salem and tend to love an outfit that could double as a costume depending on the event, theme, or crowd. For example: a flowy skirt, a corset, a puffy top underneath = Renaissance Faire Ready but simple enough to throw together easily and totally wearable anytime. Add a cloak, a drinking horn, and a goblet and you're ready for any medieval fairgrounds! Bloomers + corset + red scarf/bandana = Pirate Chic! That being said, if you just want to be comfortable when you come to Salem and not wear a costume, that is absolutely and totally fine and acceptable.
Q: What do you wear in Salem in October if you're not dressing up?
A: Whatever feels comfortable and is weather appropriate, so be sure to pay attention to your weather apps! If you're looking for tips, check out our blog post from last month!
Q: Can I wear Halloween outfits before or after October?
A: Absolutely! People wear costumes in Salem all throughout the fall season, but it really ramps up on the weekends in late September, October, and early November. In December, we lean ghostly yule and even see a few Krampus or Ghosts of Christmas past throughout the holiday season.
Now for a few suggestions from our current or coming soon stock!
A pop of orange in the form of a cape or capelet! This is our current favorite for 2026 to lean an all black outfit into a little Halloween whimsy. These are easy to add to almost any outfit, lightweight, and comfortable to wear! We've worn them over gowns, we've worn them with bloomers and corsets, we've worn them wandering cemeteries and walking around Salem. They are extremely versatile and fit most body types very easily and look fabulous.
Autumn Shroud & Flutter Ruffle Capelet, both available in black if orange isn't your thing and both are paired with the Florence Dress.
Plaid! Especially Orange and Black if you can find it! We're very partial to this recent restock, which works really well for a comfy-casual spooky season look. Pair it with a turtleneck when it's cold or a crop top when it's not. Also looks great under a sweater when it starts to really get cold outside!
Add a cute cobweb mesh top under or over your outfit! This one pairs very well with the overalls above!
A really good Halloween Sweater! We love a good cardigan or pullover and there are lots of great options in black and orange lately. Go all in on the black and orange theme, or try a little business in the front party in the back with a duster.
Carving Party Duster Cardigan by Foxblood and the Judy Moody Distressed Sweater by Tripp NYC are both perfect picks!
