The Pink Angel Halloween Costume

The dress does all the work

Start with the hot pink ruffle chiffon mini dress, because once that is on you are basically done. The sleeves matter more than you think. Late October nights get chilly and feathers do nothing for your arms. Check the size chart on the listing, since smocking stretches but the length does not.

If you are tall, size up for length or plan on bike shorts underneath. I wore a nude pair and nobody knew. Chiffon also goes a little sheer under bright light, so seamless, light colored underwear saves you from a surprise in somebody's flash photo. Ask me how I learned that one. Actually, do not.

Wings and halo, the actual costume part

The pink feather angel wings slip on with elastic straps like a backpack. Put them on last, after your hair is done, or you will be pulling feathers out of your curls all night. They do shed a little. Feathers always do. Pack a lint roller.

The white feather halo headband is the fastest way to make people instantly get it. The halo floats above a plain headband on a wire, and you can bend that wire if it tilts. I set mine just behind my hairline so it did not slide forward every time I laughed, which was often.

Big loose waves or a half up style both work under the halo. Makeup is simple. A pink flush on the cheeks, a glossy lip and something shimmery on the lids. Pink nails if you have time, clear if you do not. Nobody is checking your cuticles under a halo.

Shoes, bag and the sparkly bits

The white platform ankle strap heels give you height without the wobble of a stiletto. The chunky heel and platform make them easy to stand in for a few hours, and the ankle strap keeps them on when you are dancing badly in somebody's kitchen. Break them in around the house first. Nobody wants a blister by nine o'clock.

The pink satin rose clutch with the pearl handle holds a phone, a lip gloss, a card and a key. That is the limit, so plan accordingly. Leave the wallet at home and bring one card. The silver rhinestone double star drop earrings add the sparkle, and they are long enough to show even with your hair down. Take them off before you pull the wings over your head, trust me.

Doing it with what you already own

If you already own a pink or white mini dress, you only need the wings and halo to turn it into an angel. White sneakers work instead of the heels if you are walking a whole neighborhood with kids. Use what you have.

Honest moment. I sat down on that wooden bench in this outfit and the wings wedged behind me, so I was perched on the very edge like a nervous bird. Sit sideways. The dress is fine, the wings are the problem. And the dress goes right back into rotation for birthdays and Valentine's dinners, which makes me very happy.

Anything in the photos that is not on the shopping list above is a styling extra, so use what you already own.