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Photo: Ahmed Klink; Getty Images
We can officially christen 2015 the Year of the Girl Squad, thanks to Taylor Swift, who somehow created a phenomenon by forming an ever-evolving clique we all want to be a part of.
With a mix of models like Karlie Kloss and Lily Aldridge, familiar actresses (Hailee Steinfeld and Zendaya), and up-and-comers like Empire‘s Serayah and the band Haim, the squad makes a famous woman instantly cooler and also guarantees a ton of publicity. Not a bad deal.
If you’re looking for an especially relevant Halloween costume this year, why not grab your own squad and try to replicate Taylor’s? Here, we explain how to become key members of her crew—as inspired by the 2015 Billboard Music Awards red carpet above.
Photo: Ahmed Klink
Zendaya is the most daring member of your squad when it comes to both beauty and fashion. To pull off the actress’s hair look, all you need is a sleek, tousled ponytail with a slight middle part. Bumble and Bumble stylist Evanie Frausto suggests parting your hair first, then brushing it to the side and toward the back of your head. If you have a curlier texture, use a wax like Sumowax ($19) to keep flyaways at bay.
For makeup, start with Zendaya’s statement brow. Fatima Thomas, a MAC cosmetics senior makeup artist, suggests using a soft taupe pencil to trace the arch, then filling in with a dark brown or black shade. For that smoky eye, use a blend of bronze shadows. Fatima used MAC Bronze ($16), Amber Lights ($16), and Ground Brown ($16) and blended the colors into the crease. Finish with a plum lip liner, like Persistence ($16.50).
Photo: Ahmed Klink
For Zendaya’s outfit, search for anything bold and bright (stylist Valissa Yoe recommends stacking patterned bathing suits to copy her exact look). Plus, don’t forget the accessories. (Just Cavalli Zebra Print Suit, similar pieces available at Farfetch; Nine West Shoes, $79, Zappos; Topshop Tropical Print Bikini Top, $15, Topshop; Glory and Honor Cube Stone Ring, $395, Glory and Honor; Woven Gold Balconette Bra, $340, BodyBinds)
Photo: Ahmed Klink
Hailee Steinfeld is the sweetest and most innocent of the bunch, and it shows in her style. To get this look, you need to master the high ponytail and cat-eye. Bumble stylist Evanie suggests using the top of your ear as a good reference point for where you want to gather your hair; tip your head upside down to use gravity to your advantage. Then use a hair bungee ($7) for an easier grasp as you secure the ponytail and finish with a black satin ribbon.
For makeup, Fatima used the MAC Cosmetics Fluid Line Gel Liner in Black Track ($16.50) to get Hailee’s bold cat-eye. She noted that the right brush is key, so figure out the one you’re most comfortable with. If you’re using a gel liner in a pot, Fatima suggests always turning it upside down so it isn’t exposed to air—otherwise, it’ll get dry and won’t glide on as easily.
Photo: Ahmed Klink
To mimic Hailee’s outfit, find a white lace dress and belt it. Finish the look with sleek black boots. (Topshop Scallop Lace Dress, $80, Topshop; Forever 21 Faux Leather Trimmed Crochet Skirt, $24.90, Forever 21; Express Knotted Belt, $29.90, Express; VC Signature Stacked Heel Bootie, $325, Vince Camuto; We Who Prey Panther Cluster Ring, $240, WeWhoPrey)
Photo: Ahmed Klink
The leader of the squad, Taylor, should be the tallest of your girls—and also the one with the most exes. Kidding! (Sort of). The first order of business: Replicating Taylor’s shaggy bob by braiding your undermost layer of hair and pinning it down. Let your front pieces fall to frame the face.
To get Taylor’s bronze smoky eye, Fatima used a mix of bronze eyeshadow ($16) and Romp ($16) and blended them together across the lid. She then rimmed eyes with liner in Black Ice ($20). Complete the look with a soft, peachy cheek and lip; try MAC Cosmetics’ Peachstock ($17).
Photo: Ahmed Klink
In order to copy Taylor’s look, you’re going to need a body-baring white jumpsuit–like Nasty Gal’s Balmain knock-off. If you can’t get your hands on that exact one, there are plenty of options out there. Pair it with some silver heels and a silver cuff, and don’t forget your statement bag. Extra points if you find one that says “Bad Blood.” (Missguided White Jumpsuit, $59, Missguided; BCBGeneration Hi Heel Sandal, $59.90, Nordstrom Rack; Herkimer Diamond Rings Aoko Su, $240, Aokosu; Ayakanishi Tiny Bone Ring, $60, Ayakanishi)
Photo: Ahmed Klink
Lily Aldridge is the epitome of sexy, so get ready to do the fish gape all night long if you take on this squad member. To get her smooth waves, use a curling iron, but wrap pieces ever so slightly for a bit of a modern bend as opposed to bouncy curls, suggests Bumble and Bumble stylist Erickson.
In order to get the model’s kohl-rimmed eyes, use a liquid liner on the upper lash line and a pencil on the lower—and be sure to smudge it a little for a super-sultry effect. Make sure to fill in brows where needed, and finish the look with lipstick that’s similar to the color of your skin.
Photo: Ahmed Klink
Lily’s outfit is fairly easy to copy using things you may already own—a black sleeveless turtleneck, a black belt and heels, and a maxi skirt. The skirt should be colorful (purple is ideal!), and make sure to strike a few poses throughout the night. (Topshop High Neck Tank Top, $25, Topshop; Karen Millen Pleated Stripe Maxi Skirt, $399, Karen Millen; & Other Stories Suede Sandals, $135, & Other Stories; Express Smooth Obi Belt, $29, Express; Jennifer Fisher Rock Pinky Ring, $385, Jennifer Fisher)
Photo: Ahmed Klink
To become model Martha Hunt, you’ll need to get in touch with your inner Victoria’s Secret Angel. To copy her perfectly tousled waves, spray Bumble and Bumble Tonic ($22) throughout your hair before you blow dry, then wrap sections around a curling wand, leaving the ends out. Spray with hairspray so the tousled look will hold all night.
For that gray smoky eye, Fatima opted for mostly matte shadows, creating an ombré effect. She started with Concrete ($16) closest to the lashes, layered Embark ($16) on the lid, and then blended the two together into a slightly elongated shape.
Photo: Ahmed Klink
Martha’s outfit is probably the easiest to copy of the entire group: A bright, body-con dress (ideally with mesh panels or cutouts), black heels, and a black bag. To really nail it, add a minimalist cuff. (Bailey44 Sheath Dress, $174, Bloomingdales; Steve Madden Black Suede Shoes, $99, Steve Madden; Express Alexis Cuff, $25, Express; Rebecca Minkoff Unlined Clutch, $225; Zappos)
Photographer: Ahmed Klink
Stylist: Valissa Yoe
Models: Esthe Cleto, Skye, Adeele Rassel, Samira Mahboub, Anastasia Belotskaya; Wilhelmina
Makeup: Fatima Thomas, MAC Cosmetics
Hair: Evanie Frausto and Erickson, Bumble and Bumble