The Thoroughly Modern Guide For Halloween Dressing

Dressing up to stay at home means you get all the fun of choosing an occasion-ready look, with none of the hassle of outdoor realities like ‘how long can I walk in heels?’ and ‘will I be warm enough?’. And on Halloween, dressing up doesn’t have to mean putting on a costume or a scary-for-the-wrong-reasons face paint attempt. A festive get-together calls for spooky-but-chic - vampy, if you like. So naturally, it’s the perfect time for statement lace or luxurious velvet.

The Full-Length Lace Gown fits the bill. Gothic enough to be on-theme, but timeless enough to work for other events in your winter calendar. The optional slip can be worn underneath, and the opaque panel around the middle provides coverage if you go without. And for the tailoring aficionados, may we suggest velvet. The Sharp Shoulder Blazer comes in Inky black or rich Merlot, the perfect shades to complement the brooding palette of your no-doubt carefully curated tablescape.

Halloween falls on a Saturday so that it may coincide with other invites. Make sure you’re dressed to kill - figuratively, of course - while giving a subtle nod to the holiday and adhering to a black-tie dress code. We have options.

Available in Black or Barolo Red, the Transformer Gown comes in fluid satin and follows a striking floor-length silhouette that would undoubtedly be Morticia Addams approved. With lace or satin detachable inserts, you can customise the coverage look and level, while side slits ensure easy movement. For an all-black look, choose coordinating pieces like the Drop Waist Evening Dress and matching Ultra Crop Jacket. Or, channel your inner Dracula - in impeccable tailoring only - with a precisely cut suit. The Tux Capsule has all the building blocks for building a bespoke-level look, with a choice of oversized or fitted blazer silhouettes and wide, tapered, or crop pants. 

To avoid sitting on the tube in costume or sharing awkward glances with other drivers at the traffic lights, we suggest keeping the Halloween theme subtle for the office outfits - but you can add cat ears if you want.

For this, it’s all about colour and texture. The silhouettes you know and love, and feel comfortable in all day at work, but in dark, rich shades and luxe fabrics like velour and velvet that immediately feel on-theme with minimal effort. If florals are a favourite, opt for a darker take with the Maxi Swing Dress in crinkle georgette, or mix and match with the same print in blouse and Full-Length Skirt separates. Seasonal signatures like the Fit + Flare Midi Dress in cotton cord or the Asymmetric Hem Dress in cord velour are reimagined in Merlot red, and the Stretch Boot shape complements every dress length. 

A night following little monsters about at a safe – but not embarrassing – distance means wrapping up in layers. We say use it as your excuse to bring out the pieces you might not wear that often - maybe a luxurious fluffy jacket like our Toscana shearling or bold leopard print version, or a long leather mac. 

Underneath, build your warmth starting with a light merino + cashmere base like the Barely There Top, then build up with cosy knits like the Sculptural Zip Jumper or add a knit vest - just make sure either style has a high neck; you’re outside on Halloween after all. 

You can rack up serious steps on the trick-or-treating trail, so choose something sturdy like the Hiking Boot or ultra-comfortable like the Retro Runner Trainer. And if you have an overflowing sweet-bucket emergency, make sure you have something deceptively spacious, like the Slouch Sling Bag.