Celebrate Halloween in style with these last-minute costumes

The after-dark pieces that will instantly elevate your look

Friday 27 October 2017 20:00 BST

Black Boo Slogan Cashmere Blend Sweater from Chinti & Parker, £275

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All Hallow’s Eve is just days away and if you’re attending a ghostly get-together then chances are it’s happening this weekend.

Time is quickly running out to find the perfect costume but if you’ve left it too late or just don’t fancy donning a frightening ensemble, luckily there are more opportune and stylish ways to get in the seasonal spirit.

With plenty of solutions to securing a scarily glamorous look in a matter of minutes, you can forget dousing yourself in fake blood or sporting a heavy-duty bin liner like you did as a youngster. Phew.

Instead your first port of call should be to tap into this season’s goth-glam look to strike the perfect balance between ghoulish and girly. Here, we suggest channelling Beetlejuice’s Lydia Deetz by salvaging an old party outfit or buying something new. Either way, make sure it’s black and vaulting in velvet or lace, or even better, both.

For something a little more buoyant, but elegant nonetheless, luxury knitwear brand Chinti & Parker’s sinister sweaters will instantly elevate your look for Halloween.

From a twisted take on the classic Breton stripe to spooky slogans and formidable frocks, these after-dark pieces are great for when you want to look festive without looking like you’ve tried too hard.

Otherwise, adding an alternative accessory – think ornate gothic chokers, foreboding floral crowns and fancy face masks – could do just the trick.

Black Striped Ghost Cashmere Blend Sweater, £275, Chinti & Parker

If you’ve really left it too late then the final nail in the coffin is to get seriously morbid with your make-up. Here you can experiment with lashings of kohl liner, black glitter, devilishly long talons or embrace your dark side with a seriously vampy lip.