5 Halloween-Inspired Dresses For People Who Can’t Stand Costumes

Can you feel it in the air? The ghoulish hour is fast approaching and the creatures are awakening. While it’s an exciting time for some, not everyone finds it as easy to get into the spooky mood. If your attitude to Halloween is flight rather than fright, then why not try one of our alternative costumes? They’ll help you embrace the season without fear of looking frightful in a bad costume.

Show off your nine lives in this cute feathered number, €39.95 at Zara.com

If you’re totally stuck for a last-minute fancy dress party, this sack dress with embellished detailing and feathered elements could be your saviour. We’ve decided to pair this with simple fur ears and dark lipstick (lips and whiskers, you know) for a quick and easy cat costume. What’s more, a dress like this is perfect for winter and can be easily paired with over-the-knee boots and warm tights. The pearls on the shoulders and hemline add a touch of elegance, too.

Fluffy cat ears, €3.90 at Penneys. L’Oreal Paris colour riche matte addiction lipstick, €10.49 at Boots.ie

Cast a spell in this jacquard witching dress, €19.99 at H&M

This knee-length jacquard dress is the perfect sophisticated solution to modern witch dressing (if there is such a thing?!). The jacquard fabric will catch the light perfectly – making it all the more arresting the full moon. We’ve paired ours with a miniature witch headband and a dolloping of glitter around the eyes and temples.

Halloween ladies black mini witch hat on headband. €10 at littlewoodsireland.com. Barry M glitter rush body glitter, €10.49 at boots.ie

This 1920’s glitter-bomb get-up, €200 at Littlewoodsireland.com

Nothing says 1920s quite like swinging sequins, which is why this frilled embellished dress is a great option if you’re planning a 1920’s Gatsby-style soirée. While it’s a show-stopper on its own, we’ve paired it with a matching Charleston headband and high-voltage, firey red lipstick. Not just for Hallows Eve, this sparkly number is ideal for the party season, too. Pair back your look with a tailored blazer and tights for casual meetings with friends or an after-work dinner.

Retro matte lipstick in Ruby Woo. €14.88 at MAC.com. Charleston headband, €3.99 at funidelia.ie

Unleash your inner vamp with this Maje lace maxi dress, €177 at theoutnet.com

This Maje dress is the perfect example of contemporary Halloween dress. In Halloween terms, it’s ghoulish and eerie. However, once October 31 passes, it’s the perfect occasion-wear dress. The attractive V-neckline, delicate embroidery and the additional length of lace make this dress a real statement piece. We’re pairing it with heavy-winged liner and vamp-inspired dark plum lip gloss.

Gel eyeliner pen, €25 at Benefit.ie. Lipgloss in Tandark Plum, €9 at stories.com

See into the future with this Mystic Meg-inspired star dress, €45 at Nastygal.com

Oh crystal ball, what lies ahead? I see stars in your future… in the form of a midi-length dress! The midi dress trend is here for another season and this dress is a wardrobe essential for fancy dress and day-to-dinner dressing. The cold shoulder detail brings a layer of sexiness to the conservative, knee-length hemline. The print is quite busy so we’re keeping our accessories minimal and simply layering rings. Add a little glitter for a Halloween-style smokey eye.

Eyeshadow in moondust, €17.85 at Urban Decay. Six-pack ring set, €3.50 at Penneys