Ditch the witch’s hat, banish the broomstick and forget those Dracula fangs, this season there’s a more sophisticated kind of Halloween costume to covet.

Fright night doesn’t have to mean nightmarish outfits. Channel fashion’s dark gothic mood, which can be worn on October 31 and beyond.

The autumn/winter catwalks were dominated by this dramatic look with delicate lace, fetish-style leathers and gothic heels all in black, black and more black at Alexander McQueen, Yves Saint Laurent and Chanel.

And it seems we just can’t get enough of the dark stuff. Three quarters of women (75%) recently declared the little black dress to be their favourite fashion essential, according to a Peacocks poll.

So swerve the fancy dress shops and take to the high street’s frighteningly fabulous array of glam goth options. There’s no excuse not to get into the spirit…

Gothic girl

black embellished cape, £75; blouse, £40 and black leggings, £18, Wallis (0844 984 0266/www.wallis.co.uk)

Morticia Addams is your muse for this trend with her all-black wardrobe. Thankfully, you don’t need the hip-length hair or eyeliner.

Look for pieces with a gothic edge that allude to (but don’t scream) Halloween. Keep things intriguing by mixing up varying textures, like powdery cobweb knits and glossy leather to play on the extreme elements of the trend.

Sheer layers are a mischievous styling trick this season – just a flash of ghostly pale flesh through an opaque fabric weaved through a skirt, shirt or dress is the sexy way to work a Twilight look.

For the perfect goth glam cover-up, choose a black cape and think captivating superwoman rather than witchy wardrobe.

Fetish fiend

Wings maxi dress, £299 and Stina platforms, £179, Hobbs Unlimited (0845 313 3130/www.hobbs.co.uk)

Oil-slick shiny leather, patent and PVC were the wet-look fabrics dominating the catwalks this season.

A flash of these fabrics, whether full piece or sexy panel, will immediately up the style ante for a very subtle nod to bondage chic.

Forget visions of Lady Gaga or Rihanna stage costumes and keep things everyday with just one statement leather piece. A black leather skirt, t-shirt or dress is all you need in your wardrobe to work catwalk fetish without the risque element.

And if you’re still not convinced, a pair of glossy leather knee-boots, a waisted belt or elbow-length gloves will magic you a flash of fetish without the commitment phobia.

Lace lead

lace dress, £65; necklace, £19.50; waist belt, £18; lace tights, £6 and shoes, £49, Marks & Spencer (www.marksandspencer.com)

Kate Middleton has secured lace’s ladylike elegance but it can be pretty rebellious too.

Peekaboo fabrics in black immediately give lace a provocative edge that has both enchanting and stylish potential.

Opt for romance with sheer, whimsical lace that resembles delicate spider webs, or channel a Victoriana-inspired style with ruffles, frills and high necklines.

Go as daring as you please by teaming with a demure cover-up underneath or exposing a flash of black lingerie.

A shirt or top is the easiest way to try out black lace but if you want some traffic-stopping wizardry in your wardrobe, seek out a full-length dress. The effect should be more black tie than monster’s ball.

Freaky finishes

a model on the catwalk for the Stefano Pilati show, part the Yves Saint Laurent Fall-Winter ready-to-wear 2012 collection shown in Paris

Whether you’re riding into the moonlight on your broomstick, wearing an all-black uniform or you just want a hint of spooky chic, accessories are the way to really enter into the gothic spirit.

Add some bite to your look with jewellery brandishing skulls, bones, spiders and fangs. For outfit-making statement gems, keep your ghoulish eyes peeled for cobweb-look necklaces or oversized crucifixes in your favourite antique-style metal for a dash of creepy cool.

Forgo the freakish elements and revert to fetish-inspired accessories if you want to look scary in a fierce way. Black studded chokers, leather cuffs, knuckle handle clutch bags and skyscraper heels should have your fellow fancy dressers cowering in style submission.

Black magic

Fashion’s favourite colour isn’t always uber-flattering. Colour Me Beautiful’s Veronique Henderson reveals how to wear it without looking frightful:

• The appearance of black looks softer when you use a textured fabric, like knits, wool or cotton.
• Sheer fabrics such as silk or satin ‘lighten’ black so it sparkles and reflects the light.
• Steer clear of high-necks. To wear black successfully, leave enough flesh on show with a lower or open neckline.
• Wearing jewellery is a sure-fire way to make a black outfit flattering – the light reflects on metals and beads, giving it a lift and bringing out your natural colouring.
• Avoid the temptation to be over-dramatic with your eyeliner and eyeshadow colours.

Get the look

Alexandra Burke embraces black lace in her pal Beyonce’s fashion label, House of Dereon. Get her peek-a-boo panelled dress, £85, at Selfridges (0800 123 400/www.selfridges.com)

Buy it now

AllSaints live up to their name with charitable Breakthrough Breast Cancer tees, spotted on the likes of Gemma Arterton, Sienna Miller and Ronnie Wood. The six limited edition designs are £45 each, exclusively available online at www.allsaints.com

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