Halloween fashion: Get the gothic look without scaring the neighbours

If going out in little more than your underwear doesn't appeal, there is a less risqué approach

Halloween makeover service, from £30, maccosmetics.co.uk

Halloween may have its roots in an ancient Celtic festival but the 21st-century version has been fully commercialised. From the supermarket to your local pub, there's no escaping this weekend's frightfest.

While there are some parts of the annual event that are fairly easy to get on board with – all the chocolate, for one – the rather integral costume element can be contentious. (Remember that scene in Mean Girls where Lindsay Lohan's character, Cady, arrives at a party full of sexy cats and bunnies dressed as a genuinely terrifying zombie bride?)

If going out in little more than your underwear doesn't appeal, there is a less risqué approach. I'll be channelling Gothic inspirations but in a way that won't scare the neighbours. Luckily this season, trends are on-side, with no shortage of black on show. Alexander McQueen's lace gown (1 - see gallery above) would be my first choice if money were no object – and it'd need to be, with it coming in at the cost of a small car.

For accessories, you won't find anything more stylish and on-theme than Charlotte Olympia's Caught In Charlotte's Web heels (2), thankfully wearable all year-round. For the ultimate in low-key costume dressing, layer a Gothic necklace such as this Dorothy Perkins number (3) over a little black dress, or simply add a pair of bunny ears such as this stylish lace pair from Topshop (4).

For make-up, I'll be heading to my nearest MAC. The brand has launched a Halloween makeover service (5); it might sound a little bit like a face-painting service but think awe-inspiring Egyptian goddess or ice queen, rather than your bog-standard ghost. And if that all sounds too elaborate, a slick of dark lipstick such as this deep purple shade from Christian Louboutin (6) will help to channel your inner ghoul.