Days are getting shorter, pumpkin flavoured treats are everywhere, and it is once again socially acceptable to decorate with bloody (fake) body parts. However, this autumn fashion’s obsession with horror aesthetics extends well beyond Halloween. From grungy all-black looks by McQueen’s Seán McGirr, Yohji Yamamoto or Isabel Marant, to exaggerated frills and aethereal lace at the likes of Chanel and Chloé, monstrous trends took over A/W25 catwalks. From fashion favourites to not-to-be-missed exhibits, Fashion Editor Florentyna Syperek suggests ways to embody your shadow self in style, and make the most of spooky season and beyond!
The Vampy Vixen
The costume: A swoon worthy seductress, this glam-lover doesn’t want to be anything but drop dead gorgeous. Whether you’re choosing to deflect the evil eye with a metallic mini or swathe yourself in black to absorb your enemies’ energy, emerging designer Clara Colette Miramon’s creations will let you haunt your ex’s dreams in style. Add a touch of sparkle with patterned tights from FALKE and a Julia Fox-approved 3D printed bag by Dutch brand Bhumi. Hot fit getting too much attention? Drown out the noise in crystal encrusted LOOP x Swarovski earplugs.
The custom: Indulge your love of all things design by attending ‘Frankenstein: Crafting a Tale Eternal’, an immersive exhibition celebrating the hauntingly beautiful world of Guillermo del Toro’s latest film. Hosted at The Old Selfridges Hotel visitors can learn about the creative process of the individuals involved in crafting the costumes, makeup, and production design worthy of the horror classic. After dark, head West to experience your own Gothic adventure. Step inside Strawberry Hill House’s Halloween Late, and wander the historic castle corridors by candlelight – if you dare. ‘Frankenstein: Crafting a Tale’, 17 October– 9 November 2025, The Old Selfridges Hotel at Selfridges London. Free, booking essential. | Strawberry Hill After Dark: Halloween Late, 31 October 2025, 18:00 – 20:00, Standard tickets £25 for a timed slot, concessions available.
The Wise Witch
The costume: A romantic creature by nature, the Witch will love the ethereal aesthetic of female-founded slow fashion brand FAUNE, accessorised with a real-rose black choker from I’MMANY. For a collector of wonderful vintage and cursed objects, the nature fibre brooch print cardigan from HADES will be a perfect choice for cosy afternoons. Finish the look off by paying homage to Roman goddess Pomona with handcrafted gold and garnet pomegranate earrings by ECE London.
The custom: When the Witch isn’t joining their coven for a compulsory listening party of Florence and the Machine’s newest album – conveniently dropping on Halloween itself – they might enjoy quenching their thirst for knowledge by visiting the ‘Curious Cures’ exhibition to learn more about the fascinating world of medieval medicine, with unusual remedies and at times questionable wellness rituals ready to rival today’s TikTok trends. Open until Saturday 6 December 2025. Free, booking essential.
The Pumpkin Spice Cutie Pie
The costume: Jinkies, Halloween just got totally cute! With an appreciation of camp classics like Hocus Pocus and all things pumpkin spice, you tend to gravitate towards the fun side of spooky season. Since there’s nothing more terrifying than the climate crisis, make a statement in a rented Vivienne Westwood dress from HURR, dressed down with an ethically-made seasonal tote bag by Norwich-based illustrator Morwenna Farrell. To keep the kitsch factor high add a pair of sky-high platforms from KOI’s exclusive collaboration with Monster High. A quick spritz of Chopova Lowena’s flirty fragrance before you head out – and your icon status has been secured!
The custom: Vampire romance might be nothing new, but few authors today do it as well as bestselling and BookTok-famous author Jenna Levine. Her latest novel ‘Roadtrip with a Vampire’ featuring an unlikely duo of witch-turned-yoga-teacher and an amnesiac vampire is a perfect blend of hilarious and hor- ahem, fun. For an extroverted activity alternative head to a Halloween-themed fashion collage workshop hosted by illustrator Elyse Blackshaw in collaboration with Traid. Known for her bold aesthetic, Elyse will guide participants in letting their imaginations go wild while crafting with sustainably sourced materials. 29th October, 12.00 – 15.00 at Traid Shepherd’s Bush, 154 Uxbridge Road, London, W12 8AA. Free, booking essential.
The Casual Corpse
The costume: Forget hot girl summer, it’s time for bog body autumn. Exhaustion is in right now, so dress to distress in a NAKED COLLECTIVE tracksuit and Dr Martens x Rick Owens leather boots featuring protective pentagram lacing. Those who care more about what’s on the inside will appreciate the Lee x Mighty Jaxx drop featuring contemporary artist Jason Freeny’s signature XXRay vision graphics reimagining Buddy Lee. Accessorise this offensive off-duty uniform with a memento mori skull stud or two from Rat Betty, or go for stylish scabs courtesy of VICKISARGE x Karina Bond. Gore never looked so good.
The custom: Get down and dirty at the Barbican this season for ‘Dirty Looks: Desire and Decay in Fashion’. The exhibition explores the concept of literal and conceptual ‘dirtiness’ as seen in fashion, examining the creative work of established fashion houses such as Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Balenciaga, and Maison Margiela, alongside today’s rising stars like Michaela Stark, DI PETSA, Dilara Findikoglu, and Hodakova. Open Tue-Sun until 25 January 2026. Standard ticket £20, with concessions available.
Words and graphics by Florentyna Syperek