Who says that only kids get treats at Halloween? The key to gothic dressing is finding classic pieces that you can go to extremes with, but also work in perfectly with your existing wardrobe for a sophisticated look.

In fact, the ideal scenario is to find a gorgeously ghostly new outfit that you can gothify in October and glamp come Christmas. It’s a great trick if you can pull it off.

Here’s my advice: stick to the classics of lace, leather and metallics – and never forget the power of the statement accessory! There’s no beating some gothic jewellery that could have as easily come from a demon as a designer.

This gorgeously gloomy aesthetic was everywhere this season, with lace-dashed, luxed-up goth models sulking their way down the Autumn/Winter catwalks. Rodarte featured belted leather and sheer black chiffon, for a tough yet feminine edge. Oscar de la Renta went more formal with dramatic gowns with rustling lack tulle. Alexander McQueen brought some real sexiness to his silhouettes, contrasting long sleeves and high necklines with completely sheer fabrics layered over dramatic gothic lingerie. Meanwhile, Alexander Wang went for a more moody teen, mallrat aesthetic, combining clunky boots with leather mini-skirts, and tights emblazoned with slogans and catchphrases.

High-neck lace dresses, tops and bodysuits are all perfect for Hallowe’en: they evoke the spirit of a Victorian widow wandering the halls. But they can also look decidedly chic, when teamed with a tailored blazer or skinny jeans. Forget the clichéd catsuit and instead look for a jumpsuit in crushed velvet or with lace detailing – you’ll get all the impact of a sleek and slinky all-in-one ensemble, without looking like you’ve been rummaging though a Comic Con dumpster. Rompers can also have the same effect: they evoke some ghoulish glam when teamed with black fishnets and witchy boots on Halloween, and can then be transformed into a modern, elegant look with bare legs and metallic stilettos for the office party, come December.

If you want to play around with some futuristic elements – think The Jetsons meets The Craft! – look for metallic dresses that can be made spooky with a mask and leather jacket, but will make a stunning sartorial statement later in the year when worn with more formal accessories. And speaking of accessories, ‘tis the season to go all out! Velvet chokers with crosses make an immediate impact, while dramatic, operatic masks are sexily spooky and can be used again and again. Feathered collars and cobweb-printed false nails will complete your transformation from stylish vamp to stylish vampire.

Go on then – it’s time to fill that goth-shaped hole...