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 per cent) 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: 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.

TRY: House of Dereon lace panelled dress, £85 (Selfridges).

Lace Lead: 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.

TRY: Lace dress, £65; necklace, £19.50; waist belt, £18; lace tights, £6 and shoes, £49, from Marks & Spencer.

Fetish Fiend: 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.

TRY: Wallis leather panel maxi dress, £95.

Freaky Finishes: Whether you’re 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 eyes peeled for cobweb-look necklaces or oversized crucifixes in your favourite antique-style metal for a dash of creepy cool.

TRY: What’s About Town spider cuff bracelet, £39.19 whatsabouttown.com) and Topshop premium cobweb necklace, £75.