Halloween costumes to die for

Six fashion folk tell ROSEMARY MACCABEwhat they'll be wearing for Halloween

CORINA GAFFEY

In real life: fashion editor of Kiss and Stellar. Halloween costume: Minnie Mouse

“I’m going to Disneyland Paris this week, so, inspired by my trip, I’m going to dress up as Minnie Mouse. Boutique by Jaeger have a great burgundy skirt with polka dots that would be perfect for putting a fashion spin on it. Minnie Mouse has been really fashionable this year, too – she was even at London Fashion Week.”

LOTTIE RYAN

In real life: broadcaster Halloween costume: astronaut

“I’m dressing up as an astronaut – we are having a dress-up day in 2FM for Barnardos, and I saw this photograph of Ryan Tubridy in an astronaut suit from the costume department, so I asked if I could have it. I love Halloween – I think it’s a great excuse to just be silly and for adults to act like kids. Holidays are family things in my house because I’ve such a young family – we have a party for all the cousins; we do old-fashioned games like bobbing for apples and watch scary movies.”

DECLAN LEAVY

In real life: editor of dailyupdate.ie Halloween costume: Roman warrior

“I’m either going to be the YMCA Indian or a Roman warrior – a sexy Roman warrior. There’s not much coverage in either outfit. I go for sexy. On other people, I love seeing funny, but not on myself. I’m not that fussed about Halloween in general, but my thing is just to get it out of the way so we can start thinking about Christmas.”

SEAN JACKSON

In real life: photographer Halloween costume: Andy Warhol

“I’m going as Andy Warhol – with a wig, the glasses and then just some groovy threads. I wanted to do something that was iconic, as opposed to costume-y. I dress up most years, but only if there’s a party on. I don’t hang around the house in a witch’s outfit.”

LEONARD DALY

In real life: make-up artist Halloween costume: Edna from Hairspray

“Myself and my friends are doing a Hairspray theme – I’m going as Edna Turnblad from Hairspray, in a big pink sparkly dress, and a wig and make-up and full-on drag. My cousin has a Halloween ball every year, and we have a trophy and everything. I’ve won it for the last three years.”

Box clutch (€49.95), by Ale Walsh at Cows Lane Designer Studio, Temple Bar

DANA ARIKANE

In real life: model Halloween costume: Samsara from The Ring

“I don’t have an outfit yet, and I’m working that day, so I want to do something quick. I’m thinking of going as Samara from The Ring, because I have long, black straight hair, so I’m planning to wear something white and look really scary like her. I like Halloween – the last few years were the first few that I’ve done something for it. I’m always kind of busy, and it takes a lot of effort.”

A red show-stopper

Any tips on where to shop for a red party dress? I have it in my head that I want a red dress for the upcoming party season. I had a look online last night but nothing really appealed to me. I would be on the more generous side when it comes to sizing.

Bernie, by email

I call this the Emily VanKamp effect; anyone watching Revenge will know what I mean. Red dresses have never looked so stylish as they do set against a Hamptons background and offset by a mane of blonde waves.

When shopping for red dresses, don't be tempted to go for something overly fussy. Because the colour is so "wow" on its own, all you'll need is a few accessories and some killer heels.

This burgundy dress from Oasis (€94, above) doesn't look all that dressy at first, but paired with a statement necklace and heels, it could make a serious impact. Sleeves are always a winner, it's not too short and it's not bodycon, so won't give you away if you happen to overindulge during the festive season.

Karen Millen has another option in the shape of this tea dress with pleated skirt (€215, below left). Its intricate neckline will draw attention away from your midsection, and the pleated fluid skirt moves beautifully. The only worry with this one, aside from the fact that it's a little on the expensive side, is that Karen Millen is not known for its generous sizes, and a 16 can, more often than not, be a 12 to 14.

Sliding back down the price scale, this burgundy dress from Zara (€49.95, below right) is really cute. It's a little shorter than the others, but the long sleeves and high neck balance out any fear of overexposure. Teamed with some chunky silver jewellery, it could be a real show-stopper.

Pleather-free zone

Magazines and blogs say they're everywhere, but I can't find a leather pencil skirt anywhere – and I'm talking real leather, not pleather. I'd love one in black or navy and I have a budget of €250-€300. I'd prefer not to buy online so I can try it on first.

Grace, by email

Leather skirts are everywhere, being hailed as the must-have item of A/W. Your problem may stem from the fact that there are a hell of a lot more A-line and swing skirts doing the rounds than there are pencil skirts – that and, for the high street, leather often pushes shops past their budget constraints and so they opt for pleather.

This mini from Zara (€69.95) is pure lambskin leather, although it is shorter than your average pencil skirt. You could easily dress it up and down, and the quilted effect lends it a certain timelessness. A big plus point, obviously, is that it's not too spendy.

Hobbs is releasing its Chloe skirt in November (€230), a perfect, to-the-knee pencil skirt, seen here with coat (€285), top (€125) and boots (€320) all from Hobbs, available in Arnotts, House of Fraser and a standalone store in Dundrum Town Centre.

Another option is this number by DVF (€525) at Elaine Curtis in Carlow (elainecurtis.ie). Obviously, it's way above your price range – but it's the perfect length and fit, and is genuine leather.

Your best bet, ultimately, may be to go vintage. Fluorescent Elephant in Temple Bar, Dublin, does a range of vintage leather pencil skirts that have been restitched and re-hemmed, all for around €50.