If Halloween costumes are your idea of sartorial hell, then take comfort in the knowledge that there are ways to cheat the dress code.Your witch friends may cackle at you for not "joining in", but you can remind them that a) it"s an American holiday that UK retailers have adopted as a money making scheme and b) you can rewear your black dress multiple times while their fake blood-stained number has a definite shelf life.

Herewith are four chic cheat options for women who won"t go near fake blood this Halloween.

The novelty tee or knit

Those with a disposable Halloween budget will find much to like in Chinti and Parker???s playful cashmere Halloween edit (above).Zoe Karssen???s spider and bat embellished crew-necks (below) also hint at the gruesome dress code, while keeping you snug on the trick or treat trail.High street brands such as ASOS and New Look have a handful of tongue-in-cheek t-shirts that will raise a smirk or two, and won???t dent your bank account.

Spider sweater, ??190, Zoe Karssen

Ghost t-shirt, ??7.99, New Look

The black dress

Halloween is a prime opportunity to justify buying the black party dress you have been coveting.Not only will you be able to wear it multiple times over the Christmas season, a classic cut will stand the test of time.A thin polo neck or body worn underneath slips and slinkier designs will help ward off the chill.

Slip dress, ??105, & Other Stories

Irina feather dress, ??350, Whistles

Best celebrity Halloween costumesThe gothic blouse

Consider a black lace blouse awardrobe staple this winter.Vamp it upfor Halloween with dark make-up, employ as a day-to-night staple under suiting at work, or wear high-neck styles under crew-necks to bring a dash of glamour to knitwear.It???s a one-way ticket to a chic, and sensible, Halloween outfit.

Floral lace blouse, ??55, & Other Stories

Oversized blouse, ??39.99, Zara

The frightful accessories

Those with a small amount to spend, or women who refuse to dent their winter coat budget with any Halloween nonsense, can take heed in the catalogue of freaky accessories on offer.You can be a cat or bat for as little as ??5, and once you???re inside the party you can remove your thrifty accessory.Job done.

Lace face mask, ??7, Topshop;Cat ears vamp veil, ??10, Topshop; Fishnet tights, ??6.50, Topshop; Buckle choker necklace, ??12.50, Topshop

40 freakish fashion accessories for Halloween