CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

Peoples love for Halloween is growing. According to Finder’s 2025 research, UK Halloween spending was forecast to reach £779 million, with 55% of Brits planning to make a Halloween-related purchase.

With all the festivities, pumpkin carving isn’t the only one. Many people enjoy trick or treating or even hosting their own Halloween party. But with parties often lasting hours or even stretching well into the night, knowing how to start moving your guests on is essential.

Lucy Ward, Marketing Executive at Beanies Flavour Co, experts in flavoured coffee, says: “Guests can often outstay their welcome without meaning to, especially when it comes to a good party. And sometimes pulling out the after-party coffee is the only way you can think to get your guests to start grabbing their coats.”

But from witchy welcomes to witching hour, how else can you get your ghoulish guests to leave on time?

Book a venue

One way to ensure your guests leave at a reasonable time is by booking a venue. By hosting your event at a venue other than your home, you can set an end time limit to the evening. This can either be the closing time for the venue or whenever you’ve paid to stay there.

This means that, even if you want a small party that ends mid-afternoon, this can be done. You don’t need to be partying into the night to have a good time, and by finding a place which can accommodate this, you can send your guests home with a smile without them knowing your devilish plan!

This also means that anyone looking to carry on the evening can do so elsewhere without stopping the fun – leaving you to go home to your comfy bed and pyjamas without worrying.

Set a designated leaver

Another way is getting a trusted friend or family member to be the designated leaver. Especially if it is a smaller party, your guests are likely to start leaving if they notice others are leaving, too. By confiding in someone to be the designated leaver, they can make a moment out of their departure, and hopefully, your other friends and family will follow suit.

While this might work for some of your loved ones, it is not guaranteed for all of them – there will always be that one person dancing away! So, using this alongside some other tips can give you the best chance of moving your party on without keeping it going.

Set an end time ahead of the event

You could also set a dedicated end time well ahead of the event so no one is surprised when the music suddenly stops. When sending out invitations, set a specific start and end time so that your guests know what to expect. This also means that they can arrange further plans later on if they’re looking to spend all Hallows Eve having the time of their life.

While some guests might not notice the time, they cannot be surprised when you start packing away and turning the big lights on.

Start cleaning up

One way to shut down a party is by starting to clean up. Nothing says end of the night like a bin bag filled with rubbish and decorations. The key here is to clean away essential items too (like the buffet food) so that guests don’t just think you’re tidying up in the middle of the party.

Cleaning not only signals to everyone that the night is over, but it can also encourage some to help you out – meaning less work for you after throwing the whole party. And for others, it means a quick exit so they don’t feel guilty for not staying around to help. Win-win!

Start turning the music down

And if you start turning the music down or even off, your guests should start getting the hint. With neighbours to consider, you don’t want your music to be loud all night (especially if they aren’t at the party with you!), so turning this down at a reasonable time is essential anyway.

If you’re worried about the noise before the end of the party, you can give your neighbours a warning or even an invite to the party. You can also try soundproofing the walls with panels or even egg boxes, keep windows and doors closed, and keep the majority of sound in a room furthest away from your neighbours.

Getting your party guests to leave when the fun has only just started can be difficult, and for many, a Halloween party signifies a monster mashing into the middle of the night. But not every party has to last until the early hours. Instead, try cleaning up, setting an end time, or even blaming a venue for the end of the party blues.

When British retail institution John Lewis joins forces with one of London’s most intriguing contemporary menswear names, the result was always going to be worth a closer look. Enter clothsurgeon, the label founded by former footballer Rav Matharu, which has built its reputation on bringing the precision of traditional tailoring into the world of streetwear. Now, the two have teamed up for an exclusive, limited-edition menswear collection that brings that distinctive aesthetic to a wider audience.

Making history in 2022 as the first bespoke streetwear store on London’s legendary Savile Row, clothsurgeon has never been particularly interested in playing by fashion’s established rules. Instead, the brand has carved out its own territory, where the craftsmanship of British tailoring meets the attitude, references and relaxed proportions of contemporary street culture. This collaboration with John Lewis takes that proposition and gives it a new platform, offering a wardrobe that feels equally at home on the streets of London or in a more considered sartorial setting.

The collection draws inspiration from vintage menswear, reworking familiar silhouettes with a modern sensibility and an appreciation for premium materials. An Eighties-inspired leather jacket brings a dose of retro attitude, while archive-washed denim delivers that lived-in character that can take years to achieve naturally. For those who prefer their wardrobe with a little more structure, double-breasted suits provide a smarter counterpoint, demonstrating that streetwear and tailoring can happily share the same sartorial postcode.

Material choice is central to the proposition. Fine Italian wool from Barberis, goat suede and brushed cashmere bring texture, quality and a sense of considered luxury to the mix. These are fabrics with substance, selected to complement silhouettes that feel relaxed rather than rigid. The emphasis is on versatility, too, with pieces designed to be styled up or down depending on the occasion. A tailored jacket needn’t be reserved for the boardroom, just as a leather jacket can be elevated beyond weekend duties with the right supporting cast.

For Matharu, whose journey from professional football to the world of bespoke fashion has helped shape clothsurgeon’s distinctive identity, the collaboration represents an opportunity to bring the brand’s design philosophy to a broader menswear audience. John Lewis, meanwhile, provides an established British retail platform through which craftsmanship, contemporary design and everyday wearability can meet.

The appeal lies in that meeting of worlds. Savile Row has long been synonymous with precision, heritage and the art of making clothes properly, while streetwear has challenged traditional ideas of luxury through its emphasis on individuality, cultural relevance and personal expression. clothsurgeon has spent years exploring the space between the two, and this limited-edition collection continues that conversation with a distinctly vintage-inflected wardrobe.

Ultimately, this is menswear that understands the modern man’s wardrobe doesn’t need to be neatly divided into formal and casual, luxury and everyday, or heritage and hype. Sometimes the most interesting outfits happen when those boundaries blur. With John Lewis x clothsurgeon, the result is a collection that brings Savile Row craftsmanship into a more relaxed, contemporary frame, proving that a little tailoring and a healthy dose of streetwise attitude can make for a rather compelling combination.

Halloween is no longer just about throwing on a bin-bag cape, painting your face white and hoping nobody asks who you’re supposed to be. In 2026, dressing up is a serious style statement, with pop culture, cult cinema, nostalgia and a healthy dose of fashion-forward thinking shaping the season’s most covetable costumes.

Whether you’re heading to a Halloween party, making an entrance at a themed event or simply looking for an excuse to channel your inner fashion villain, this year’s inspiration comes from some rather unexpected places. Think cinematic icons, music legends, television’s most memorable characters and a few wonderfully eccentric style references.

The trick, of course, is to strike the right balance between recognisable and original. Nobody wants to be the fifth Wednesday Addams in the room, unless, naturally, you’ve perfected the look better than everyone else.

Here are the Halloween costume ideas worth investing in for 2026.

Superhero Fatigue: The Darker Side of Comic Book Culture

Forget the predictable superhero costume. In 2026, it’s the darker, more fashion-conscious interpretations that make a compelling statement. Batman, The Joker and other comic-book antiheroes offer plenty of scope for a more sophisticated take on fancy dress.

A sharply tailored black suit, a dramatic overcoat, dark accessories and a suitably theatrical attitude can deliver a convincing Bruce Wayne without the need for a full-body Lycra situation. Meanwhile, The Joker offers an opportunity to experiment with clashing colours, exaggerated tailoring and unapologetically bold makeup.

The secret is to avoid looking like you’ve just stepped out of a fancy-dress hire shop. Think editorial rather than cartoon.

The 1980s Are Calling: Rock Legends and New Romantics

Nostalgia remains a powerful fashion influence, and Halloween is the perfect excuse to revisit the decade that gave us power dressing, outrageous hair and some of the most gloriously excessive stage costumes in music history.

Channel David Bowie in his Ziggy Stardust era, Freddie Mercury at his most flamboyant or the New Romantic aesthetic of Duran Duran and Spandau Ballet. Metallic fabrics, leather trousers, military-inspired jackets, statement jewellery and unapologetic silhouettes provide the foundations.

For a more understated interpretation, a perfectly cut blazer, a ruffled shirt, slim trousers and a pair of statement sunglasses can evoke the era without making you look like an extra from a retro music video.

The Gothic Revival: Wednesday Addams and Beyond

Dark romance is an enduring Halloween favourite, but 2026 calls for something a little more considered than the standard black dress and novelty spider accessories. Wednesday Addams remains a natural reference point, with her sharp collar, braided hair, monochrome styling and deadpan demeanour.

For those looking to take the aesthetic further, gothic tailoring offers plenty of possibilities. Think long black coats, dramatic silhouettes, lace detailing, Victorian-inspired shirts, polished boots and silver jewellery. The appeal lies in the juxtaposition of classic tailoring and a slightly sinister edge.

It’s a look that works equally well for couples, groups or anyone who prefers their Halloween wardrobe with a little more fashion credibility.

The Supervillain: Make an Entrance, Not an Apology

Every good Halloween party needs a villain, and in 2026, the supervillain is arguably the most exciting character to play. From the cinematic extravagance of Cruella de Vil to the dark sophistication of a Bond antagonist, the possibilities are endless.

For a modern interpretation, look to exaggerated shoulders, luxurious textures, monochrome dressing and accessories that suggest you have questionable intentions and excellent taste. A dramatic coat, leather gloves, a black roll-neck and a pair of polished boots will take you a long way.

The beauty of the supervillain look is that it doesn’t require a complicated costume. A well-executed outfit and the right expression can do most of the heavy lifting.

The Y2K Throwback: Noughties Pop Culture Gets Spooky

The early 2000s continue to inspire contemporary fashion, making Y2K an easy source of Halloween inspiration. Think iconic pop stars, boy-band heart-throbs, paparazzi-era celebrities and the unmistakable aesthetic of reality television’s early years.

Low-rise jeans, oversized belts, tinted sunglasses, graphic T-shirts, tracksuits and chunky trainers provide the foundations for an instantly recognisable look. For a more specific reference, take inspiration from Justin Timberlake’s early solo-era styling, Eminem’s signature streetwear or the flamboyant pop aesthetic of the era.

It’s a playful approach to Halloween that works particularly well for group costumes, especially when everyone commits to a different cultural reference from the same decade.

The Classic Horror Icon: A Timeless Halloween Investment

Sometimes, the original ideas remain the best. Dracula, Frankenstein’s monster, the Mummy and classic horror-film villains have stood the test of time for good reason. Their silhouettes are instantly recognisable, and with a little imagination, they can be elevated well beyond the usual off-the-shelf costume.

For Dracula, consider a sharply tailored black suit, a dramatic cape, a crisp white shirt and polished shoes. Frankenstein’s monster lends itself to distressed tailoring, oversized proportions and theatrical makeup, while a vintage-inspired Mummy costume can be given a more fashion-conscious twist through layered textures and aged fabrics.

The key is craftsmanship. A few carefully chosen pieces, rather than an entire disposable costume, can make all the difference.

Halloween 2026 is an opportunity to have a little fun with personal style, experiment with characters and embrace the theatrical side of dressing. Whether you’re taking inspiration from the big screen, music history, fashion’s most notorious figures or the enduring appeal of classic horror, the best costumes are those that demonstrate a little imagination.

After all, the difference between a forgettable Halloween outfit and a genuinely memorable look is rarely the amount of money spent. It’s the confidence, creativity and attention to detail that bring the character to life.

With more than 145 years of shoemaking heritage, BARKER Shoes remains a benchmark for traditional British craftsmanship, bringing together time-honoured techniques, premium materials and enduring style for the modern gentleman.

Founded by Arthur Barker in 1880 in the Northamptonshire village of Earls Barton, BARKER began life as a hand-sewn shoemaker working alongside local craftsmen. More than a century later, the brand continues to manufacture its footwear in the same village, drawing on generations of expertise to create shoes that balance traditional construction with contemporary versatility.

At the heart of the collection is a considered selection of men’s footwear, from classic brogues and polished monk straps to versatile loafers, Chelsea boots and everyday leather styles. Goodyear-welted construction and quality leathers remain central to the brand’s approach, reflecting a commitment to durability, comfort and shoes designed to be worn for years rather than a single season.

Standout designs include the Pennine chocolate-grain brogue boot, the Tunstall suede monk strap, the Braunton penny loafer and the Sutton Chelsea boot. Each offers a distinctive interpretation of the modern gentleman’s footwear wardrobe, combining heritage detailing with the versatility required for contemporary dressing.

Beyond footwear, BARKER’s collection of leather goods and shoe-care accessories extends the brand’s craftsmanship into the finer details of wardrobe maintenance. From brushes, creams and shoe horns to cardholders and wallets, these thoughtfully considered pieces offer appealing options for seasonal gifting while providing an opportunity to explore the enduring art of shoe care.

For those who appreciate quality, longevity and understated British style, BARKER Shoes is a reminder that great footwear is as much about how it is made and maintained as how it looks.

Some pieces of outdoor kit earn their place in the wardrobe by doing one thing exceptionally well. Others prove their worth by adapting to just about everything the weather can throw at them. Celebrating its tenth anniversary this season, Jack Wolfskin’s iconic Jasper jacket firmly belongs in the latter camp, marking a decade of versatile outdoor performance with a new collection built around its signature 3-in-1 system.

Designed for the unpredictable realities of life outdoors, the Jasper has always been about adaptability. Sunshine can quickly give way to showers, woodland trails can open out onto exposed rocky terrain, and a demanding climb can suddenly become a leisurely stroll. Rather than requiring a different jacket for every eventuality, the 3-in-1 concept offers a more intelligent approach to layering, allowing wearers to adjust their protection and insulation as conditions change.

At the heart of the latest collection is Jack Wolfskin’s commitment to combining technical performance with more considered material choices. TEXAPORE ECOSPHERE PRO delivers waterproof protection through a construction incorporating a 100% recycled outer fabric and lining, alongside a membrane made from production offcuts. It is an approach that puts material efficiency alongside the practical demands of outdoor use.

Insulation comes courtesy of TEXATHERM and TEXATHERM FIBER CLOUD, engineered to provide lightweight warmth and compressibility without unnecessary bulk. The latter is designed to retain its insulating performance even in humid conditions, making it particularly useful when the weather refuses to play by the rules. Selected styles also incorporate AQUAGUARD waterproof zips and ripstop reinforcement, adding further protection and durability where it matters most.

Yet the Jasper’s enduring appeal goes beyond its technical specification. Its tenth anniversary celebrates a design philosophy rooted in the idea that outdoor experiences should be accessible, adaptable and enjoyable, whatever the conditions.

Jack Wolfskin’s story began around a campfire, founded on the belief that discovery is a lifelong pursuit and should be within everyone’s reach. That spirit continues to shape its approach to outdoor apparel, footwear and equipment, with products designed to support everything from bikepacking, ski touring and camping to hiking, trekking and everyday commuting.

The Jasper 3-in-1 jacket embodies that philosophy particularly well. By combining weather protection and adaptable insulation in one versatile system, it offers a practical solution for those who want their outdoor wardrobe to work harder, travel further and respond to changing conditions.

Ten years on, the Jasper’s message remains as relevant as ever: the best outdoor clothing isn’t simply about preparing for the elements. It’s about giving you the confidence to get out there, embrace the unexpected and keep exploring.