You know that Mean Girls quote: "Halloween is the one night a year when a girl can dress like a total slut and no other girls can say anything about it"? Well, aside from it being a little dated in terms of political correctness, it's also no longer true. These days, Halloween is the time of year when It-Girls flex their encyclopaedic fashion knowledge and win major pop culture kudos. If your costume isn't high-glam and high-drama, you're not doing it right.

It's not that we don't love a hyper-specific in-joke, a cute couples costume or a gory, horror Halloween makeup moment. But when it comes to dressing-up, there are so few occasions that allow us to bring our fashion fantasies to life that it would be a shame to skip the holographic glitter and princess skirts on Halloween. Think about it: when was the last time you saw a celeb post a genuinely scary costume on main? They're all too busy referencing Cher, noughties Xtina and Lisa Bonet with custom costumes and curated photoshoots. Obviously, that's all pretty extra. But us normies can still channel a little bit of that energy come 31st October.

And the best part? A chic Halloween costume typically has a much longer lifespan in your wardrobe. Sure, you might not wear the entire look again, but if you choose your pieces wisely, you're pretty much guaranteed to mix-and-match them beyond spooky season. Step away from the synthetic fancy dress kits. This year, we're trick-or-treating in style.

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We know what you're thinking: “Basic!” But we're here to debunk your anti-witch costume bias with two facts. One: witchy fashion is actually extremely hot right now, thanks to both Practical Magic 2 and the rise of a boho goth aesthetic on the runways. Two: a classic costumes are often the chicest – a formula that's already so familiar there's room to experiment without throwing people off. Our recommendation? Skip the broomstick and opt for lace-up boots with a little black slip dress instead. Wear on repeat all season.

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Remember when everyone lost their minds over the historical inaccuracy of the Wuthering Heights costumes? Well, reader, this Halloween you too can ragebait the world with a Cathy costume that has no respect for the traditions of late 18th century dress. The key is to choose modern takes on regencycore staples that have high wearability potential. Think: corsets, puffball skirts and pearl chokers. Also essential: a getting-ready playlist of Kate Bush and Charli xcx.

Tom Wargacki

RIP, Dolly Parton – a woman who wore sequins like armour. This Halloween, pay homage by getting dressed up in the sparkliest dress you kind find and all the glittery trimmings. A little artistic licence is required here, because she really wasn't lying when she said, “It costs a lot of money to look this cheap.” In lieu of her many custom stage looks, simply shop with the eye of a magpie. If it glitters, add to basket – then throw in a fluffy boa-style scarf for good measure.

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It's one thing to serve a look on Halloween. It's quite another to step out resembling one of the most legendary runway moments of all time. Alexander McQueen's shows were always memorable, but none quite so much as the time Shalom Harlow closed his Spring 1999 collection by rotating on a circular platform, as two robots spray-painted her plain white dress. You'll need to get a bit crafty to replicate this look, but it's still pretty simple – just go all art-attack on an old white dress. Et voila! You're a part of fashion history.

Robert Kamau

Some things get better with age: wine, cheese and Clueless. That's why we'll never get bored of Dionne costumes, no matter how many times they're replicated year after year. The best part about this look is that it's totally adaptable to current trends. Instead of a pleated skirt, opt for a more structured mini, for example, or find a pair of Mary Janes with a slightly blockier heel. All that's missing is the Cher to your Dionne – but there's a pretty good chance you'll find her in the girl's toilets.

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When it comes to pop star style, no one can top Zara Larsson. Drenched in rainbows and glistening lamé, she's taken the pop-fashion baton left by Britney and legged it up the charts – so much so that her style is now recognisable enough to stand on its own. For your own Zara costume, you'll want to incorporate all the key elements of Y2K style, from distressed denim mini skirts to teeny-tiny crop tops and kitten heels. Then pile on the metallic eyeshadow and belt your heart out.