The difference between an okay costume and a great one is usually in the details. A pair of fangs, a splash of fake blood or the right hat can pull a homemade outfit together in minutes.
These are the Halloween accessories we'd reach for to round off any look.
A little fake blood makes almost any costume look more finished. A trickle from the corner of the mouth, a splash on a white shirt or a few drips on a bandage adds instant horror.
Use it sparingly and test it on old clothes first, as it can mark fabrics.
Wrap a few bloody bandages around an arm or forehead to transform a zombie, mummy or accident-victim look. They're cheap, light and easy to adjust through the night.
They also work as party decorations, draped over door frames or chairs.
Temporary tattoos are a quick, mess-free way to add spooky detail, from spiders and skulls to bats and pumpkins. They're perfect for children who don't want face paint.
With 135 in the pack, they double up as party bag fillers or an activity at a kids' Halloween party.
A skull coin necklace adds a finishing touch to a pirate, skeleton or ghost-ship costume. Small accessories like this are what make a homemade outfit look intentional.
Wear it over a striped top or loose white shirt for an easy pirate look.
A good witch hat is worth owning because it comes out every year. It finishes off a black dress, cape or cloak and works for wizards as well as witches.
Add tattoo stickers or a little face paint for extra character.
Not every Halloween party is about monsters. A set of 1920s accessories, with a headband, pearls and gloves, turns any little black dress into a flapper or ghostly Gatsby-era guest.
Add a touch of grey face powder and dark eyes for a spooky 1920s ghost.
A prop knife is a simple way to tell a story with your costume, whether you're a horror villain, a zombie survivor or a murder mystery suspect.
Keep props sensible in public places and check the venue's rules before you bring one along.
Key things to remember
Test fake blood on old clothes first.
Choose one or two accessories rather than everything at once.
Check venue rules before bringing any props.
Frequently asked questions
What accessories make a Halloween costume look better?
Vampire teeth, fake blood, bandages and a good hat finish most costumes.
How do I make a simple costume scarier?
Add fake blood and bloody bandages, and keep your colours dark.
What can children wear instead of face paint?
Temporary tattoo stickers and headbands are quick and mess-free.
Can I copy these messages word for word?
Yes. Everything on this page is free to copy, print and read out - no permission or credit needed. Changing one detail so it fits the person is all we would suggest.
