Not every Halloween invitation calls for a full costume. Grown-up parties, dinners and hotel events this time of year often invite a theme rather than a disguise. The answer is to dress for evening and let one element carry the mood.

Start With Black

A black dress, a black suit or black trousers with a black knit is the obvious foundation, and it works because it is elegant on any other night of the year too.

Add One Thing

• Deep colors: a burgundy, emerald or midnight velvet jacket.
• A dramatic lip in oxblood or plum.
• A lace or sheer layer, kept elegant rather than costume.
• A striking piece of jewelry: a bold earring, a vintage brooch, a choker.
• Gloves, a cape or a wide-brimmed hat for theater.

The Subtle Character

If you want a nod to a costume, choose a character who is mostly clothing: a film-noir detective in a trench and fedora, a silent-film star in beads and a bob, Morticia in a long black dress. You will look dressed up for the evening and still recognizable to anyone who catches on.

What to Avoid

Anything that relies on another culture as a costume, and anything you would not be comfortable being photographed in the next morning. The best Halloween looks are the ones that still feel like you.

Shop the Edit

• Khaite Medow Crepe Midi Dress, Net-a-Porter
• Alice + Olivia Sable Velvet Blazer in Dark Fern, Nordstrom
• Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick, FWRD
• Jennifer Behr Blaine Statement Earrings, Neiman Marcus
• Burberry Kensington Heritage Trench, Saks Fifth Avenue
• Janessa Leone Nash Fedora, FWRD