Dressing up for Halloween: roleplay ideas for grown-ups

Halloween is the one night of the year when everyone is expected to become someone else. That makes it a brilliant excuse to play dress-up behind closed doors, whether you are heading to a party first or staying in with the curtains drawn. You do not need an elaborate outfit. A few well-chosen pieces of lingerie, a mask and a bit of imagination go a very long way.

Why dressing up works

Putting on a costume gives you permission to be a little bolder than usual. A mask or a new outfit can make it easier to flirt, try a different voice or take the lead when you normally would not. It is also simply fun. A lot of the best moments come from getting ready together and laughing at yourselves.

The trick is to keep it playful rather than pressured. Think of your outfit as a starting point for a game, not a performance that has to be perfect.

Three easy looks built from lingerie

You can build a memorable look from pieces you will happily wear again long after October. Browse our costumes and roleplay collection and bodystockings for more ideas.

The sultry black cat. A classic for a reason. Pair the Bound to Play Kitty Cat Face Mask Black (£12.99) with a simple black base such as the Lace by LJ Deep V Teddy with Bow Black (£14.99). Add the Lace by LJ Fishnet Thigh High Stockings with Rhinestones (£12.99) for a bit of sparkle and you are done. The mask also comes in red if you fancy a devilish twist.

The noir vampire. Think velvet curtains and candlelight. The Lace by LJ Cut Out Lace Suspender Bodystocking Black (£18.99) does most of the work in one piece, with floral lace and built-in suspender detail. Add a dark lipstick and a dramatic cape or long coat from your own wardrobe, and practise your best slow, knowing smile.

The wildcat. For something bolder, the Lace by LJ Gloved Leopard Print Catsuit Black (£18.99) is a full-length leopard catsuit with an open back and built-in gloves. It is a whole look on its own, and it works just as well under a coat for a party as it does at home.

Stretchy one-size pieces are forgiving, but it is still worth checking measurements before you buy. Our lingerie sizing guide explains how.

Roleplay ideas to try

Costumes and characters go hand in hand. Keep scenarios light, adult and clearly fictional, and pick something you both find exciting rather than something you feel you ought to do.

• Strangers at a masquerade. Arrive separately (even if that just means different rooms), masks on, and meet as if for the first time. Invent names and backstories.
• The vampire and the guest. One of you is the mysterious host, the other the visitor who has wandered in from the storm. Slow, teasing and theatrical works best here.
• Cat and mouse. A playful chase around the house, with a small reward for whoever gets caught.

If you want some structure, the Sexmatch Roleplay Edition Game (£16.99) is a card game with challenges that can help you ease into character without having to write a script.

Adding a playful touch of restraint

Many costume themes pair naturally with light bondage. The Loving Joy Furry Handcuffs Red (£7.99) are soft, lockable and very on theme for a wildcat or a devil. The Bound to Play. Eye Mask and Feather Tickler Play Kit (£14.99) is a gentle way to add teasing and anticipation.

If you are new to restraints, a few basics keep things safe:

• Keep the keys close by and know where they are before you start.
• Check circulation regularly. If hands feel cold, tingly or numb, release them straight away.
• Never leave someone who is restrained on their own.

Our bondage for beginners guide goes into more detail.

Keeping it fun, kind and consensual

Roleplay is only fun when everyone involved is enjoying it. Before you start, spend a few minutes chatting about what you would each like to try and anything that is off the table.

1. Agree a safe word that clearly means stop. Choose something you would never say in character, such as "pumpkin".
2. Check in as you go. A quick "still good?" does not break the mood. It keeps it going.
3. Stepping out of character is always allowed. If either of you feels awkward, laugh, pause and try something else.
4. Talk afterwards. Share what you loved and what you might change next time.

Make it a night to remember

Halloween dressing up does not need to be elaborate or expensive. Pick a look that makes you feel confident, agree the rules of the game and let yourselves be silly. Explore more pieces in our costumes and roleplay collection, and remember that orders placed before 1pm Monday to Friday are usually dispatched the same working day, in a plain, unbranded parcel.