A letter from a reader
At 64, I finally found a Halloween hoodie that does not make me feel silly
I have never written one of these before. But I have said the same thing to enough friends this October that it felt worth putting down in words.
My October wardrobe had quietly become a collection of perfectly sensible jumpers that kept me warm and somehow made me look as if I had skipped Halloween altogether. I would put one on to help with the decorations and feel like the only person in the house who wasn’t invited.
You do not stop loving Halloween. You simply start wanting something to wear that feels like you.
And in Ireland, October weather rarely stays predictable. A bright morning can turn to rain by lunchtime, and a mild afternoon can become a cold evening long before the trick-or-treaters arrive.
Then my sister wore hers to our Halloween tea
It did not look like the novelty jumpers you see in the shops. The design gave it character, the autumn colours made it feel seasonal rather than silly, and the relaxed fit looked comfortable without becoming shapeless. She wore it over a plain white T-shirt and jeans, and somehow the whole outfit looked festive.
It is one of the Halloween Jumpers from John Dublin. Mine is the Autumn Faith Swirl, with its little ghost and autumn leaves, but they offer designs ranging from cosy ghosts and pumpkins to black cats and haunted houses, which I will come back to.
The soft cotton works beautifully through October and on cold evenings, and the colours somehow make the whole thing look cheerful rather than childish. I opened the collection on my phone before the tea had gone cold.
What happened at the Halloween party
I wore mine to my grandchildren’s Halloween party on an evening that turned colder than expected.
Before the first game had even started, two of the other grandmothers asked where it was from. One of them has known me for years and rarely comments on clothes. She said I looked as if I was actually enjoying myself, which I chose to accept as the compliment it was.
Since then, I have worn it with jeans, black trousers, leggings and over a simple long-sleeved top. It never makes the outfit feel like a costume. It simply makes it feel like Halloween.
Three things I have learned since
One. The design does the dressing up for you. A cheerful Halloween hoodie gives a simple outfit colour and character, so you do not need a costume, a witch’s hat or face paint.
Two. The hood changes the mood. Pull it up on a chilly walk, leave it down for the party, and the front pocket keeps your phone and keys to hand.
Three. It earns its place all through October. It handles crisp mornings, wet afternoons and the cold evenings spent at the front door handing out sweets.
About the price
I will be honest: the price was the part that surprised me most.
The Autumn Faith Swirl is normally €137.38 and is currently €54.95.
Before ordering, I read the customer reviews. One from Mary in Ennis stayed with me: her granddaughter insists she wears “the ghost hoodie” whenever she visits. Reading that made the decision feel much simpler.
I expected the more detailed designs to cost considerably more. Instead, John Dublin’s Halloween closing sale takes up to 60% off across the shop, with extra savings the more you buy.
There is no complicated styling required. Choose the colours you already wear most, add a simple long-sleeved top, and let the hoodie do the rest. Free delivery across Ireland and 30-day returns make trying one feel straightforward.
What I would tell you if we were friends
If you and I were having a cup of tea and you asked me about these hoodies, this is what I would say.
If your wardrobe is full of sensible jumpers that you keep because you need them, but none makes you feel part of Halloween when you put it on, take a few minutes to look at the collection.
Not because a hoodie changes everything. It does not. But putting on something warm and seeing a cheerful outfit in the mirror is one of those small pleasures that makes October more fun.
There are designs from cosy ghosts to cheeky black cats. Start with the one that looks most at home beside your favourite jeans, trousers or leggings.
I have not reached for one of my old sensible jumpers since. I do not think I ever will again.
Maura
Halloween Jumpers Collection
- Distinctive ghost, pumpkin and black cat designs
- Soft cotton feel for easy layering
- Double-layer hood that can be worn up or down
- Colours ranging from soft autumn tones to bright Halloween shades
- Free delivery across Ireland
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Choose the design that feels most like your Halloween.
Maura is 64 and lives outside Naas, Co. Kildare. She is not a fashion writer.
John Dublin · Free delivery across Ireland · 30-day returns
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