You're the queen of Halloween. Your style is cool, rich and layered but a bit dark, especially the stories you've created for Martha Stewart Living. Have you always been drawn to Halloween and can you share your best tips for parents who might not live an breath Halloween?

I loved Halloween as a child and later as an adolescent; it really feels like the perfect culmination of being creative, loving fashion, and exploring different identities. Plus candy!

October Issues of Martha Stewart were always my favorite, and it has been a dream come true to help create them! I loved working on my first pumpkin story inspired by creatures and introducing botanicals people might not know about to create creepy scenarios. I also love creating botanical and insect costumes that are a little creepy. 

Go bold, but keep it managable.

After 4, I let the kids choose. I try to think of one bold part of the costume that I can make. For example, I'll paint wings but then go with store-bought for all the accessories. Or use a mainly store-bought costume, but paint elements to customize or add something homemade like a treat carrier. I often buy a plastic mask then cover it with fur. When my son wanted to be a lion, we already owned the costume for dress-up, so we made a bones necklace and a skull carrier out of Fimo clay to add a bit of personality.

Use construction materials that will stand up to kids.

This year I found that using felt over a thick paper (like railroad board) with spray adhesive made nice crisp details that still could bend. I usually make most costumes with hot glue.

Make it a look.

I like having a big piece that's easy to put down when they get tired and making sure the costume is still "a look" without that big piece is essential to me. The same goes for couples costumes–each person should be able to look dressed up, without the other person being there.

Consider the little things–but don't stress over them.

It's so much work to get kids dressed. I don't always have time for much else, but a little lipstick, fake blood, or dark eyes can help them get in character.

Avoid a meltdown before you even get started.

I always underestimate how long everything will take, so I suggest getting everything as ready as possible before you start getting them ready. I make sure I have an extra layer that works with the costume for warmth, like nude long sleeve leotards, tights. I have an early memory of being a ballerina with a coat that scared me!

I find that letting them watch TV while I get them all ready helps– otherwise, you can have a costume breakdown before you even get out the door!

Kids love it when you join in.

I love parents in the classics– a witch, ghost, or skeleton. I like a ghost who's dressed up like a cowboy or a skeleton that's dressed as a princess. Kids love to help parents decide their costumes too!

Naomi deManana is the Style Director at Domino in New York who has styled countless weddings, tablestops, homes, and even funerals through her company Going Out In Style. All images via @naomidemanana. Praying mantis image shot by @johnny_miller_ for @marthastewart with @emmaa_w arren. Skunk image shot by @tedandchelsea.