We spoke to Sheffield’s fancy dress store owners about the biggest selling Halloween costumes of 2017

We just can't do without the fake blood in the hectic run up to 31st of October, according to Sheffield's most in-demand stores. But which costumes will be gracing the bars, clubs and Student's Unions of Sheffield in 2017? We've got all the details, tips and tricks from inside the best costume stores in Sheffield.

Khairul at Party On, Division Street

What will be the bestselling Halloween costume this year?

There will be three main sellers this year: Pennywise, Harley Quinn and Mexican Day of the Dead. Last year there was a lot of hype around Harley Quinn, and although people suggested or thought about going as her, many decided against it as there was too much hype around it – it was too predictable. But this year, the hype has died down, and many people are coming in and asking for Harley Quinn.

What will be the bestselling product this year?

Number one item is face paint. But also fake blood and liquid latex.

Any tips for student Halloween costumes?

Be different and innovative. If you want to be a witch, don't just be a witch – mix it with something else, like a tiger witch maybe. Get all your stuff together early, and be warned about queues outside the doors of our shops just to get inside. We're staying open late during the Halloween period (usually 7 or 8pm).

Claire at Its Party Time, London Road

What will be the bestselling Halloween costume this year?

Definitely clowns because of It, although it's hard to call because clowns were very popular last year with the 'evil clown' sightings. The 'unknown phantom' is another popular and simple choice. For women, I'm predicting broken dolls, but the zombie school girl is always popular.

Reminder: other clowns are available

What will be the bestselling product this year?

Fake blood and makeup, as well as liquid latex and fake wounds. But fake blood always sells.

Any tips for student Halloween costumes?

Don't leave it until the last minute. I would warn you particularly about queues in the days leading up to Halloween. People are starting to think about Halloween now, but not deciding on or necessarily buying costumes. Many students will leave it until the last minute, on Monday or Tuesday. We've extended our opening hours to 8pm during the Halloween period (5pm Sunday).

Amanda at Party Town, Ecclesall Road

What will be the bestselling Halloween costume this year?

I'm predicting Day of the Dead will be very popular, including the 'Mexican Bride of the Dead'. For men, grim reapers are always popular and simple, but also zombies of different types – zombie politicians, etc. I'm expecting the Michael Myers masks will sell well too.

What will be the bestselling product this year?

Fangs. Liquid latex also.

Any tips for student Halloween costumes?

Since student budgets are often limited, stock up on the accessories and individual items, like fake blood, scars and masks. You can create a more individual costume this way, too.

So keep a look out for those creepy clowns making their way down West Street, but be prepared also to catch a glimpse of a few broken dolls (and not just those in Aslan’s at 4am), or even spot a school uniform on a Tuesday night – it can’t get more radical than that.