How many of you have already purchased or made your costume? How many of you have at least figured out what you are going to be? Even though Halloween is just a week away, many (probably most) of you have no idea what you are going to wear. AHHHHHH!!!! Don’t stress out! If you are unsure what to dress up as, or unsure of where to shop for a costume, here are my top choices of places to go for inspiration and last minute costume purchases:
Lucy In Disguise
This is the costume procrastinator’s dream store. If you have no idea what to dress up as and you have little time to decide, this is the place for you. If you’ve ever taken a trip inside Lucy in Disguise then you know how extensive this costume paradise is. You can find everything from an elaborate Queen of Hearts costume to simple accessories like fake mustaches. This is the largest selection of costumes you will find in Austin, and almost everything is available for both purchase and rent. (website / map)
Coco Coquette
A wig can really make or break a costume, and Coco Coquette is the place to go for a wig. Not only can you find funky colors and styles, but you can also find more natural looking options that can make your costume look more realistic. One of the best parts about the wigs from Coco Coquette is that the quality for the price is really a great deal- most of the wigs are around $40. You can also find makeup and some accessories at Coco Coquette too! (website / map)
Charm School Vintage
Sharing a house with Coco Coquette on the East Side is one of the best vintage stores in Austin, Charm School Vintage. You will find a variety of styles at Charm School mostly from the 60’s-90’s. The best thing about shopping for a costume at Charm School is that most of what you will find here can also be worn in your every day life when styled differently, and everything is really reasonably priced! Right now there is a ton of stuff on sale and you can find some amazing inexpensive steals. And if you’re looking for something sparkly, there’s a whole rack dedicated to clothes with sequins and sparkles. With Coco Coquette and Charm School sharing the same space, you honestly could have a one stop Halloween shopping experience and get your outfit, wig, makeup, and accessories all in one trip. How convenient is that?! (website / map)
Amelia’s Retro Vogue
This is the spot to go for the more sophisticated costume shopper. If you’re looking for something that is more authentic, go to Amelia’s. Amelia’s focuses on clothing dating from the mid 1800’s to the mid 1900’s, so if you are looking for a less modern look then this is the place for you. And if you’re looking to replicate a specific time period with your costume but are not sure how to go about it, Amelia herself is there to educate you on everything retro. I swear she is one of the most charming fashion historians you will find! (website / map)
Goodwill
I’ve always been a big fan of Goodwill. I love what the company stands for and I love that I can buy something and use it for a costume and then re-donate it later. I’ve definitely done this before because 1) I hate holding onto things and 2) It’s still cheaper then renting a costume. Goodwill during Halloween is one of your most inexpensive options for costume shopping. During Halloween Goodwill is not only stocked incredibly full with its usual donated clothing, but it’s also full of brand new cheap costume accessories too. The Goodwill on Research and the Goodwill on North Lamar have the biggest and best selections during Halloween. AND, did you know that Goodwill throws their own costume party at Halloween? The Ghoulwill Ball is taking place on Saturday Oct. 26th at the W downtown. (website / map)
Happy Halloween shopping! I can’t wait to see your costumes Austin!
Joanna Wilkinson
keep austin stylish