Best costume shops

Every Thing Goes Thrift & Vintage
If you’re looking for something more surprising than a French maid uniform or poodle skirt, take the ferry to this vintage shop where you’ll find unique wares at cheap prices. “People come to mix and match pieces and create their own look,” owner Peggy Wonder says. For example, pick up a vintage wedding gown ($25–$60) and splatter it with fake blood to create a zombie bride. There are tons of accessories and makeup in the store to help you turn any idea into a reality. “We’re here to help people put components together to create the look they’re going for,” says Wonder. And because the stock is full of actual clothing (not that flimsy nylon crap), there’s a good chance you’ll be able to wear your outfit—or part of it—past October. 140 Bay St between Central Ave and Victory Blvd, Staten Island (718-273-7139, etgstores.com/clothing)

Frankie Steinz Costumes
Instead of stuffing your closet with another used Halloween costume, try renting a one-of-a-kind disguise from Frankie Steinz. Best-selling getups include an elaborate fruit bowl ($350), a giant pumpkin couture gown with an extravagant headpiece ($495) and a Marie Antoinette dress complete with a huge wig adorned with mini ships (from $195). They’ve also got the glittery masks and makeup to top off any disguise. Too lazy to go to the store? You can buy a select number of costumes at their online eBay shop. 580 Broadway between E Houston and Prince Sts, suite 309 (212-925-1373, frankiesteinz.com)

Frank Bee Costumes
Get something for you, your child, your beau and even your pet at this 53-year-old Halloween mecca brimming with costumes for all sizes. The staff is helpful, and the racks are stuffed with options catering to all your gory or sexy needs. Even though skimpy costumes are always a best-seller, owner Wayne Baker tries to maintain a family-friendly vibe. “We try to keep things sexy, but not overrevealing; though it’s harder now that we’re getting in sexy Dorothy and Tinman costumes!” Pick up popular Marvel hero costumes like Iron Man ($48), a sexy hula dancer ($70) or strap-on miniature mailman that rides on your puppy’s back ($20). And get 15 percent off when you mention this TONY story! 3435 E Tremont Ave at Bruckner Blvd, Bronx (718-823-9792, costumeman.com)

Ricky’s
For reliable last-minute shopping, head into one of the many Ricky’s outposts and pop-up shops around the city and stock up with reasonably priced gear. Got a date? Step out onto Halloween’s mean streets decked as Desperado and the masked bandit ($140). Flying solo? Suit up in Ricky’s funky gold-digging girl costume ($70) or slap on a Love Guru wig and beard ($30). Locations throughout the city; visit rickyshalloween.com

Halloween Adventure Shop
The costumes here tend to fall under nerdy, antiquated themes like medieval, renaissance, historical, horror and gothic. But it’s not just LARPers who can shop here: Try out the off-the-shoulders frilly village wench costume ($70) that’s a little sexy but implies that you have a grasp on history. If you’re in no mood for flirting, stick to your all-black urban uniform and top it with a Harry Potter Hogwarts hat ($35). 104 Fourth Ave between 11th and 12th Sts (212-673-4546, newyorkcostumes.com)

Creative Costume Company
Broadway and theater buffs should head to Creative Costume for exaggerated gear sure to win major props—if not bucks—at this year’s party. “We’ll even do alterations on all our costumes for no extra cost,” owner and Halloween enthusiast Linda Carcaci says. In addition, their rentals have extended return dates up to one week later (normally the policy is 48 hours), so you can cram in seven days’ worth of partying. Popular period costume rentals range from $295 to $350, including showgirls (starting at $295) and a Marie Antoinette pannier with wig (starting at $300). And for less adventurous trick-or-treaters, they offer the typical devil, angels and toga costumes made with high-quality fabrics for as low as $45. 242 W 36th St between Seventh and Eighth Aves (212-564-5552, creativecostume.com)

Screaming Mimi’s
Thanks to a staff made up almost entirely of stylists, you’ll be in good hands at this high-end vintage shop, which is not typically geared toward assembling Halloween masterpieces. “We’ll dress you up head to toe,” owner Laura Wills says. “This is the place to come for hip outfits and a stand-out costume.” The boutique is transformed into a Halloween showcase for the month of October, with costume categories separated into sections like vintage Girl Scout uniforms (starting at $110), ’80s prom dresses (starting at $125), elaborate sequined vintage marching band outfits ($125) and an eclectic mix of rock & roll attire, including Kiss masks and pieces that will perfect your Lady Gaga getup. For less pricey picks, check out their under-$40 rack filled with hot garments and accessories. Considering fashion icons like Chloë Sevigny and Anne Hathaway have been spotted sifting through the racks, you know you’ll be heading out for weekend parties looking good. 382 Lafayette St between 3rd and 4th Sts (212-677-6464, screamingmimis.com)

Abracadabra Magic & Costumes
Even the most uninspired Halloween party attendee will be able to muster up some enthusiasm over the 100,000-plus items in stock. “Our staff helps customers all the time with picking out costumes,” owner Robert Pinzon says. “Sometimes they’ll even leave with something totally different than what they came for.” Hot items include a ninja master ($75), samurai swords (start at $12) and fog machines (start at $35 to rent). Of course, there’s always the seductive Alice in Wonderland ($75). “For women, anything sexy goes straight out the door,” Pinzon says. “It’s that one time a year where they can be whatever they want—glamorous, sexy, ugly—anything really.” 19 W 21st St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (212-627-5194, abracadabrasuperstore.com)

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