We’ve scoured the city in order to bring you a notable source listing the best go-to costume picks that’ll help you put your ghoulish face forward…
Always a hit among costume seekers looking for just the right costume and accessories, we love The Party Bazaar and especially adore its newest location at 1296 Station Street in Vancouver. Find exactly what you are looking for (and all those detailed pieces in between) at this hauntingly huge space that offers plenty of shriek-inducing options. In the costume business since 1977, The Party Bazaar covers all the bases, offering up rentals, deals on accessories, party favours, and tons more in a fun and inspiring atmosphere. Aim to go early in the day to avoid the crowds…we’re just sayin’.
BooLaLa Costumes is another notable choice for cringe-worthy costumes that will help you unveil your inner-Cruella (Deville, that is). With their head office a mere jaunt across the bridge to North Vancouver, take advantage of this slightly more relaxed setting and score your best spooky look ever. They feature a massive (think 15,000!) selection of popular costumes for purchase and rental. Run by young professional Laurie Sluchinski (formerly of Carol’s Costume Corner), this business has been booming since 2005.
Our next favourite stop: Watts Costumes, located at 217 West 6th Avenue, a definite go-to source. As their site states, “don’t let the frumpy name fool you,” this shop is stocked with some incredible costumes that will have your friends green with envy. Upon entry to Watts Costumes, you’ll feel scooped up and transported to another theatrically-inspired world with an incredibly helpful staff that are on-hand to assist you in piecing together the perfect, classy outfit for Halloween.
More the make-it-yourself type? No problem! Find your fixings (and inspiration) at Dressew Supply (pronounced ‘dress-sew’) in Gastown. Located at 337 W. Hastings Street, this massive, multi-floored space is a treasure trove for Halloween costume seekers. Not only will you find patterns and an array of different fabrics to piece your perfect outfit together in time for October 31st, but you’ll discover everything in between (wigs, makeup, embellishments and more). Go early and avoid line-ups!
Also making our notable list for costuming picks? Cherry Bomb on the Granville Strip (841 Granville Street) is a good source for costume-spiration. A little on the pricey-side, its multiple floors offer some great costume ideas and accessories worthwhile checking out – conveniently located in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Makes a perfect stop-off on your next lunch break perhaps?
If you’re not looking to splurge, then we suggest you hit up any one of the following Halloween costuming picks: Value Village (check their website for various Vancouver locations), Army & Navy (various locations), as well as the Salvation Army – all stock popular items that will have you geared up for a ghostly night out.
One last plug that makes our list this year is the pop-up ‘Boo’ Party Packagers Halloween Superstore location that recently took over the old Alberni Liquor Store location at 105 – 745 Thurlow Street. They are open daily until the end of October. Check out their online catalogue for ideas and availability and let the Halloween costume hunt begin.