Things to Do
Shopping
Vintage costumes, scary makeup, crazy wigs and more!
by Liz Ohanesian
Sep 14, 2024
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Shopping Vintage Theater
Los Angeles loves Halloween. If you visit LAin October, expect your trip to overflow with haunted houses, horror movie nights and costume parties. If you're here anytime over Halloween Weekend, you will need a costume. Didn't pack anything spooky? That's okay. Just as there's no shortage of Halloween parties in LA, there's no lack of costumes. From the costume shops that clothe Hollywood to thrift stores, there's a bounty of holiday wear for all budgets.
For the best Halloween events and activities in LA, check out our Ultimate Halloween Guide... if you dare!
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Adele's of Hollywood
Adele's of Hollywood is a bit of a hidden gem - it's tucked behind gates on the second floor of an East Hollywood building. The small shop has been around since 1945 and it's practically overflowing with costumes. Their niche is actually Santa Claus suits, but they are more than well-stocked for Halloween. Another one of Adele's specialities is mascot outfits - you can see the costume animal heads peaking out from corners of the store. Want to dress as a lobster or maybe an anthropomorphic hot dog? This is your spot.
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Behind the Scenes Costumes
If you feel like going far over the top this Halloween, head down to San Pedro and check out Behind the Scenes Costumes. While this costume shop can certainly hook you up with superhero and villain costumes, their specialty is historic costumes and Venetian carnival masks. They stock everything from artful masks made in Italy to plain ones for those who plan on crafting their own costume. They also have a collection of elaborate rococo costumes and steampunk masks and accessories.
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Burman Industries
Burman Industries isn't your typical make-up store. This is the spot where special effects pros can pick up everything they need to make gashes ooze and faces melt. Burman Industries stocks what artists will need to make casts and apply layer upon layer of movie magic. You don't have to be a makeup artist to shop there - Burman Industries is open to the public, and if your Halloween costume needs a generous helping of gore, you should stop by and check out the stock.
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The Costume House
The Costume House has a massive inventory of more than 80,000 items for your dress-up needs. The emphasis at this long-running North Hollywood shop is on period and historical wear and serves theater and TV/film clients as well as the general public. Whether you're dressing as Antony and Cleopatra or Bonnie and Clyde, you'll likely find what you need here. Rentals are the main draw, but they also do custom work. Check the store's website for more information on deals offered throughout October.
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Halloween Town
Whether you're dressing up for a ghoulish gala or hosting your own spooky soiree, Halloween Town in Burbank has you covered. Halloween Town spans two huge stores that are six doors apart: the original location on Magnolia Boulevard; and the newer, larger Halloween Town Costumes. The mind-blowing selection includes costumes, wigs, masks, makeup, exclusive Rob Zombie merch, Ex Mortis Stalkarounds, home decor, props, toys, collectibles, and fine art prints from Oscar-winning special effects artist Rick Baker.
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Hollywood Toys & Costumes
A neighborhood mainstay since 1950, Hollywood Toys & Costumes is a one-stop shop for your Halloween needs. In addition to aisles of costumes, there's a small section of quality character masks with so much detail that they're sure to scare the kids. They have a great selection of wigs and a stylist is available to help you get the perfect piece to fit your costume. The makeup section includes special effects products. Plus, you can pick up a few magic tricks to impress your pals on Halloween.
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Hidden Treasures
Self-described as a "Burner run and owned vintage clothing store," there is definitely a Burning Man vibe running through Hidden Treasures, located in the heart of Topanga Canyon. From the velociraptor and pirate crew outside, to the numerous disco balls inside, you know you're in for a different vintage shopping experience.
The shop focuses on Halloween in the fall and festival wear in the spring/summer, with an inventory that's displayed in seemingly every nook - vintage and modern used clothing, costume jewelry, shoes, and an eclectic selection of antique knick-knacks, ephemera and textiles (bedding, rugs, tablecloths, etc.). Follow Hidden Treasures on Instagram to stay updated on their latest offerings.
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Iguana Vintage Clothing
Walk down Hollywood Boulevard and you'll find loads of boutiques selling costumes throughout October. None however, are quite like Iguana Vintage Clothing. This large shop specializes in carefully selected, well-organized secondhand gear perfect for costume-hunting. The selection of disco outfits is fierce. Make sure you head down to the basement to check out even more vintage finds, from cheerleading uniforms to tie-dye shirts to lab coats. If you have an idea for a costume, you can probably find the components here.
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Ursula's Costumes
Ursula's Costumes has been taking care of the Westside's costume needs since 1976. Specializing in year-round costume rentals and sales, Ursula's is perhaps best known for its ballgowns and extensive selection of masquerade masks. The store also offers rare and one-of-a-kind items, many of which are made in-house.
NOTE: Owner Ursula Boschet has announced that she will be closing the shop after nearly 50 years in business. Going out of business sales are ongoing.
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Western Costume Company
Western Costume Company is a Hollywood institution with eight miles of costumes, hats, shoes, jewelry, handbags, and gloves from every period. This massive costume house dates to 1912 and has dressed generations of the biggest stars of the silver screen. More recently, they've provided costumes for television shows like Mad Men. While this is an industry shop, you don't have to be making a movie or TV show to get a costume at WCC. For more info on industry, theatre and private rentals, check their policy page.
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