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Need a Halloween Costume? Play Dress Up at These 5 Stores

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American Apparel Wizard of Oz window via @americanapparelboston/Instagram

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There are just two weeks left until the spookiest holiday of all, and for fashion lovers is there any better occasion to style a look? Whether you're tempting the Ouija board on a friend's couch this Halloween, braving the witch-crazy crowds in Salem, or attempting to match MJ move for move in Thriller, a costume of epic proportions will earn bragging rights and a new Facebook profile picture. Here are five stores to assist you in playing dress up.


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Spirit Halloween

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Where this seasonal chain store truly excels is the pre-packaged costume—a quick way to transform into character from head to toe. Extras like colored contact lenses, costume makeup (blood, anyone?), and masks are easy to score at this Halloween emporium. [Photo]

The Garment District

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You've seen the "Halloween Headquarters" ads on the T: This gigantic secondhand store on the fringe of Kendall Square is a great tool for new costumes and wigs, with plenty of gently-worn getups on the racks alongside props and apparel waiting to be repurposed. An entire floor is dedicated to 4000 theatrical quality rentals, plus the building is open until midnight through the entire month. [Photo]

Party City

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Like its buddy Spirit Halloween, Party City (formerly iParty) has all the necessary equipment for not just your costume but also the party decor. The convenient downtown location gets packed in the days before All Hallow's Eve (definitely an understatement), so plan a trip ASAP. The family-friendly shop is open late leading up to the holiday. [Photo]

American Apparel

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From glow in the dark nail polish to that random unitard required for superheros, American Apparel has all the building blocks of a costume. A little creative spirit (and a bit of a budget to spare) is all you need. For those in a bind, Facebook even gives instructions on some of the most stereotypical costumes ever. [Photo]

Dorothy's Boutique

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Dorothy's is as cool of a costume shop as you'd expect smack in the middle of the Berklee campus. A wig wall, festive shoe collection, and necessary accessories—hats, bags, contacts, and makeup—welcome Halloween revelers, as well as ready-to-wear costumes. [Photo]

Spirit Halloween

Where this seasonal chain store truly excels is the pre-packaged costume—a quick way to transform into character from head to toe. Extras like colored contact lenses, costume makeup (blood, anyone?), and masks are easy to score at this Halloween emporium. [Photo]

The Garment District

You've seen the "Halloween Headquarters" ads on the T: This gigantic secondhand store on the fringe of Kendall Square is a great tool for new costumes and wigs, with plenty of gently-worn getups on the racks alongside props and apparel waiting to be repurposed. An entire floor is dedicated to 4000 theatrical quality rentals, plus the building is open until midnight through the entire month. [Photo]

Party City

Like its buddy Spirit Halloween, Party City (formerly iParty) has all the necessary equipment for not just your costume but also the party decor. The convenient downtown location gets packed in the days before All Hallow's Eve (definitely an understatement), so plan a trip ASAP. The family-friendly shop is open late leading up to the holiday. [Photo]

American Apparel

From glow in the dark nail polish to that random unitard required for superheros, American Apparel has all the building blocks of a costume. A little creative spirit (and a bit of a budget to spare) is all you need. For those in a bind, Facebook even gives instructions on some of the most stereotypical costumes ever. [Photo]

Dorothy's Boutique

Dorothy's is as cool of a costume shop as you'd expect smack in the middle of the Berklee campus. A wig wall, festive shoe collection, and necessary accessories—hats, bags, contacts, and makeup—welcome Halloween revelers, as well as ready-to-wear costumes. [Photo]