Tag: mardi gras

Where to Buy or Rent Costumes in the Boston Area: Our Updated Resource Page
Whether you only think of altering your appearance on Halloween or also like to dress up for holidays, special events, parties, or other reasons, this post is for you. We've even included a couple of places that carry party goods and elegant seasonal home decor.

This post was updated for Halloween 2017.

Just before Halloween and the traditional holiday seasons seems like the best time for us to make a list and check it twice to help you locate places to buy or rent costumes for most any occasion. Costume season gears up at Halloween and continues for Santa time, New Years, Saint Patrick's Day, Mardi Gras, and beyond!

Please let us know if we've missed one of your favorite sources of costumes and accessories. And tell us about your all-time favorite Halloween Costume in the comments below.

The Garment District in Cambridge has a floor devoted to Boston Costume. This is probably the best-known spot to outfit yourself for any costume party.

It's open seven days a week. And "Open 'til Midnight ALL October!"

They sell and rent costumes and have lots of vintage & secondhand clothing, if you want to create your own.

They also sell items to finish the look, like:
- washout hair color in tones of atomic turquoise and cotton candy pink
- prosthetics like scars, bullet holes, horns, pointed ear tips, and witch noses with the materials to attach them
- masks from simple gold or black eye masks, to elaborate Venetian designs or feathery carnival styles
- heads to transform you into a bear, lion, or gorilla
- an endless selection of wigs includes: mullets, afros, clown colors, pigtails, geishas, ragdolls, cornrows, dreadlocks, flappers, and glam styles
- accessories include: hats, boas, go-go boots, and wings
Their "Boston Costume" division rents full rigs for the likes of Batman, Green Hornet, and Marie Antoinette. Or you can be a minute man, cowgirl, knight, or belly dancer.

Dorothy's Boutique

Soon you'll find people lined up (above) waiting to enter Dorothy's Boutique on Mass Ave. near Symphony Hall. They call themselves "Boston's Halloween Headquarters" and display masks, scary arm stumps, strange shoes, and accessories in the window. The website makes it clear that these are costumes for adults. Risque is their specialty.

If you want a quick look before you get in line, you can click over to the Google view of the store's fully stocked interior.

For luxe Halloween decor and fun accessories, visit Blackstone's of Beacon Hill. They have a fabulous selection of fun and tasteful decorations, masks, and accessories for the holiday.

Party Favors in Brookline in Coolidge Corner has lots of holiday party goodies!

New additions to our list.

Here are a couple of places recommended by our social media friends and readers. We have not checked these out personally but confirmed they are open this year.

Oona's in Harvard Square has this photo featured on their site. Vintage costumes can be fun.

Great Eastern Trading Co. in Central Square Cambridge sell vintage if that is the direction you would like to take with your costume.

The Costume Company in Belmont.

Note: These Are Closed

In case you have visited New Millennium Costumes on Tremont Street in the past, they have closed.

Reflections on Newbury Street had some great holiday items in past years but is now closed. The good news is that if you loved their style, you can get similar items at Blackstone's of Beacon Hill.

If you're more of an Internet shopper, you can find costumes for the entire family from this one page: Visit the Costume Store At Amazon.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: © 2011-2014 Ed & Penny Cherubino plus a screenshot from The Garment District and top photo from iStockphoto.com
October 14, 2016
Where to Buy or Rent Costumes in Greater Boston 2014-2015 Party Season!
Whether you only think of altering your appearance on Halloween or also like to dress up for holidays, special events, parties, or other reasons, this post is for you. We've even included a couple of places that carry party goods and elegant seasonal home decoration.

This is an outdated Post view our new resource page for costumes at this link.

Just before Halloween, and the traditional holiday seasons, seems like the best time for us to make a list and check it twice to help you locate places to buy or rent costumes for most any occasion. Costume season gears up at Halloween and continues for Santa time, New Years, Saint Patrick's Day, Mardi Gras, and beyond!

The newest addition to our list is Reflections on Newbury Street. Around the holidays, this shop adds a big dose of seasonal spirit to its stock of year round favorites. While you won't find full costumes, you will find fun and seriously well made seasonal accessories to add the right note to your outfit or home.

Please let us know if we've missed one of your favorite sources of costumes and accessories. And, tell us about your all-time favorite Halloween Costume in the comments below.

New Millennium Costumes at 155 Tremont Street (map) is right across from the Boston Common.

Owner Terry Anderson has more than 20 years experience managing a company that supplied Boston fun seekers with costumes. Realizing he missed the downtown vibe, he decided to opened his own shop.

Google has been in to create an interior view of the shop and told him that it should be up soon. We'll post an update when it appears. Update: Here's a link to the Google inside view.

The Garment District in Cambridge has a floor devoted to Boston Costume, probably the best known spot to outfit yourself for any costume party.

It's open seven days a week. And, "Open 'til Midnight ALL October!"

They sell and rent costumes and have lots of vintage & secondhand clothing, if you want to create your own.

They also sell items to finish the look, like:
- washout hair color in tones of atomic turquoise and cotton candy pink
- prosthetics like scars, bullet holes, horns, pointed ear tips, and witch noses with the materials to attach them
- masks from simple gold or black eye masks, to elaborate Venetian designs or feathery carnival styles
- heads to transform you into a bear, lion, or gorilla
- an endless selection of wigs includes: mullets, afros, clown colors, pigtails, geishas, ragdolls, cornrows, dreadlocks, flappers, and glam styles
- accessories include: hats, boas, go-go boots, and wings
Their "Boston Costume" division rents full rigs for the likes of Batman, Green Hornet, and Marie Antoinette. Or, you can be a minute man, cowgirl, knight, or belly dancer.

Dorothy's Boutique

Soon, you'll find people lined up (above) waiting to enter Dorothy's Boutique on Mass Ave. near Symphony Hall. They call themselves "Boston's Halloween Headquarters" and display masks, scary arm stumps, strange shoes, and accessories in the window. The website makes it clear that these are costumes for adults. Risque is their specialty.

If you want a quick look before you get in line, you can click over to the Google view of the store's fully stocked interior.

For luxe halloween fashions, visit the Halloween Shop at Blackstone's of Beacon Hill. This is a sister store to Reflections on Newbury Street. They have a fabulous selection of fun and tasteful decorations, masks, and accessories for the holiday.

Allston Costume on Harvard Ave. is one that we have not visited, but that others have recommended. We'll try to stop in, get some photos for you, and update this listing.

Party Favors in Brookline in Coolidge Corner has lots of holiday party goodies!

If you're more of an internet shopper, you can find costumes for the entire family from this one page: Visit the Costume Store At Amazon.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: © 2011-2014 Ed & Penny Cherubino plus a screenshot from The Garment District
October 9, 2014
Where to Buy or Rent Costumes near Boston 2013-2014 Party Season!
Whether you only think of altering your appearance on Halloween or also like to dress up for holidays, special events, parties, or other reasons, this post is for you.

This is an outdated Post view our new resource page for costumes at this link.

Each year, we make a list and check it twice to help you locate places to buy or rent costumes for most any occasion. Costume season gears up at Halloween and continues for New Years, Saint Patrick's Day, Mardi Gras, and beyond!

This year, our list-check discovered New Millennium Costumes at 155 Tremont Street (map) across from the Boston Common. Penny made a visit to check it out, and we're happy to add it to our collection.

Owner Terry Anderson has more than 20 years experience managing a company that supplied Boston fun seekers with costumes. Realizing he missed the downtown vibe, he decided to opened his own shop.

When Penny visited the building, it had scaffolding hiding his signs and entrance so you may have to work a little to find it.

Google has been in to create an interior view of the shop and told him that it should be up soon. We'll post an update when it appears. Update: Here's a link to the Google inside view.

It's worth considering this as an option. Since it's newer and not everyone has discovered it yet, the lines may be shorter. And, check with them for details on a 10% discount to those showing a college ID.

By the way, this shop has a small section of costumes for dogs with some very clever saddle-style options for big dogs. (Seen in the lower right photo of the collage.) These sell out quickly, so shop soon for a good selection.

Check out these Costume Haunts:

Please let us know if we've missed one of your favorite sources of costumes and accessories. And, tell us about your all-time favorite Halloween Costume in the comments below.

The Garment District in Cambridge is probably the best known spot to outfit yourself for any costume party.

It's open seven days a week. And, "Open 'til Midnight ALL of October!"

They sell and rent costumes and have lots of vintage & secondhand clothing if you want to create your own.

They also sell items to finish the look, like:
- washout hair color in tones of atomic turquoise and cotton candy pink
- prosthetics like scars, bullet holes, horns, pointed ear tips, and witch noses with the materials to attach them
- masks from simple gold or black eye masks, to elaborate Venetian designs or feathery carnival styles
- heads to transform you into a bear, lion, or gorilla
- an endless selection of wigs includes: mullets, afros, clown colors, pigtails, geishas, ragdolls, cornrows, dreadlocks, flappers, and glam styles
- accessories include: hats, boas, go-go boots, and wings
Their "Boston Costume" division rents full rigs for the likes of Batman, Green Hornet, and Marie Antoinette. Or, you can be a minute man, cowgirl, knight, or belly dancer.

Dorothy's Boutique

Soon, you'll find people lined up (above) waiting to enter Dorothy's Boutique on Mass Ave. near Symphony Hall. They call themselves "Boston's Halloween Headquarters" and display masks, scary arm stumps, strange shoes, and accessories in the window. The website makes it clear that these are costumes for adults. Risque is their specialty.

If you want a quick look before you get in line, you can click over to the Google view of the store's fully stocked interior.

Army Barracks
Across the street from Dorothy's is the Army Barracks store. With a little imagination, you can use their surplus gear to create a costume for that upcoming party.

Party City has a store at 356 Boylston Street in Boston. (map) Last season, it was an iParty store.

And, remember to visit the Halloween Shop at Blackstone's of Beacon Hill. They have a fabulous selection of fun and tasteful decorations, masks, and accessories for the holiday.

Party Favors in Brookline not only has the main store in Coolidge Corner with lots of holiday party goods, but also for Halloween they've opened a satellite store in Washington Square. Hours for the rest of October 2013 are at that link.

If you're more of an internet shopper, you can find costumes for the entire family from this one page. Visit the Costume Store At Amazon.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: © 2011 Ed & Penny Cherubino plus a screenshot from The Garment District

Related articles

Halloween For Your Pet

Big Bird Costume One Of Hottest This Halloween!

Costume Swap: A Greener Halloween

When offered the choice between being a banana and a Mario Brother, he'll take Luigi every time

Flu Shot Information Update for 2012 – 2013 Season
October 11, 2013
Where to Buy or Rent Costumes near Boston 2013-2014 Party Season!
Whether you only think of altering your appearance on Halloween or also like to dress up for holidays, special events, parties, or other reasons, this post is for you.

This is an outdated Post view our new resource page for costumes at this link.

Each year, we make a list and check it twice to help you locate places to buy or rent costumes for most any occasion. Costume season gears up at Halloween and continues for New Years, Saint Patrick's Day, Mardi Gras, and beyond!

This year, our list-check discovered New Millennium Costumes at 155 Tremont Street (map) across from the Boston Common. Penny made a visit to check it out, and we're happy to add it to our collection.

Owner Terry Anderson has more than 20 years experience managing a company that supplied Boston fun seekers with costumes. Realizing he missed the downtown vibe, he decided to opened his own shop.

When Penny visited the building, it had scaffolding hiding his signs and entrance so you may have to work a little to find it.

Google has been in to create an interior view of the shop and told him that it should be up soon. We'll post an update when it appears. Update: Here's a link to the Google inside view.

It's worth considering this as an option. Since it's newer and not everyone has discovered it yet, the lines may be shorter. And, check with them for details on a 10% discount to those showing a college ID.

By the way, this shop has a small section of costumes for dogs with some very clever saddle-style options for big dogs. (Seen in the lower right photo of the collage.) These sell out quickly, so shop soon for a good selection.

Check out these Costume Haunts:

Please let us know if we've missed one of your favorite sources of costumes and accessories. And, tell us about your all-time favorite Halloween Costume in the comments below.

The Garment District in Cambridge is probably the best known spot to outfit yourself for any costume party.

It's open seven days a week. And, "Open 'til Midnight ALL of October!"

They sell and rent costumes and have lots of vintage & secondhand clothing if you want to create your own.

They also sell items to finish the look, like:
- washout hair color in tones of atomic turquoise and cotton candy pink
- prosthetics like scars, bullet holes, horns, pointed ear tips, and witch noses with the materials to attach them
- masks from simple gold or black eye masks, to elaborate Venetian designs or feathery carnival styles
- heads to transform you into a bear, lion, or gorilla
- an endless selection of wigs includes: mullets, afros, clown colors, pigtails, geishas, ragdolls, cornrows, dreadlocks, flappers, and glam styles
- accessories include: hats, boas, go-go boots, and wings
Their "Boston Costume" division rents full rigs for the likes of Batman, Green Hornet, and Marie Antoinette. Or, you can be a minute man, cowgirl, knight, or belly dancer.

Dorothy's Boutique

Soon, you'll find people lined up (above) waiting to enter Dorothy's Boutique on Mass Ave. near Symphony Hall. They call themselves "Boston's Halloween Headquarters" and display masks, scary arm stumps, strange shoes, and accessories in the window. The website makes it clear that these are costumes for adults. Risque is their specialty.

If you want a quick look before you get in line, you can click over to the Google view of the store's fully stocked interior.

Army Barracks
Across the street from Dorothy's is the Army Barracks store. With a little imagination, you can use their surplus gear to create a costume for that upcoming party.

Party City has a store at 356 Boylston Street in Boston. (map) Last season, it was an iParty store.

And, remember to visit the Halloween Shop at Blackstone's of Beacon Hill. They have a fabulous selection of fun and tasteful decorations, masks, and accessories for the holiday.

Party Favors in Brookline not only has the main store in Coolidge Corner with lots of holiday party goods, but also for Halloween they've opened a satellite store in Washington Square. Hours for the rest of October 2013 are at that link.

If you're more of an internet shopper, you can find costumes for the entire family from this one page. Visit the Costume Store At Amazon.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: © 2011 Ed & Penny Cherubino plus a screenshot from The Garment District

Related articles

Halloween For Your Pet

Big Bird Costume One Of Hottest This Halloween!

Costume Swap: A Greener Halloween

When offered the choice between being a banana and a Mario Brother, he'll take Luigi every time

Flu Shot Information Update for 2012 – 2013 Season
October 11, 2013
Where to Buy or Rent Costumes near Boston 2013-2014 Party Season!
Whether you only think of altering your appearance on Halloween or also like to dress up for holidays, special events, parties, or other reasons, this post is for you.

This is an outdated Post view our new resource page for costumes at this link.

Each year, we make a list and check it twice to help you locate places to buy or rent costumes for most any occasion. Costume season gears up at Halloween and continues for New Years, Saint Patrick's Day, Mardi Gras, and beyond!

This year, our list-check discovered New Millennium Costumes at 155 Tremont Street (map) across from the Boston Common. Penny made a visit to check it out, and we're happy to add it to our collection.

Owner Terry Anderson has more than 20 years experience managing a company that supplied Boston fun seekers with costumes. Realizing he missed the downtown vibe, he decided to opened his own shop.

When Penny visited the building, it had scaffolding hiding his signs and entrance so you may have to work a little to find it.

Google has been in to create an interior view of the shop and told him that it should be up soon. We'll post an update when it appears. Update: Here's a link to the Google inside view.

It's worth considering this as an option. Since it's newer and not everyone has discovered it yet, the lines may be shorter. And, check with them for details on a 10% discount to those showing a college ID.

By the way, this shop has a small section of costumes for dogs with some very clever saddle-style options for big dogs. (Seen in the lower right photo of the collage.) These sell out quickly, so shop soon for a good selection.

Check out these Costume Haunts:

Please let us know if we've missed one of your favorite sources of costumes and accessories. And, tell us about your all-time favorite Halloween Costume in the comments below.

The Garment District in Cambridge is probably the best known spot to outfit yourself for any costume party.

It's open seven days a week. And, "Open 'til Midnight ALL of October!"

They sell and rent costumes and have lots of vintage & secondhand clothing if you want to create your own.

They also sell items to finish the look, like:
- washout hair color in tones of atomic turquoise and cotton candy pink
- prosthetics like scars, bullet holes, horns, pointed ear tips, and witch noses with the materials to attach them
- masks from simple gold or black eye masks, to elaborate Venetian designs or feathery carnival styles
- heads to transform you into a bear, lion, or gorilla
- an endless selection of wigs includes: mullets, afros, clown colors, pigtails, geishas, ragdolls, cornrows, dreadlocks, flappers, and glam styles
- accessories include: hats, boas, go-go boots, and wings
Their "Boston Costume" division rents full rigs for the likes of Batman, Green Hornet, and Marie Antoinette. Or, you can be a minute man, cowgirl, knight, or belly dancer.

Dorothy's Boutique

Soon, you'll find people lined up (above) waiting to enter Dorothy's Boutique on Mass Ave. near Symphony Hall. They call themselves "Boston's Halloween Headquarters" and display masks, scary arm stumps, strange shoes, and accessories in the window. The website makes it clear that these are costumes for adults. Risque is their specialty.

If you want a quick look before you get in line, you can click over to the Google view of the store's fully stocked interior.

Army Barracks
Across the street from Dorothy's is the Army Barracks store. With a little imagination, you can use their surplus gear to create a costume for that upcoming party.

Party City has a store at 356 Boylston Street in Boston. (map) Last season, it was an iParty store.

And, remember to visit the Halloween Shop at Blackstone's of Beacon Hill. They have a fabulous selection of fun and tasteful decorations, masks, and accessories for the holiday.

Party Favors in Brookline not only has the main store in Coolidge Corner with lots of holiday party goods, but also for Halloween they've opened a satellite store in Washington Square. Hours for the rest of October 2013 are at that link.

If you're more of an internet shopper, you can find costumes for the entire family from this one page. Visit the Costume Store At Amazon.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: © 2011 Ed & Penny Cherubino plus a screenshot from The Garment District

Related articles

Halloween For Your Pet

Big Bird Costume One Of Hottest This Halloween!

Costume Swap: A Greener Halloween

When offered the choice between being a banana and a Mario Brother, he'll take Luigi every time

Flu Shot Information Update for 2012 – 2013 Season
October 11, 2013
Where to Buy or Rent Costumes in Boston 2012-2013 Season
Here’s our yearly list of places to buy or rent costumes for most any occasion. We find the costume season gears up at Halloween and continues for New Years, Saint Patrick's Day and Mardi Gras.

This is an outdated Post view our new resource page for costumes at this link.

Whether you only think of altering your appearance on Halloween or also like to dress up for holidays, special events, parties, or other reasons …

Check out these Costume Haunts:

Please let us know if we've missed one of your favorite sources of costumes and accessories. And, tell us about your all-time favorite Halloween Costume in the comments below.

The Garment District in Cambridge is probably the best known spot to outfit yourself for any costume party.

It's open seven days a week. And, "Open 'til Midnight ALL of October!"

They sell and rent costumes and have lots of vintage & secondhand clothing if you want to create your own.

They also sell items to finish the look, like:
- washout hair color in tones of atomic turquoise and cotton candy pink
- prosthetics like scars, bullet holes, horns, pointed ear tips, and witch noses with the materials to attach them
- masks from simple gold, or black eye masks, to elaborate Venetian designs, or feathery carnival styles
- heads to transform you into a bear, lion, or gorilla
- an endless selection of wigs includes: mullets, afros, clown colors, pigtails, geishas, ragdolls, cornrows, dreadlocks, flappers, and glam styles
- accessories include: hats, boas, go-go boots, and wings
Their "Boston Costume" division rents the full rigs for the likes of Batman, Green Hornet, and Marie Antoinette. Or, you can be a minute man, cowgirl, knight, or belly dancer.

Dorothy's Boutique

Soon you'll find people were lined up, like this, waiting to enter Dorothy's Boutique on Mass Ave. near Symphony Hall. They call themselves "Boston's Halloween Headquarters" and display masks, scary arm stumps, strange shoes, and accessories in the window. The website makes it clear that these are costumes for adults. Risque is their specialty.

Army Barracks
Across the street from Dorothy's is the Army Barracks store. With a little imagination, you can use their surplus gear to create a costume for that upcoming party.

iParty. This regional chain has stores around the area. Here's their store locator.

And, remember to visit the Halloween Shop at Blackstone's of Beacon Hill. They have a fabulous selection of fun and tasteful decorations, masks, and accessories for the holiday.

Party Favors in Brookline not only has the main store, in Coolidge Corner, with lots of holiday party goods but for Halloween they have opened a satelite store in Washington Square. Hours for the rest of October 2012 are at that link.

If you're more of an internet shopper, you can find costumes for the entire family from this one page. Visit the Costume Store At Amazon.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: © 2011 Ed & Penny Cherubino plus a screenshot from The Garment District

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

Related articles

Halloween For Your Pet

Big Bird Costume One Of Hottest This Halloween!

Costume Swap: A Greener Halloween

When offered the choice between being a banana and a Mario Brother, he'll take Luigi every time

Flu Shot Information Update for 2012 – 2013 Season
October 18, 2012
Where to Buy or Rent Costumes in Boston 2012-2013 Season
Here’s our yearly list of places to buy or rent costumes for most any occasion. We find the costume season gears up at Halloween and continues for New Years, Saint Patrick's Day and Mardi Gras.

This is an outdated Post view our new resource page for costumes at this link.

Whether you only think of altering your appearance on Halloween or also like to dress up for holidays, special events, parties, or other reasons …

Check out these Costume Haunts:

Please let us know if we've missed one of your favorite sources of costumes and accessories. And, tell us about your all-time favorite Halloween Costume in the comments below.

The Garment District in Cambridge is probably the best known spot to outfit yourself for any costume party.

It's open seven days a week. And, "Open 'til Midnight ALL of October!"

They sell and rent costumes and have lots of vintage & secondhand clothing if you want to create your own.

They also sell items to finish the look, like:
- washout hair color in tones of atomic turquoise and cotton candy pink
- prosthetics like scars, bullet holes, horns, pointed ear tips, and witch noses with the materials to attach them
- masks from simple gold, or black eye masks, to elaborate Venetian designs, or feathery carnival styles
- heads to transform you into a bear, lion, or gorilla
- an endless selection of wigs includes: mullets, afros, clown colors, pigtails, geishas, ragdolls, cornrows, dreadlocks, flappers, and glam styles
- accessories include: hats, boas, go-go boots, and wings
Their "Boston Costume" division rents the full rigs for the likes of Batman, Green Hornet, and Marie Antoinette. Or, you can be a minute man, cowgirl, knight, or belly dancer.

Dorothy's Boutique

Soon you'll find people were lined up, like this, waiting to enter Dorothy's Boutique on Mass Ave. near Symphony Hall. They call themselves "Boston's Halloween Headquarters" and display masks, scary arm stumps, strange shoes, and accessories in the window. The website makes it clear that these are costumes for adults. Risque is their specialty.

Army Barracks
Across the street from Dorothy's is the Army Barracks store. With a little imagination, you can use their surplus gear to create a costume for that upcoming party.

iParty. This regional chain has stores around the area. Here's their store locator.

And, remember to visit the Halloween Shop at Blackstone's of Beacon Hill. They have a fabulous selection of fun and tasteful decorations, masks, and accessories for the holiday.

Party Favors in Brookline not only has the main store, in Coolidge Corner, with lots of holiday party goods but for Halloween they have opened a satelite store in Washington Square. Hours for the rest of October 2012 are at that link.

If you're more of an internet shopper, you can find costumes for the entire family from this one page. Visit the Costume Store At Amazon.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: © 2011 Ed & Penny Cherubino plus a screenshot from The Garment District

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

Related articles

Halloween For Your Pet

Big Bird Costume One Of Hottest This Halloween!

Costume Swap: A Greener Halloween

When offered the choice between being a banana and a Mario Brother, he'll take Luigi every time

Flu Shot Information Update for 2012 – 2013 Season
October 18, 2012
Where to Buy or Rent Costumes in Boston 2012-2013 Season
Here’s our yearly list of places to buy or rent costumes for most any occasion. We find the costume season gears up at Halloween and continues for New Years, Saint Patrick's Day and Mardi Gras.

This is an outdated Post view our new resource page for costumes at this link.

Whether you only think of altering your appearance on Halloween or also like to dress up for holidays, special events, parties, or other reasons …

Check out these Costume Haunts:

Please let us know if we've missed one of your favorite sources of costumes and accessories. And, tell us about your all-time favorite Halloween Costume in the comments below.

The Garment District in Cambridge is probably the best known spot to outfit yourself for any costume party.

It's open seven days a week. And, "Open 'til Midnight ALL of October!"

They sell and rent costumes and have lots of vintage & secondhand clothing if you want to create your own.

They also sell items to finish the look, like:
- washout hair color in tones of atomic turquoise and cotton candy pink
- prosthetics like scars, bullet holes, horns, pointed ear tips, and witch noses with the materials to attach them
- masks from simple gold, or black eye masks, to elaborate Venetian designs, or feathery carnival styles
- heads to transform you into a bear, lion, or gorilla
- an endless selection of wigs includes: mullets, afros, clown colors, pigtails, geishas, ragdolls, cornrows, dreadlocks, flappers, and glam styles
- accessories include: hats, boas, go-go boots, and wings
Their "Boston Costume" division rents the full rigs for the likes of Batman, Green Hornet, and Marie Antoinette. Or, you can be a minute man, cowgirl, knight, or belly dancer.

Dorothy's Boutique

Soon you'll find people were lined up, like this, waiting to enter Dorothy's Boutique on Mass Ave. near Symphony Hall. They call themselves "Boston's Halloween Headquarters" and display masks, scary arm stumps, strange shoes, and accessories in the window. The website makes it clear that these are costumes for adults. Risque is their specialty.

Army Barracks
Across the street from Dorothy's is the Army Barracks store. With a little imagination, you can use their surplus gear to create a costume for that upcoming party.

iParty. This regional chain has stores around the area. Here's their store locator.

And, remember to visit the Halloween Shop at Blackstone's of Beacon Hill. They have a fabulous selection of fun and tasteful decorations, masks, and accessories for the holiday.

Party Favors in Brookline not only has the main store, in Coolidge Corner, with lots of holiday party goods but for Halloween they have opened a satelite store in Washington Square. Hours for the rest of October 2012 are at that link.

If you're more of an internet shopper, you can find costumes for the entire family from this one page. Visit the Costume Store At Amazon.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: © 2011 Ed & Penny Cherubino plus a screenshot from The Garment District

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

Related articles

Halloween For Your Pet

Big Bird Costume One Of Hottest This Halloween!

Costume Swap: A Greener Halloween

When offered the choice between being a banana and a Mario Brother, he'll take Luigi every time

Flu Shot Information Update for 2012 – 2013 Season
October 18, 2012