Eight Places to Buy a Killer Halloween Costume in Denver

October is the month of madness. The month to pull out all the stops and go over-the-top with all your fashion, and one outfit in particular: your Halloween costume. Although a couple of our favorite costume stores have closed — RIP, Flossy McGrew's — there are still some fantastic spots where you can find a unique costume just in time for Halloween. From boutiques to retail chains, here, in no particular order, are eight great stores for Halloween costumes.
8) Spirit Halloween Store
3905 East Evans Avenue
This Halloween superstore has everything to satisfy all of your costume needs, from fashion accessories to robotic zombie statues for your lawn. In addition to our favorite Spirit spot on East Evans, the Spirit chain has eighteen more seasonal locations in Colorado, spanning from Colorado Mills to Park Meadows to Greeley. Visit the Spirit website to find them all. 

7) Buffalo Exchange
51 Broadway
This go-to thrift store is very selective with both the new and used merchandise it sells, and its Halloween section is a gold mine. Buffalo Exchange keeps cool accessories like spikes and studs in stock year-round, but it definitely ups the ante at Halloween. Go to the Buffalo Exchange website for more information and store hours. 

6) FashioNation 
1594 South Broadway
This place has been Denver's best-kept Gothic secret for years. Now on South Broadway, the store carries the best in skeleton-printed hoodies, bondage bracelets, leather chokers and TUK creeper shoes — and it stocks that dark and spooky stuff year-round. FashioNation even carries goth clothes for babies, so you can take your own dark MiniMe trick or treating. For more information and store hours, click here. 
5) The Wizard's Chest
230 Fillmore Street
The Wizard's Chest is not only a great costume shop, but it specializes in magic, toys and games. Stepping inside takes you to a fantasy land that tickles your inner child. The original castle opened in Cherry Creek in 1982; it will stay open through the end of the year, until the brand-new castle opens at 451 Broadway with 50 percent more inventory and three game rooms. In the meantime, the Wizard's Chest will be hosting many Halloween-oriented activities and events leading up to the big day; check the Wizard's Chest website for a complete list of events, store hours, and more information. 
 
4) Studio Lites 
333 Broadway
This store isn't just the go-to spot for would-be drag queens, with its emphasis on wigs, but it also carries a good assortment of masks. makeup and all the accessories you need to get ready for a glam Halloween, no matter your size or sex. Click here for more information and store hours.  

3) Goodwill 
21 South Broadway
Who wants to drop bank on a costume that you are going to wear one day of the year? Thrift stores are a great option for putting together bargain Halloween outfits — and when you shop Goodwill, you're also doing good in the local community. Goodwill’s retail division comprises a network of 27 retail stores and one high-fashion boutique, Deja Blue in Cherry Creek. And on October 17, Goodwill will open its newest location at 5825 West 44th Avenue.  Goodwill also has a special Halloween pop-up shop at 3553 South Colorado Boulevard with a great selection of new costumes and spooky home decor. But our favorite location is the one in the heart of SoBro, where there are many watering holes that will fuel your shopping excursion. Visit the Goodwill site for more information.  


2) Arc Thrift Store 
1515 South Broadway
Arc is another thrifty option for finding Halloween costumes — and in the process of paying, helping people with disabilities. Whether you want to dress like a princess, cowboy, monster, ghost or superhero, you'll find what you need at your local Arc, including makeup, masks, gowns, hats, capes and more; the stores also have lots of fun decorations. And all items are 50 percent off on Saturdays (excluding current color tags and green tags). Arc operates 23 thrift stores throughout Colorado; it's also a sponsor of the annual Zombie Crawl, going down October 17 at Skyline Park. Click here for store locations and store hours.

1) Disguises Costume Superstore
9797 West Colfax Avenue, Lakewood
While other costume stores have disappeared, Disguises reigns supreme. The 16,000 square-foot costume superstore opened in 1999, and it continues to rent and sell costumes and accessories today. And it makes your selection easy, with helpful staffers and smart displays: The selection of historical costumes is arranged chronologically, while the ethnic, masquerade and specialized costumes are arranged categorically. Disguises also carries theatrical and special effects makeup, wigs, masks and more; and it has a new area, Etcetera, filled with sexy costumes, tutus, corsets, shoes, stockings and more. Click here for more information and store hours.