There are a lot of seasonal chain stores that pop up selling pre-packaged costumes just before Halloween and disappear again soon after. While these stores are usually convenient, they lack the appeal of a more serious theatrical supplier or a Halloween "boo-tique" owned and operated by true enthusiasts.
These three best costume stores in metro Washington, D.C., are time-tested and have stock that extends beyond the bagged and basic:
Backstage (545 Eighth St. SE) is a theatrical supply store offering all the necessary elements for an unforgettable Halloween costume. You can rent or buy a full costume here, but the real fun comes in with the actors' props. There's special effects makeup; prostheses; and beards, mustaches, and wigs. Being in Washington, of course, this store sells a full range of political masks, as well as character and masquerade masks. This really is a one-of-a-kind store inside D.C. Whether you need to put together your entire costume or pick up a hard-to-find accessory, Backstage may be your most promising alternative.
Gene's Costumes (10636 Connecticut Ave.) of Kensington, Maryland, is an old reliable in business for 20 years. Gene's will not only sell you a costume, they'll also help with costume ideas. Some of their many ideas for couples, groups, and animal costumes are published on the website. Renting a costume is an option here, with rental prices ranging from $35 to $85. Gene's carries some uncommon accessories, like hats from different time periods from locales throughout the world. They also sell animal ear and tail sets and the expected assortment of wigs, masks, and costume swords and guns.
Total Fright (3222 M St. NW in Georgetown Park) is a Halloween shop conveniently located for Georgetown University and George Washington University students in search of Halloween costumes. It has something many other costume stores don't: Halloween costumes for pets and mascots. Along with costumes, Total Fright can set you right with props, wigs, and masks. You can also buy your Halloween party supplies and decorations at Total Fright. The brothers who own this store are lovers of Halloween horror, so they aim to stock costumes and props that appear convincingly real yet are affordable for mainstream Halloween revelers.
There's a lot to see in any of these stores, so plan to spend a few hours when you visit. The shopping will be almost as fun as Halloween itself.
Carol Bengle Gilbert writes about Maryland and the D.C. area for Yahoo! Contributor Network.
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