5 Philly Shops for Halloween Costumes You’ll Actually Wear Again
Don’t overlook the vintage shops. | Malena’s Vintage.
According to the National Retail Federation, the average person will drop $74 on a Halloween costume this year. While a good penguin suit always gets a laugh or two, it’s not the smartest investment. I mean, how many times can you be a giant penguin before it stops being funny? (I’ll let you answer that for yourself.) If you’re looking to spend on something you’ll wear after Halloween (unlike a penguin suit), while simultaneously ensuring you’ll have the coolest costume at any party, this is the list for you – complete with costume ideas and local stores where you can score them.
Malena’s Vintage, West Chester
This place is our editor’s go-to vintage spot, so you know it’s good. They have everything from goth-y Morticia dresses to vintage Hawaiian shirts for the ultimate tourist look (just add fanny pack and foldout map). A ’60s dress and matching jacket, when paired with a pillbox hat and white gloves, make for the perfect Jackie Kennedy look. IRL, pair the dress with a leather jacket and cool heels, and you’ve got yourself the cutest office look of all time. 101 West Gay Street, West Chester, 610-738-9952.
Love Saves the Day, New Hope
This boutique is a maze of pure vintage craziness. They carry every era, accessory, and wig style you could possibly fathom, from Elvis jumpsuits to Sonny and Cher essentials. Go all-out ’80s pop queen in a corset, spiderweb leggings, a tutu and a rosary. (Don’t forget the giant hair.) Rock that corset post-October over a white button-down, boyfriend jeans and heels. No, seriously. 1 South Main Street, New Hope, 215-862-1399.
Briar Vintage, Old City
This vintage menswear boutique has every dapper essential possible (though owner David is quick to point out that they don’t do costumes). Pair a 1920s suit jacket and vest with a straw boater hat for a convincing Gatsby or prohibition bootlegger. After the holiday, match your three-piece suits back together, and hang the boater hat in your office for a touch of sophistication. 62 North 3rd Street, Old City, 215-627-1990.
Mitchell & Ness, Market East
With every single team’s vintage-style merchandise at your fingertips, this is the perfect spot for a sporty throwback costume. Pair a retro Eagles jersey with a leather football helmet and some face paint for a welcome twist to the lazy man’s costume (i.e. pulling this season’s jersey from your closet and calling it a day). IRL, pair that jersey with some tapered pants and a bomber jacket. Couples Bonus: Have your honey wear a V-neck sweater, pleated skirt and droopy pompoms in teal and white for a retro cheerleader look. 1201 Chestnut Street, Market East, 267-273-7622.
Sazz Vintage, Old City
Go here for sweet ’50s dresses and enough kooky polyester to outfit the entire case of Saturday Night Fever. Style a floral day dress with pearl earrings, coiffed hair and a thin cat eye for the ultimate Betty Draper costume. After the holiday, dress it down with sneakers and a slouchy sweater overtop, like this girl. 60 North 3rd Street, Old City, 215-923-7299.
