Most costumes are cheap and made for one-time use, but there are so many alternatives from the more expensive “deluxe” costumes, to rentals, to do-it-yourself disguises from the thrift store.

Seasonal Halloween Shops
The obvious first choice is the temporary Halloween stores that pop up on every corner. They feature the most current selection of popular costumes-in-a-bag, accessories, wigs, and make-up, but they can be somewhat expensive. Spirit Halloween offers coupons for early bird shoppers via their free email newsletters.

National Retailers
The "big box stores", like Target, focus on the little trick 'r treaters, candy and decor. The costumes selection for adults is usually very limited. However, some party supply stores (like Party City), offer a decent selection at better prices and since most shoppers overlook these stores you'll find a wider selection late into the season.

Online Shops
The web offers unparalleled access to every imaginable costume and size (especially plus sizes). There are two major drawbacks: you can't try them on and turnaround can be disappointing. Stick to the larger, reputable sites. Most offer lenient return/exchange polices BEFORE the season ends. So order very early and if in doubt, order a couple of cosumes and immediately return the unused outfit.

Deluxe Costumes
There is a growing awareness among suppliers that we want better made costumes. Several retailers, like Grandin Road, now offer "deluxe costumes" made with higher quality fabrics, more intricate designs, and often include nicer accessories like jewelry and gloves often missing from their cheaper counterparts. (Deluxe matching shoes and deluxe hats are still sold separately.) But the prices can be much steeper – $150 and up – and availability is very limited. May be worth the price if you want to invest in a "long-term" costume.

Rentals
For those of you who want to impress or have a better chance of winning costume contests, find a costume rental place. This is an affordable solution for a fancy costume that you don't have to store or wash. Many costume rentals work with theater companies, TV productions, and other entertainment industries. If the thought of wearing repeatedly "used clothing" sends shivers up your spine, relax – they are thoroughly dry-cleaned and treated with a super-Febreze type solution.

Closet & Attic Raid
For historical costumes, raid your parent's closet. You are bound to find a sequined disco blouse from the 70s, a shoulder-padded monstrosity from the 80s, or even a perfect flowery granny outfit. Make sure your family understands that you are paying tribute and not making fun of their "bold" choices of yesteryear.

Thrift Stores
Large thrift stores, like Goodwill, are a great resource for antiquated clothes. If possible, try to find the distribution point for your local area – these stores get first picks before sending merchandise to the other area stores. Selection is hit or miss, but always a great place to find shoes, boots and gawdy accessories.

DIY
The seasoned Halloweener will likely create their own costume from scratch utilizing craft supplies, old bridesmaid dresses, and cardboard boxes. You are only limited by your creativity and resourcefulness. Thrift finds are usually a good starting point. With a few appliqués, papier-mâché, and paint, the results can be glorious. And remember that you don't need to know how to sew – fabric glues (like Fabri-Tac) and hot glue guns work just as well.

Walk into any Halloween store and you are presented with hundreds of costume choices. The obvious questions arise: What is the theme of the party? How you will get there and will I feel weird traveling alone? Will I look good in said outfit? There are Five Basic Types of Costumes. The chart below will give you a better idea of the average person behind the mask and what level of extrovert is needed for pulling off the costume:

1. Shop early in the season. Sure you might look like a freak buying a costume in late-August to mid-September, but you'll find the best selection. Like all Halloween merchandise, costumes are not restocked after the initial shipment (regardless of what employees say).

2. Try it on before purchasing. Some places won’t let you try on every costume, but plead your case, especially since most sales are final. Temporary employees rarely care to enforce company policies. Check that the bag contains the actual size marked and make sure the costume itself was not mislabeled. They are made fast and cheap, and attention to detail is not a priority.

3. Find your own accessories. The vampire may come with fake teeth and plastic amulets but you can likely find other accessories to make your cheap costume sparkle. Visit a thrift store for shoes and a craft store’s clothing aisle for all kinds of paints and add-ons.

4. Take your costume on a "dry run". Nothing is worse than buying a costume only to discover that the clown nose, hair and floppy shoes pictured on the front are not actually in the bag. If you are painting your face or hair open the make-up and check that it is fresh and not dried out or foul-smelling. Make-up uses many ingredients that can spoil and some retailers may recycle their unsold merchandise from last year. Also, wear your costume to make sure you can see, sit, and eat while wearing it, and if not, make alterations.

5. Winning contests. Two kinds of costumes usually win a contest. The first involves a sexy woman (or in some circles, a man) in a micro outfit. If you've been skipping the gym, your next best bet is to go all out with a creative, homemade costume of something popular that isn't normally found in Halloween stores. My favorite costume I've ever seen was a screaming blond woman being rolled around in a phone booth which was covered in birds! What a great tribute to Hitchcock's classic!

6. Donate your costume after the big night. Costumes are rarely used twice, and unless you have many friends and family to swap with, it's a "green" idea to consider donating your used costume rather than throwing it away (or storing it for life). Places like Goodwill use proceeds to fund their programs as well as give a second (or third) life to your costume.