Where To Get The Best Costumes In Astoria This Halloween

Spice up your life with items from Buffalo Exchange.

Halloween is not only the best holiday because of the candy and the spookiness, but also because it doesn’t require the tons of planning that often comes with other holidays. But there is one thing to plan: the costumes! And while it’s tempting to go all out, that’s not always practical.

Thrifting is also a great and economic option for kids’ costumes, so you’re not spending big bucks on a single-use item that little ones will have outgrown by next year. It’s also a good option if you’re looking to alter the clothing in any way, because it hurts a lot less to mangle something when it doesn’t cost too much.

My go-to place for costumes (and gifts…and work clothes…and pretty much everything in my closet) is Buffalo Exchange on Ditmars Boulevard. For the season, they stock plenty of actual costumes that folks have donated. There’s something for everyone if you’re looking for a straightforward costume, and there’s also plenty if you’re looking to build something unique from the ground up. A small vintage section is great for costumes inspired by other eras. As a bonus, they offer some costume inspo in the windows, too.

Flintstones...and tutus.

Photo via Facebook

Buffalo Exchange
29-16 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria
718.274.2054

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More no-frills but just as solid is the Ditmars Thrift Shop Donation Center down the street from Buffalo. But as far as costumes are concerned, this place is full of hidden gems. Because their merchandise is less curated and therefore more diverse, there’s a good chance of finding some really interesting items from years past. There’s also plenty of non-clothing, including household items and decor, that can be repurposed into a one-of-a-kind costume. Right now, they also have some store-bought costumes for kids and adults on the rack outside.

Photo of Ditmars Thrift Shop Donation Center - Long Island City, NY, United States

Yelp photo via Emily M.

Ditmars Thrift Shop Donation Center
31-20 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria
718.545.2529

Of course, you might be looking for something fancier and more memorable, and maybe even something you can wear at other times of the year. (My costume for the past couple of years has been a cocktail dress and corpse paint; it’s easy!) LoveDay 31 on 31st Avenue is your place. With a carefully curated selection of women’s fashion from a variety of eras and statement pieces aplenty, this shop is the perfect place if your Halloween plans involve some more grown-up festivities.

LoveDay 31
33-06 31st Ave., Astoria
718.728.4057

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If you’re looking for a simpler accessory, one, say, that won’t take up too much room in your closet, you can pick up some adorable masks over at Lockwood. They’re versatile enough to go with any outfit or event. Lockwood also has a collection of Halloween cards, too, so you can spread some spookiness to loved ones far away.

Lockwood
32-25 33rd St., Astoria
718.626.6030

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Looking for something you can wear to the office without too much fuss? An unexpected accessory can make and otherwise everyday outfit festive, like these cute clip-in ears from The Brass Owl. In a variety of styles and colors (to match any outfit), simply clip them in your hair and go. And they’re great for all ages, too.

The Brass Owl

The Brass Owl
36-19 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria
347.848.0905

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Then of course, you have your Halloween staples. Ricky’s is a go-to all over New York for wigs, makeup, fake blood, and much, much more.

Photo of Ricky's NYC - Astoria, NY, United States

Yelp photo by Anna H.

Ricky’s
30-83 Steinway St., Astoria
718.274.1290

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And if you’re throwing a party, Party City on Northern Blvd naturally has you covered. Decorations, favors, candy, and even just party inspiration can all be found here. And you can stock up for future holidays while you’re at it!

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Party City
48-18 Northern Blvd., Long Island City
718.433.0100

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What’s your Halloween style going to be this year? Are you going simple and easy, or are you going all out? Write in to let us know, or share your costume photos with us!