Halloween Costume Hunting in the Inner West
Get Spooky! Discover the Best Second Hand and Retail Stores in the Inner West for Halloween Costumes and Decor
After more seasons of lock-down and social distancing than we’d like to remember, Halloween is back in full force. Thankfully in the Inner West, we’re blessed with a bucketload of op-shops, costume hire and bargain stores where you can nab an outfit or decorations whatever your budget. Whether you’re looking to spend less, prefer to buy something pre-owned, or are looking for a unique item, you’ll find Halloween costumes and accessories to ensure you and your tribe have a spookily fun time this year. And if Halloween isn’t your jam, we totally get it – but read on, you might discover a local retailer that’ll fit the bill for a costume party, Kids Book Week outfit or themed event.
Op-shops and pre-loved fashion
🎃 Vinnies Newtown
If Wednesday Adams is on your kids’ costume list for this year’s Halloween, a visit to Vinnie’s Newtown is a must for finding the perfect goth-romantic look that won’t break the bank. Want something more colourful? There are also racks of colour-coded clothing, shoes and accessories, not to mention second-hand homewares and decor for creating a unique Halloween theme. Can’t make it to Newtown? Don’t despair, there’s a Vinnies near you. Check out Vinnies Rozelle and Vinnies Glebe.
Address: 11 Stanmore Road, Enmore 2042
Contact: 0416 913 578
Web: stlukesenmoreopshop.com.au
🎃 St Luke’s Op Shop, Enmore
It’s the tiny op shop that packs a punch! Head to St Luke’s in Enmore for quirky costume jewellery, hats and head pieces, a basket or bauble, or an old-school doll reminiscent of Megan. There are also racks of second-hand clothing brimming with retro dresses, tops and bottoms – not quite Halloween but perfect for a 60s or 70s themed outfit.
Address: 11 Stanmore Road, Enmore 2042
Contact: 0416 913 578
Web: stlukesenmoreopshop.com.au
🎃 Reunion
Looking for cool clothing pieces that you can re-wear post Halloween? Reunion specialises in funky designer brands – think Vivienne Westwood, Evisu, Comme de Garcons – that are perfect for nailing that retro 90s look (think slip dresses, bucket hats, pleated skirts and crop tops a la Scream and I know what you did last Summer). You’ll also find colourful dresses for a fun Barbie look that you can re-wear for another (themed) event.
Location: Shop 2/112 Enmore Rd, Newtown NSW 2042
Contact: hello@reunionstore.co
Web: reunionstore.co
🎃 Red Cross Op Shop, Newtown
Come for a Halloween outfit and you might end up with a designer dress instead. This op-shop, a short walk from Newtown station, is known to stock the odd designer piece – from Bec and Bridge silk dress to a vintage YSL top and leather Italian pumps. Clothing racks are colour-coded and categorised so you can easily pick out a suit from a skirt. There’s also the usual array of costume jewellery, scarves and hats aplenty.
Address: Shop 2/359 King St, Newtown 2042
Contact: (02) 9517 9209
Web: redcross.org.au
🎃 Salvos, Tempe
At the Salvation Army’s flagship store in Tempe, you’ll find everything from vintage clothing, furniture and homewares to sporting goods (Friday The 13th ‘Jason’ mask anyone?). Plus with a huge bank of changing rooms, you’ll easily be able to try your outfit on before making a decision. Can’t make it there? The Salvation Army is one of the few charity groups to boast an online store so you can browse by category, collection – even brand – to find the right item or decoration to bring your spooky costume or event to life.
Address: 7 Bellevue Street Tempe 2044
Contact: (02) 9519 1513
Website: salvosstores.com.au/stores/nsw/2044-tempe-8641
🎃 VENLA Clothing, Balmain
Ever wanted to go Halloween trick or treating as Rhys Witherspoon from Legally Blonde or channel Alicia Silverstone’s Cher in Clueless? Or just fancy a designer outfit for a fraction of the retail price?! VENLA Balmain is your go-to for pre-loved international and local designer clothing – think Burberry, Saint Laurent, Fendi, Scanlan & Theodore and more – that will have you (or the kids) looking like a 90s teen queen/king in no time.
Address: 244 Darling St, Balmain NSW 204
Contact:0468 824 407
Web: www.venla.com.au/shop/balmain
Bargain and variety stores
Halloween decorations (image courtesy of The Reject Shop)
🎃 Reject Shop, Ashfield & Glebe (amongst other locations)
Sydney’s fave $2 store stocks has a fantastic range of Halloween garb and décor – at wallet-friendly prices. From witch’s hats and creepy masks to a limited range of adults and kids outfits – take your pick from witches and skeletons). There’s also face-paint, fake blood, trick or treating buckets, Halloween tableware and decorations like spider’s webs, light-up pumpkins, cauldrons and skeletons to name a few.
Address: Ashfield Mall, 260A Liverpool Road, Ashfield 2131
Contact: (02) 9716 0653
Web: rejectshop.com.au
🎃 K-Mart, various locations
This retail giant needs no introduction but if you’re struggling to find a costume, need themed treats, or are looking to decorate your house there are a range of budget options from cute toddler pumpkin outfits starting from $9 to a Scream mask for $1. In fact, it’s a one-stop for all things Halloween. This year, the variety retailer has a huge line-up of kids and adults Halloween costumes for the entire family – pets included – as well as Halloween treats, books, bath and body products (Halloween bath bombs anyone?), toys and crafts.
Find you nearest store here.
Costume and fancy dress
🎃 Costume Party, Newtown
This bargain costume shop sells inexpensive kids and adult outfits for Halloween, along with masks, face paint, even coloured contact lenses. They’re also a great option if you’re stuck for a Book Week getup.
Address: Shop 5, 546 King St, Newtown 2042
Contact: (02) 8964 9728
Web: costume-party.com.au
🎃 The Party People Megastore, Drummoyne
The Party People Megastore is the place to go if you’re looking for an outfit and wanting to theme an entire Halloween event – or any event for that matter. With their vast selection of themed balloons, plates, cutlery and decorations, you’ll be hard pressed not to find what you’re looking for. There are also Halloween themed baking moulds and cookies cutters, sugary treats and confectionery, so you’ll be ready whether you’re entertaining for a small troupe or big tribe.
Address: 73-75 Victoria Road, Drummoyne 2047
Contact: (02) 9529 2133
Web: thepartypeople.com.au
🎃 Snog The Frog, Surry Hills
This 90s Surry Hills stalwart has dressed many a Mardi Gras reveller so you can let your imagination run wild at this costume treasure chest knowing you can purchase or hire the outfit of your dreams. Stuck for choice? Knowledgeable staff can help you to find the right costume along with wigs and accessories to complete the look.
Address: 10 Hart Street Surry Hills, Sydney
Contact: (02) 9690 2001
Web: snogthefrog.com.au
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Have you found a local shop that does amazing Halloween costumes or decor? Leave a comment below or email us at info@theinnerwestmums.com.au and tell us all about it. We love hearing about hidden gem locations in the Inner West and beyond.
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