Where to buy fancy dress in London

Shopping for spooky garms? Festival and party veteran Annabel Simpson (a.k.a @festibelofficial) has got you covered
Annabel Simpson25 October 2019

Halloween is fast approaching, which means it's time to start thinking about your freaky fright night look.

Dressing up for Halloween in my lifetime has ranged from bunging a wonky plastic witch's hat on my head with a bin bag as a cape, to recreating a look from harrowing dystopian HBO show Handmaid's tale, or tastelessly recreating the look of a Pan Am air hostess (see above).

We've all started to take Halloween a little more seriously - I blame America. Don't find yourself rushing to a party unprepared while squeezing a tube of unconvincing blood down your face - this year, get creative. With the seriousness of the task ahead, here is a guide to the best costume shops in London for Halloween.

There's a lot here to get your fake teeth stuck in to...

Prangsta Costumiers, New Cross

If it's lavishness you're after, look no further. These rental costumes are stunning and all hand made, think dark circus or victoriana. It's a bit of a well kept secret (until now, perhaps). Visiting this elusive shop is a real experience and you'll be dripping in decadence.

Prangsta Costumiers, 304 New Cross Rd, New Cross, London SE14 6AF

Mad World, Old Street

A fancy dress superstore with a large selection of Venitian masks and period costumes. Also the perfect place to head if you want to go as a character from Peaky Blinders which is a popular look for this year, although they offer more than just 20s gangster garb. They also have store on The Strand and in Gatwick.

Mad World Fancy Dress, Entrance on, 69-85 Tabernacle St, Singer St, Shoreditch, London EC2A 4BD

Carnival, Hammersmith

Ran by three eccentric sisters, Carnival is the best option for West Londoners who don't want to travel across town. Everything is for sale rather than rental and it's ideal for accessorising costumes with props. It also has a great selection of contact lenses.

Carnival Store, 95 Hammersmith Rd, Hammersmith, London W14 0QH

So High Soho, Soho

I was thrilled to find this shop some years ago in the middle of Soho and it's now my go-to for all things fancy dress. It's a beautiful and bustling shop which is an assault on the senses. The staff are great fun and you'll find plenty of hidden gems.

Ideal for headdresses, masks and general bits to give your Halloween look that extra wow.

So High Soho, 7 & 9 Berwick St, Soho, London W1F 0PJ

Angels, West End

Angels has a standard floor of fancy dress of things to buy which are unlikely to last more than a Halloween, but it's the upper floors which are of interest with a huge selection of stunning costumes to rent from theatreland over the decades. There is a set rental fee for the week depending on the costume, but be careful when picking up the extra accessories they offer you included in the rental price as it's in losing or damaging these that you'll be charged depending on the value of the items you've lost/damaged - and no one needs that added to the post-Halloween come down.

Angels, 119 Shaftesbury Ave, London WC2H 8AE

The National Theatre

Yes, the National Theatre hire out the costumes from the endless number of productions they've put on over the years. Knowing your costume has been on stage is a rather special feeling and browsing the rails a real thrill. Booking an appointment is necessary. Prepare to steal the show.

Chichester House, Kennington Park Business Estate, 1-3 Brixton Road, London SW9 6DE

The sustainable option

Have a good rummage in your own cupboards or in vintage and charity shops. Look for black velvet, leather or studs; team with some creepy contacts and job done. Creating a supernatural look using contacts, make up and non-disposable accessories means we can all do our bit to prevent the thousands of tonnes of plastic being used to make wear-once costumes each year.

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