The Best Local Places to Find a Last Minute Getup...

As Halloween quickly approaches, those of us who did not stuff our college suitcases with costume options will be happy to know that the 5Cs have a multitude of shopping choices nearby. Whether you’re willing to drop the cash for a shiny pre-packaged get-up or trying to scrap together an original masterpiece with thrift store finds, check out the Halloween-friendly stores below and get your costume on!

Halloween City Off Central Ave., Montclair Across from Costco

Just past Target, this typically sketchy theme store has a huge variety of costumes and decorations. Though the store has a weird fog swirling around the door, the large array of costumes, both ghoulish and whoreish, is clear upon stepping inside. Though the full costume sets are a bit expensive ($40 to $50), the accessories are pretty cheap and can take a homemade outfit to the next level. The store also stocks scary, inexpensive decorations; a fog machine, strobe light, or black light could take a small Halloween-themed get-together from mildly fun to epic.

Goodwill 1240 West 7th Street, Upland (909) 982-9017

The nearest Goodwill is only a short car or bike ride away in Upland. For those looking for a place to piece together a more creative costume, Goodwill is a cheap and fun option. Though Upland’s Goodwill does have a specific Halloween section, the huge racks of used clothing are a treasure trove of possible costume ideas if one is willing to dig. Goodwill’s value lies in its guiltless disposability—after your homemade costume has been danced in for a few sweaty hours, you won’t be throwing too much money in the trash. Another option is to re-donate the clothes for a truly green Halloween.

The Grove Vintage 206 W. Bonita Ave., Claremont (909) 625-2380

Costume hunting at the Grove, only two blocks from Pomona’s South Campus in the village, requires a similarly creative and inspired eye, and its convenience comes at a slightly higher price. For a last-minute costume run, though, it can’t be beat. Looking to go the 80s prom queen route? The Grove has a separate room fully stocked with tacky dresses in which to get lost. The shop also doubles as your own personal Halloween tailor: if your costume is a little ill-fitting, The Grove alters its own styles to make them a bit more personalized. The Grove’s staff is also quite friendly, and the cute lady behind the counter might fix something for you if you ask nicely enough. Unfortunately, guys looking for costumes should search elsewhere—The Grove has a minimal selection of men’s clothing.

...and the Experts' Suggestions for Halloween Attire The experts at these stores agree: while the standard witch and warlock costumes remain popular, the trend toward media- and runway-influenced looks is growing stronger by the year.

Grove Vintage storeowner Donna Daniel said that her shop carries pieces evocative of Mad Men fashion—the 1960s-inspired looks that Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, and Elizabeth and James, among others, have echoed on the catwalk.

Late-80s and early-90s styles have likewise been reinvented by the fashion industry and are inherently suitable for costumes For a quick, do-it-yourself Halloween look, Daniel recommended channeling the 80s: leggings and cut-up sweatshirts for girls and MC Hammer-style pants in funky, bright colors for guys. Daniel also emphasized the value of using vintage clothing rather than packaged costumes, saying that the clothing can be reworn and can become “forever item[s].”

Manuel Guamataotao, branch manager of Halloween City Montclair, also suggested that any Halloween outfit can come largely from one’s existing wardrobe. A little black dress with a simple eye mask or everyday clothes with a cloak or robe can make an easy and elegant look. Still, said Guamataotao, packaged costumes are convenient and current, serving as accurate reflections of pop culture. Guamataotao noticed a definite popularity in the costumes inspired by movies: Alice in Wonderland, the Mad Hatter, and the Red Queen (inspired by Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland) are best sellers, along with Avatar and Prince of Persia costumes.

Ultimately, Guamataotao encouraged 5C students, however they are costumed, to enjoy the “one night of the year where you can be whoever you want to be.”