Going out for Halloween in New York City? Your costume doesn’t need to be complicated, but if you’re planning a night at a rooftop, nightclub or Halloween party, there are a few things worth keeping in mind.
Here are some easy Halloween costume ideas, where to shop in NYC, and a few tips to help you get ready for Halloween weekend.
Easy Halloween Costume Ideas for a Night Out
🧛 Vampire 🧛♀️
A classic that always works.
Wear black, add some fake blood, vampire teeth and a little makeup, and you’re done. It’s also easy to adapt to a more stylish outfit if you’re heading to a nightclub or rooftop.
😇 Angel or Devil 😈
One of the easiest options for couples or groups.
A white outfit with wings and a halo or a red or black outfit with devil horns is enough to create the look, without wearing something uncomfortable all night.
🤠 Cowboy or Cowgirl 👩🌾
Another easy Halloween costume that doesn’t require buying an entire outfit.
Jeans, boots, a cowboy hat and a few accessories can do the job. It’s also an easy theme if you’re going out with a group.
👽 Men in Black 🕶️
Black suit, white shirt, black tie and sunglasses.
Simple, recognizable and particularly convenient if you’re going somewhere with a more upscale atmosphere.
🕺 Disco / 70s 🪩
Sequins, metallic outfits, oversized sunglasses and flared pants.
A great choice if you’re going to a rooftop or club and want something that still feels like a real going-out outfit.
🎭 Movie & TV Characters 🎬
Going with friends? Choosing recognizable movie or TV characters makes planning a group costume much easier.
Think Barbie & Ken, The Addams Family, Ghostbusters, superheroes, Mario characters or whatever movie, show or character your group is currently obsessed with.
Where to Buy Halloween Costumes in NYC?
If you don’t want to order everything online, New York has several great places to find costumes and accessories.
Abracadabra NYC
Located at 19 W 21st Street in Manhattan, Abracadabra is one of NYC’s best-known costume stores.
You’ll find costumes, masks, wigs, makeup and accessories, and they also offer costume rentals if you’re looking for something more elaborate without buying the entire outfit.
Halloween Adventure / New York Costumes
Located at 104 4th Avenue in the East Village, Halloween Adventure is another NYC classic.
It’s a huge year-round costume store with costumes, masks, wigs, props and accessories. It’s particularly useful if you don’t know exactly what you want and prefer to browse different ideas in person.
Spirit Halloween
During Halloween season, Spirit Halloween is another easy option, with temporary locations around New York and a large selection of ready-made costumes and accessories.
In addition to its Midtown East location at 999 3rd Avenue, Spirit Halloween currently lists two other Manhattan locations: 33 Irving Place near Union Square and 1889 Broadway on the Upper West Side.
Buying Your Costume Online
If you already know what you want, ordering online can save you a lot of time.
Amazon is an easy option for complete costumes as well as simple accessories such as wings, devil horns, sunglasses, fake blood, wigs or cowboy hats.
Just make sure you check the expected delivery date and sizing before ordering.
Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
Whatever you choose, don’t leave your Halloween costume shopping until October 30 or 31.
Costume stores in Manhattan can get extremely busy as Halloween approaches, while popular costumes, sizes and accessories may become harder to find.
Buying your costume, or at least the important pieces a week or two earlier can save you a lot of time and stress.
What to Wear to a Halloween Party in NYC
Remember that you’re not just choosing a costume, you’re choosing something you’ll probably be wearing for several hours.
If you’re going clubbing, choose something you can dance and move comfortably in. Huge props, oversized wings or uncomfortable masks might look great in a photo, but you’ll probably be tired of carrying them after 20 minutes.
For rooftops, remember that late October nights in NYC can get cold, so think about how a jacket or extra layer can work with your costume.
And if you’re heading somewhere more upscale, a simple but stylish costume can sometimes work better than something huge or overly complicated.
Find a Party That Fits Your Halloween Plans
Your costume can also help set the mood for the night. A glamorous or creative look can be perfect for a rooftop party, while something comfortable and fun might work better for a night of dancing.
If you’re still deciding where to go, take a look at some of the Halloween parties happening across NYC and find a night that fits your costume and the kind of atmosphere you’re looking for.
Sometimes the best plan is simply finding the party that matches your costume and your vibe.