Halloween Costumes & Accessories

Halloween here is a warm-weather event

The single biggest difference from the northern hemisphere version is temperature. Halloween lands in Australian spring, and a costume designed for a cold October night becomes uncomfortable fast.

Lighter fabrics, shorter cuts and separates you can shed a layer from work far better than heavy full-body designs. Full-face latex masks are hot; makeup and half-masks are the more comfortable choice for a long evening outdoors.

After dark

Halloween happens at dusk, on suburban streets, and dark costumes disappear against a dark street. Reflective trim, light-up accessories, glow sticks or a torch built into the look solve it without compromising the costume.

Deciding how frightening

Trick-or-treating groups usually span a wide age range, and what delights a ten-year-old can genuinely upset a three-year-old at the door. If you are heading out with younger children or visiting houses with them, the funny and spooky end of the range travels better than the graphic end.

The full horror range is there for adult parties, where it belongs.

Building a look

The costume is the base; the accessories are what people remember. Wigs, makeup, prosthetics, fake blood, hats and props take an off-the-shelf costume to something that looks considered.

When to order

Demand builds from late September and the middle sizes go first. Ordering by mid-October gives you the choice you actually want, and leaves room for delivery to regional addresses.