Halloween Costume Shops in Chicago, Illinois

For the Halloween fan, finding the perfect costume is often a time-consuming process. However, living in a metropolitan area like Chicago, Illinois, provides many locations to find a costume. With choices ranging from simple to elaborate, Chicago's stores offer something for everyone. Here are my top 5 picks for costume shopping this year.

1. My first pick is Lost Eras, located at 1511 W. Howard in Chicago. Lost Eras also has a great website, so customers could check out the pictures before making the trip downtown. Lost Eras offers a great selection of costumes from any time period, all the way from the 1800's to Sci-Fi. Costumes range in price; one of the lowest I saw, a Saloon Girl Outfit, was $39.95, and one of the highest, a Victorian Gentleman, was $229.00. This is a great store for serious and casual shoppers alike. Lost Eras can be found online at www.losteras.com.

2. For adults looking for that special Halloween gear, Fantasy Costumes provides a great selection. The shop can be found at 4065 N. Michigan Ave. Shoppers will notice that prices are very affordable, averaging about $50. For those looking for more elaborate costumes, the store also features an Incredible Hulk costume for $799.00. Shoppers can either visit the store or check out www.fantasycostumes.com.

3. For those located in the suburbs, Beverly Costume Shop is a great location to check out. Located at 11626 S. Western, Beverly Costume Shop has great costumes to rent or purchase. The rental option gives Halloween fans the chance to wear something fabulous without having to pay a large amount of money, while there are also great costumes to purchase. The Costume Shop doesn't have a website, so they can be reached at (773) - 779 - 0068.

4. Another suburban location, Reilly's Trick Shop, has had a longstanding tradition of providing excellent costumes for low prices. Most costumes average around $30, with a great variety. For instance, for a mere $28.95, you can be a bottle of mustard this Halloween. Reilly's also offers costume accessories. Reilly's Trick Shop is located at 6442 W. 111th St.; costumes can be seen online at www.reillystrickshop.com.

5. Finally, for a reasonable costume choice, shoppers can check out the chain store Spirit of Halloween, which is located throughout the region. Spirit of Halloween has costumes for children, adults, and even pets. Though you won't find elaborate costumes like those you might find at Lost Eras, there is a nice selection. Spirit of Halloween does get picked over as Halloween grows closer, so shop early! Check the website, www.spirithalloween.com.

For Halloween shoppers, the Chicagoland area is a great location to find that perfect costume. Visit the websites, stop by the stores, and give yourself plenty of time to find the right costume. Happy Halloween!