The Secret Halloween Costume Gems Found in Colorado’s Thrift Stores

Colorado might be known for mountains and ski gear, but locals know its thrift stores hide another treasure, some of the best Halloween costume finds in the Rockies. From Denver’s vintage boutiques to small-town charity shops tucked between canyons and plains, the state’s secondhand scene turns spooky season into a full-blown creative hunt.

Travelers who wander in looking for jackets often leave with an entire costume ready for the next Halloween party. I spent weeks crisscrossing the state to pull together this list so you can land a look that feels fresh, fun, and ready for the spotlight.

1. ARC Thrift Stores, Statewide

Colorado’s ARC Thrift chain transforms every October. Staff curate Halloween sections filled with donated costumes, vintage clothing, and accessories. Regulars check early for unique pieces like sequined dresses, cowboy boots, and retro coats that build characters fast. I love how the stores rotate fresh inventory and organize racks by theme.

You can pull a 1920s ghost look from lace and pearls or go Western with fringe and leather. I always peek at the kids section for capes and odd hats that upscale adult outfits. Many locations place masks, makeup, and props near the registers so you finish a look in one pass.

The atmosphere stays friendly and efficient, even on busy weekends. Shoppers also appreciate that proceeds support local programs. That purpose adds warmth to the hunt and keeps me coming back. If you’re new to Colorado, start here and learn how the state shops secondhand.

You’ll gain a feel for sizing, eras, and what sells fast in different neighborhoods. I check stores near colleges for quirky pieces and suburban spots for formalwear. With a little patience, ARC makes Halloween both creative and meaningful.

2. Boss Vintage, Denver

Boss Vintage sits on Broadway and rewards anyone who loves true period pieces. The racks move from military uniforms to satin blouses and neon ski suits in a single stroll. I start with jackets because they set the era fast. A wool letterman or a leather bomber can anchor an entire costume.

Staff here know the inventory and local film history, which helps when you want authenticity. They’ll steer you toward the right lapel width or pant break for a character. I appreciate their knack for pairing textures you would not try at home. The shop feels like a working wardrobe department, not a museum.

I’ve found brass buttons for naval looks and deadstock hosiery for midcentury outfits. Try the accessory cases for brooches and cigarette cases that complete noir styles. Since Denver hosts frequent events in the fall, new stock rolls in often.

Time your visit midweek for calm browsing. You’ll leave with pieces that photograph beautifully on city streets and mountain backdrops alike.

3. Goldmine Vintage, Boulder

Goldmine Vintage in downtown Boulder runs on personality. I walk in and see disco jumpsuits, fringe jackets, and patterned blouses ready for stage-worthy looks. The store keeps items cleaned, steamed, and sized clearly, which speeds up costume building. I like to pick a hero piece and build outward.

A lamé jumpsuit turns into a glam rocker with a belt and high boots. A suede fringe coat flips to outlaw or road-weary musician with the right hat. Staff offer styling tips without pressure and check fit with a keen eye. The jewelry cases carry chunky bangles and long chains that pop on camera.

You’ll also find denim in every wash for 1970s and 1990s throwbacks. I try pieces outside my comfort zone here because the layout encourages experimenting. The college crowd donates interesting items year-round, so inventory stays fresh.

Boulder’s pedestrian-friendly core makes it easy to combine Goldmine with nearby shops for accessories. I leave with confident looks that work for house parties and outdoor parades across Colorado.

4. Goodwill Outlet, Colorado Springs

The Goodwill Outlet in Colorado Springs offers chaos with a payoff. You sort through rolling bins and pay by weight, which favors bold scavengers. I bring gloves, hand sanitizer, and patience. The flow changes all day as staff rotate bins, so I scan often and move on. Leather jackets pop up alongside uniforms, ski bibs, and theatrical scarves.

That mix sparks quick costume ideas without overthinking. I look for texture and color first, then check sizes. The outlet forces fast decisions, which keeps your look spontaneous. It also rewards layering because you can grab multiple options for the same theme.

People who costume for theater and cosplay browse here for base garments and unusual trims. I keep a small measuring tape in my pocket for vintage pieces. Expect lines at checkout during peak hours, but the staff move things along.

Colorado shoppers build serious wardrobes from this single stop. If you enjoy the hunt, you’ll leave with raw materials that turn into a standout Halloween costume once you get home.

5. Regal Vintage, Denver

Regal Vintage feels like a curated walk through fashion history. The owners arrange pieces by vibe rather than strict decade, which encourages creative mixing. I often build characters that jump eras, like a Victorian blouse with a 1970s skirt. The staff have sharp instincts and suggest details that make a look believable.

They might hand you a velvet ribbon for a choker or a cameo pin that seals the story. The shop carries fine fabrics that move well under lights and on camera. You’ll spot wool capes, tea dresses, and tuxedo jackets with personality. I also check the men’s section for patterned shirts that shift between disco and lounge singer.

The prices reflect quality, and the care shows. Denver locals treat it as a first stop before big-box stores every October. I appreciate the calm soundtrack and roomy fitting areas that let you try full looks. When you want a costume that tells a clear story, Regal makes the narrative easy and fun.

6. Rags Consignment, Boulder and Cherry Creek

Rags Consignment serves costume builders who want polish without losing originality. I drop in for statement jackets, silk blouses, and structured pants that fit modern bodies. Designer pieces arrive daily, so check both Boulder and Cherry Creek for variety. You can create a 1920s socialite with a beaded top and sleek trousers or channel an 1980s pop icon with sharp shoulders and metallic accents.

The staff help with quick edits to keep looks cohesive. I scan for distinctive textures like jacquard, satin, and velvet that photograph well. Shoes and belts here elevate even simple thrift finds from other shops. The lighting and mirrors help you test movement and silhouette.

I also watch for off-season formalwear that transforms with a few props. Rags keeps everything clean and ready to wear, which saves time before parties. Pair your purchase with vintage jewelry from a nearby antique stop and you’re set. Colorado shoppers who like a refined finish will feel right at home.

7. Antique Row, Denver’s South Broadway

Antique Row is not a single shop but a stretch of them along South Broadway. I go here when I need that one prop that ties a costume together. Window displays show vintage hats, gloves, military gear, and quirky home goods that read as stage pieces. You can find officer caps, opera cloaks, and brass compasses in a few blocks.

I set a theme before arriving so I do not get lost in options. Shop owners share deep knowledge about eras and materials, which helps you stay accurate. Many items come with a story that you can retell at parties. I mix these finds with thrifted basics from nearby stores for a balanced look.

Bring measurements for belts and hat sizes because vintage fits vary. Parking gets tight on weekends, so plan extra time. This pocket of Denver remains a reliable resource for Halloween hunters across Colorado.

8. Brand Spanking Used, Fort Collins

Brand Spanking Used offers a donation-based store with boutique energy. The team curates racks by color and mood, which sparks costume ideas immediately. I pass a rainbow of blazers, silk skirts, and quirky tees on the way to shoes. You can build a character from a single color story or lean into contrast for drama.

The shop supports local causes and keeps communication friendly. I often find unexpected fabrics like brocade and lurex that give stage presence. The accessories section carries belts, pins, and scarves grouped by tone for quick styling. Fort Collins students donate trend-forward pieces that shift a costume from retro to current.

The store posts fresh inventory often, so check back if you feel stuck. I like to mix a standout blazer from here with rugged finds from a charity shop for balance. You’ll walk out with a costume that feels creative, wearable, and distinctly Colorado.

9. Goodwill of Colorado South Campus Store, Colorado Springs

This Goodwill of Colorado location near Garden of the Gods keeps Halloween top of mind each fall. The store sets up themed racks with DIY guides that suggest pairings. I use those as prompts, then search the main aisles for better fabrics and fits. Pop culture sections rotate often so timing matters.

You might spot varsity jackets one week and western dusters the next. I like how staff label sizes and group colors for quick sorting. The Look Book inspires ideas if you feel stuck before a party. I usually add a second layer like a vest or cape to push an outfit from everyday to costume.

The location sits close to other shops, which makes a full-day route easy. Colorado Springs offers mountain views and broad streets that make hauling finds simple. This stop delivers steady basics plus wildcards for last-minute Halloween plans.