If Halloween had a mascot, it would probably be me — running through Hoboken with a glue gun in one hand and a half-finished costume in the other. As the self-appointed Queen of Last-Minute Costumes (and by “last-minute,” I mean the afternoon before I have to leave), I’ve mastered the art of building a look from whatever’s left on the thrift store racks.
So whether you’re going for spooky, glam, or pop-culture clever, here’s your survival guide to Hoboken’s best thrift stores and the costumes you can pull together on a student budget.
Saint Mary Advocates Thrift Shop – 536 Garden St.
This tiny nonprofit shop is a hidden gem — and probably the cheapest place in town to score a full outfit. Expect racks of vintage blouses, sequined tops, and random treasures that just need a little imagination.
Budget: $2–$10 per item
Costume ideas:
- Chef’s Kiss – white button-up shirt, lipstick kisses across it, a chef hat, and an air of confidence.
- Queen of Hearts – tape playing cards to a red jacket or skirt and grab a heart-shaped accessory.
It’s thrift-store roulette, but the odds are in your favor.
The Box – 419 Monroe St.
If your vibe is more “stylish chaos,” The Box is for you. It’s a curated resale boutique that mixes designer pieces with funky vintage — perfect for statement costumes.
Budget: $10–$25 per item
Costume ideas:
- The Weeknd (After Hours era) – red blazer, fake blood, bandages, sunglasses, and a little attitude.
- Pop Star on a Budget – metallic pants, bold eyeliner, and thrifted platform boots.
You’ll walk out looking like you meant to plan it that way all along.
Olijon’s Thrift Store – 138 Park Ave.
A Hoboken classic. Olijon’s is small but mighty — packed with character pieces and hidden costume potential.
Budget: $5–$15
Costume ideas:
- Retro Reporter – trench coat, notebook, and messy hair.
- DIY Mad Scientist – oversized white shirt, goggles, and a thrifted coffee mug labeled “Experiment #7.”
Revival Vintage Boutique – 86 Park Ave.
If you want to be fashionable and festive, Revival has you covered. Think of it as your destination for “Instagram-worthy but sustainably sourced.”
Budget: $20–$40
Costume ideas:
- Glinda or Elphaba from Wicked – thrift a sparkly pink dress for Glinda or a dark green/black outfit for Elphaba. Add a tiara or witch hat, and you’re ready to defy gravity.
2nd Street – 200 Washington St.
Big selection, big potential. 2nd Street has racks upon racks of denim, leather, and accessories that can morph into practically anything.
Budget: $10–$25
Costume ideas:
- K-Pop Star – oversized blazer, shiny pants, layered jewelry, and bold makeup. Add sunglasses and you’re ready to headline your own world tour.
Jeylan’s Thrift Tips for the Chronically Unprepared
- Layer smart: A jacket or scarf can turn a basic outfit into a full character.
- Go bold with makeup: It’s the cheapest way to sell the look.
- Accessories are everything: A $3 belt can save a $2 costume.
- Own the chaos: If anyone asks who you’re supposed to be, just say, “It’s conceptual.”
Halloween doesn’t need to cost you your coffee budget. Between Saint Mary’s steals and The Box’s statement pieces, Hoboken has everything you need to go from unprepared to unforgettable — for under $30.
Because sometimes, the best costumes aren’t bought — they’re born out of panic and good lighting.
