Costume Accessories

Best Costume Accessories for Women in the US: Where to Buy Hats, Masks, LED Ties & More

Why the right costume accessories matter

Accessories are the secret sauce that turns a good costume into a showstopper. Whether you're heading to a Halloween party, a themed bachelorette, or a convention, the right hat, wig, or prop adds personality, depth, and instant recognition. Think of accessories like spices in a recipe — a pinch can make everything pop. This guide helps you find the best places in the US to shop for women's costume accessories, highlights popular items, and shares practical tips so you can look great without breaking the bank.

Where to shop: national retailers to niche shops

Not all retailers are created equal when it comes to costume accessories. Big-box stores like Walmart and Target offer budget-friendly basics and seasonal bestsellers. Specialty shops such as Party City and Spirit Halloween focus on costume-season variety and size ranges. For one-of-a-kind, handmade, or vintage pieces, Etsy and independent sellers are gold mines. And for decals, patriotic or tactical-style hard hat stickers, niche suppliers like Armed American Supply carry focused items you won't see everywhere. I’ll walk you through what each type of store does best and show examples inspired by popular items.

Walmart: affordable variety and seasonal hits

Walmart is a go-to when you need fast, affordable costume accessories. The seasonal aisles usually stock everything from sequined devil horns to LED bow ties, bulk shackles for medieval looks, and novelty hats. If you're putting together a last-minute outfit or outfitting a group on a budget, Walmart is often the quickest winner.

Popular Walmart finds

Expect to see plush novelty hats like a stuffed buffalo hat, reversible capes in classic black and red for dramatic flair, and themed kits like monkey costume accessories that come with multiple pieces. Small props like 2-ounce tubes of fake blood gel and light-up bow ties are common and easy to mix into your look.

Smart Walmart shopping tips

Buy early in the season for the best selection — many seasonal items disappear fast. If you’re buying hats or wigs, check labels for circumference or length in inches to avoid surprises. Also, consider online pickup if you need the item the same day; it’s a reliable way to get a bargain without waiting for shipping.

Armed American Supply: decals, patches, and hard hat flair

Armed American Supply is a niche source focused on decals, patches, and rugged accessories — especially hard hat decals with patriotic, humorous, or custom designs. If your costume calls for a construction, military, or industrial vibe with authentic-looking decals, this is the place to look.

Decals and stickers to finish the look

From Old Glory hard hat decals to playful or irreverent designs, these small details can sell a character idea instantly. Hard hat decals are typically sized in inches so you can visualize placement; common widths run around 3 to 5 inches, which look great on gear, helmets, or even on prop shields for a creative touch.

How to use decals creatively

Don’t limit decals to hard hats. Stick them on accessories like plastic shields, storage boxes, or even oversized faux tool belts to add authenticity. You can layer different decals at an offset to mimic battle wear or distress them slightly with sandpaper for a vintage effect — just test a corner first.

Party City: go-to for party-ready accessories

Party City is practically synonymous with complete costume solutions. You’ll find everything from feathered headbands and masquerade masks to sequined horns and themed makeup kits. They stock a wide range of sizes, including plus sizes and adult versions of children’s favorites, so everyone can join the fun.

Best buys at Party City

Look for ready-to-wear pieces such as feathered headdresses, LED hair accessories, and themed jewelry. Party City often carries licensed movie and TV character add-ons, which makes it easy to mimic popular looks without an elaborate DIY project.

When Party City is your best bet

Choose Party City if you want a quick, cohesive look without searching multiple stores. They’re especially helpful for group costumes and themed events where matching styles matter. Also, their in-store staff can help you assemble a full outfit from head to toe.

Spirit Halloween: specialist seasonal selection

Spirit Halloween is the seasonal heavyweight for Halloween accessories. If you're seeking theatrical props, stunt makeup, specialty masks, or creepy contact lenses, Spirit tends to have the widest seasonal depth. The chain focuses on dramatic pieces that help you transform entirely.

Spotlight items from Spirit Halloween

Spirit is known for high-impact items like realistic masks, thick stage blood gels, inflatable mascots, and elaborate capes. If you want a bold accessory — like a heavy, sequined cape or an oversized mascot head — Spirit is often the place to find it, especially during the Halloween window.

Buying tips for Spirit Halloween

Because many items are seasonal and sometimes one-of-a-kind, try on masks and headgear in person if possible; fit and breathability matter more than you’d think. If you're ordering online, check measurements in inches and read reviews for fit and durability before committing.

Amazon and Target: convenience and variety

If convenience and fast shipping are priorities, Amazon and Target offer a massive range of costume accessories year-round. Amazon shines for variety and customer reviews, helping you sort reliable products. Target balances trending, stylish pieces with accessible prices and easy returns.

How to pick on Amazon and Target

Use filters to find size, color, and material in inches where applicable. Amazon reviews often contain photos and notes about whether a wig or hat runs large or small, which is invaluable. Target’s seasonal selection often mirrors national trends, so it’s a good spot for on-trend accessories that won’t break the bank.

Etsy and boutique sellers: handmade and unique pieces

If you want something original, artisanal, or vintage-inspired, Etsy and small boutique sellers are unbeatable. Here you’ll find hand-stitched capes, custom LED bow ties, feathered masks, and bespoke jewelry. Expect higher price tags, but the trade-off is uniqueness and craftsmanship.

Custom orders and fit guidance

Many Etsy sellers offer customization — you can order a cape with a specific lining or a hat resized to exact inches. Communicate lead times and measure carefully; sellers often ask for head circumference or desired cape length in inches, ensuring a tailored final product.

How to choose the right accessory: materials and fit

Choosing the right accessory combines aesthetics, comfort, and practicality. Look for materials that will survive the event — faux leather for belts and harnesses, durable plastics for masks, and breathable fabrics for headbands and hats. Fit is critical: hat circumference in inches, wig length in inches, and the thickness of any mask padding will determine comfort.

Common materials and what they mean

Vinyl and PVC are great for glossy, dramatic looks but can trap heat, so reserve them for short events or outdoor nights. Faux fur and plush hats provide warmth and texture, measured in inches for brim width or headband length. Sequins and feathers are eye-catching but may shed, so consider where you’ll wear them and how often.

Styling tips: layer, balance, and accessorize

Think of accessories as the punctuation in your costume sentence. If your outfit is heavily detailed, balance it with minimalist accessories. If your base costume is simple, be bold with a standout piece like a reversible cape or a light-up bow tie. Layer smaller items — brooches, belts, and chains — to create visual interest without overwhelming your silhouette.

Mixing textures and colors

Mix matte and shiny textures to keep the eye moving. For example, pair a matte faux-leather corset with a sequined headpiece or contrast a plush hat with metallic decals. When in doubt, pick one focal accessory and coordinate secondary pieces in matching tones or complementary accents.

Specialty accessories: LED bow ties, sequined horns, and fake blood

Some accessories deserve special mention because they transform a look instantly. LED bow ties add a playful, modern twist — they usually run a few inches across and often have adjustable straps measured in inches. Sequined devil horns and feathery headbands are classic party pieces. For horror looks, thick fake blood gel in small ounces offers realistic effects without the mess of liquid blood.

How to use showy accessories safely

For LED items, check battery compartments and carry spare batteries measured in milliamps if you plan a long night out. For prosthetic adhesives and fake blood, do a skin patch test 24 hours before wearing to check for reactions. And if you’re using contact lenses, buy from reputable sellers and follow instructions precisely to protect your eyes.

Budgeting and scoring deals

You don’t need to spend a fortune to look fantastic. Mix high-impact pieces with thrifted or DIY items. Many big retailers discount accessories heavily after peak season, and marketplaces often offer coupon codes. If you’re working to a per-person budget for a group, aim for one statement accessory per person and fill the rest with low-cost basics like scarves, belts, and temporary tattoos.

Thrift and DIY hacks

Thrift stores are a gold mine for fabrics, belts, and jewelry that can be repurposed. A quick stitch or a few inches of trim can turn thrifted finds into something costume-shop worthy. For instant drama, add a strip of LED tape measured in inches to a hat or cape edge — it’s an easy DIY that looks polished.

Care and storage: keep accessories ready for next time

Proper care extends the life of costume accessories. Store delicate pieces in breathable garment bags, keep sequined items flat to prevent snagging, and unplug or remove batteries from LED accessories between uses. If you need to freshen a hat, a quick steam (hold at a safe distance) can reshape felt hats measured by brim width in inches without harsh washing.

Cleaning tips by material

Spot-clean sequins and faux fur with a damp cloth and mild soap, and let them air dry. For plastic masks, use disinfectant wipes on the inside where it contacts skin. Always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions when available and consider gentle hand washing for lined capes or fabric pieces measured in inches for length to avoid shrinking or color loss.

Final checklist before you buy

Before you click buy, double-check these items: is the size given in inches? Does the accessory match the rest of your look? Can you test for allergies to adhesives or materials? Do you have spare batteries or basic repair items like safety pins, clear thread, and a small glue gun? Answering these questions now saves last-minute panic later.

Wrap-up: make your costume accessories work for you

Accessories can transform a simple outfit into a memorable character, and the right store makes all the difference. Mix and match finds from big retailers like Walmart, specialty vendors like Armed American Supply, seasonal shops such as Spirit Halloween, and artisanal sellers on Etsy to curate a look that’s uniquely yours. Shop smart, measure in inches, test for fit and comfort, and don’t be afraid to experiment — with the right accessories, anyone can steal the show.

Conclusion: With this roadmap, you’re ready to shop for costume accessories with purpose. From patriotic hard hat decals to LED bow ties and sequined headbands, the US market offers options for every budget and aesthetic. Measure, plan, and accessorize — and enjoy watching your costume come to life.