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Brocklind's has been outfitting Seattle's most zealous Halloween revelers for almost 100 years. That's a lot of time to build up a costume collection covering any time period or look you can imagine — human, animal or otherwise. Hundreds of wigs sit happily, awaiting fresh heads. Racks of clothing line the walls, ready to cater to your superhero/maiden/Renaissance royalty/Southern belle/military man/Ninja Turtle/gladiator whims. Most rental prices range from $45-$65 for a 24-hour period, depending on how elaborate you go.

Shopping a la carte? A healthy selection of rubber masks allows for complete anonymity and political joke setups — there's no shortage of Nixons, Hillary Clintons or Al Gores here. Do-it-yourselfers will be thrilled with plenty of makeup, wound kits and fake blood; accessories such as shoes, a police baton or shirt rent for as low as $5.

Nov. 1 doesn't spell the end of Brocklind's, however. Christmas brings Santa suits in every size, Easter bunnies can hop on in to find their fun furs and everyone can partake in the wearing o' the green for St. Patrick's Day. Pretty much any holiday is fair game.

Not really a Dressy Bessie? Stop in for cool accessories such as funky tights (tie-dye, fishnets) and sparkle-frame sunglasses.

If you need a monkey suit — the other kind — you're in luck. All three Brocklind's locations rent out tuxedos. The Capitol Hill branch sells, but does not rent, bridal and formal wear, so you might be better off finding some elaborate Marie Antoinette getup and wearing that on your big day. It's good to be queen.

TIP: To make assembling your costume easier, bring a picture of the look you want. And if you're hoping to gussy up on Halloween, order before mid-October.

By Vanessa McGrady
Special to NWsource