Seven Top-Notch Sydney Costume Shops to Visit if You're Going to Sydney 7s
Whether you want to (fancy) dress like a Hogwarts student, a Smurf or a superhero, these spots have the get-up you're looking for.
Seven Top-Notch Sydney Costume Shops to Visit if You're Going to Sydney 7s
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Whether you want to (fancy) dress like a Hogwarts student, a Smurf or a superhero, these spots have the get-up you're looking for.
To the uninitiated, costume shops and sports might seem like an odd pairing. But to anyone who has ever been to a Rugby Sevens tournament, you'll know that there's just something about dressing up as a Smurf that makes the competitive, festival atmosphere of the event that much more addictive.
This February, when the best international players of Rugby Sevens descend on Parramatta for the HSBC Sydney 7s, the last thing you want is to be the only person at the party without a killer costume. So, we've pulled together a list of seven of Sydney's most well-stocked costumeries to get you all decked out for the big event. These joints will have you covered from masks to Mad Hatter get-ups — there's no particular theme this time around, so you've got free reign on your fancy dress outfit (but let's steer clear of cultural appropriation).
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Southsiders will find everything they need at The Party People in Sans Souci. On the area’s main Rocky Point Road strip, the huge shop has everything necessary for a proper shindig, so while you probably don’t need (or won’t get away with) a smoke machine and a balloon arch at the HSBC Sydney 7s, it’s comforting to know this place knows what it’s doing. You’ll find everything from fancy dress accessories if you want to go small to full costumes with the lot, and it’s all available in a bunch of different sizes.
Image: Trent van der Jagt.
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Another north shore mainstay, Fancy That! Costumes has been on a mission to help adults have more fun since it first opened in 1987. With a staff roster stocked with costume professionals from TV, production, design and arts backgrounds, this is a crew that will get you kitted out in no time. There’s plenty to hire, plus a wide range to buy for those looking to add to their personal costume box (do people still have those?). Our votes go to 80s workout gear, a 1920s swimsuit to keep you cool or any of the ‘famous dead people’ costumes available in store.
Image: Trent van der Jagt.
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With two stores right in the heart of the city, Sydney Party Warehouse is there to look after the CBD’s costume hunters — there’s one at 147a King Street and this one on the corner of Kent and Liverpool Streets. There’s also a megastore in Mascot if that’s a little more convenient for you.
As well as stocking hundreds of ready-to-go costumes that won’t break the bank, the warehouse has all the fancy dress accessories you need to put together your own costume. Pick up a crown and some elaborate jewellery, or maybe a wig and a stick-on moustache. You’ll also find headpieces, ears, tails, wings, tutus, tattoos and more.
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If you’ve lived on the north shore any time in the last 50 years, we probably don’t need to introduce you to The Wardrobe. This Chatswood shop has been doing its thing since the 1960s, so if you want to steer clear of mass-produced kits, you can rest assured that the costumiers here have you covered. Among the more than 20,000 individual pieces in the warehouse, you’ll find vintage get-ups, handmade clothing and rare historical replicas. The Wardrobe provides costumes for films and theatre productions, too, so you’re bound to be the best-dressed punter at the party.
Image: Trent van der Jagt.
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The store with so much party it rocked its way onto this list twice. The mega outpost of The Party People in Drummoyne prides itself on being ‘Australia’s biggest party store’. So if you’ve had a look online but need to know if the costume you’ve got your eye on will fit, head here as it stocks the company’s full range. Across more than 1700 square metres, The Party People Megastore stocks costumes across a bunch of different themes, plus accessories like body parts and cosmetics to help you with the moustache or out-there eye colour you need to perfect your look.
Image: Trent van der Jagt.
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You’ll find Snog The Frog behind a roller door on a backstreet in Surry Hills. There’s plenty to hire or buy, and most of it is Aussie made. Plus, the independent team offers a makeup service if you’re wanting to take it to the next level with some special effects.
Here, the range is diverse and there’s a clear homegrown theme, so you can round up two of your mates and go as Kath, Kim and Sharon, convince your best mate to be the B2 to your B1 or dress up as a real-life icon like Steve Irwin, Cathy Freeman or the Sydney Opera House (we didn’t think it was possible, but Snog The Frog’s done it).
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Those in the heart of the inner west can head to Newtown’s Costume Party for a great variety of outfits, accessories, wigs, face paint and special effects makeup. There’s so much stuff that it can be hard to know where to start, so head to the King Street shop and get exploring. This joint has every theme covered — from Harry Potter to hippie disco get-ups.
If you’re heading to the Sevens, it’s perhaps best to leave the costume weaponry behind — but keep the huge range of swords and lightsabers in mind for another occasion (there’ll always be one, whether you’re expecting it or not). Overwhelmed with all of the choices? You can’t go wrong with an animal onesie, as long as it’s not going to be too hot.
