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Chicago's Best Places For Last-Minute Pride Parade Outfits

The Gay Pride Parade, scheduled for Sunday, June 24, is an annual event that attracts more than 800,000 spectators and holds the honor of being one of Chicago's largest parades. With the Pride Parade just around the corner, there isn't much time remaining to put the finishing touches on your costume. Whether you are creating an outfit from scratch or just looking for the perfect wig or accessory, check out costume shops and resale stores to complete your look for the parade. The following stores can help you in your quest for the perfect costume.
Shopping & Style Pride, Brown Elephant Resale Shop
Photo Credit: howardbrown.org

Brown Elephant Resale Shop
3651 N. Halsted St.
Chicago, IL  60613
(773) 549-5943
www.howardbrown.org

The Brown Elephant Resale Shop offers a variety of items perfect for a last-minute costume. The resale shop, which sells more than 740,000 items annually, has an ever-changing product selection, all of which is donation-based. Shoppers can sift through dresses, suits, hats, shoes and a number of accessories to complete their look. Located in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood, the Brown Elephant has additional resale shops in Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood and Oak Park. Proceeds and donations from the Brown Elephant Resale Shops help fund services for more than 50 percent of Howard Brown Health Care clients; putting your Pride look together has never been so rewarding.

Shopping & Style Pride Week, Clothing
Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

Chicago Costume
1120 W. Fullerton Ave.
Chicago, IL  60614
(773) 528-1264
www.chicagocostume.com

With two year-round costume stores (the second is located at 4727 W. Monroe St.), Chicago Costume has a number of costumes for rent and for sale in stock. Some of the rental costume themes include monsters, superheroes and animals. Chicago Costume also sells theatrical makeup, including glow-in-the-dark sets and temporary tattoos. Wigs and facial hair are available for sale, as are boas, fairy wings, jewelry, shoes and hats. In need of some props? You've come to the right place. Find everything from angel harps, inflatable guitars and aprons to rubber chickens. Chicago Costume can also make single customized masquerade masks while you wait.

Shopping & Style Pride, Clothes Optional Vintage
Photo Credit: Clothes Optional Vintage via Facebook

Clothes Optional Vintage
2918 N Clark St.
Chicago, IL  60657
(773) 296-6630
www.clothesoptionalvintage.com

While some Pride goers will take this venue's name to heart, others will want to cover a bit. Located in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood, Clothes Optional offers a great selection of vintage ware. Recent products available for sale that would make great Pride outfits included a maroon velvet dress, a terry cloth blouse, a vintage sports coat and a variety of sunglasses. Other accessories, like cufflinks and suitcases can be found as well. As the product selection changes rapidly, check back frequently to see what is in stock.

Related: Men's Guide To Style In Chicago

Shopping & Style Pride Week, Flags
Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

Fantasy Costumes
4065 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL  60641
(773) 777-0222
www.fantasycostumes.com

This is a one-stop shop for parade attendees looking for a costume. Offering costumes for sale and rental, Fantasy Costumes can also outfit your entire group in themes, including  animal, mascot, super heroes and villain costumes. Or, you could always go for irony and don a nun costume (a little customization could go a long way with this idea!) Wigs, fake eyelashes, and makeup are also available for purchase. With more than a million items in stock in a store that spans the length of a city block, you're sure to find an eclectic mix of items to throw together to create a great Pride look.

Shopping & Style Pride, Hollywood Mirror
Photo Credit: Hollywood Mirror via Facebook

Hollywood Mirror
812 W. Belmont Ave., First Floor
Chicago, IL  60657
(773) 404-2044
www.hollywoodmirror.com

Hollywood Mirror offers a variety of skirts, shirts and tops to complete any costume, including skinny ties, skull-themed accessories and kitsch caps. Its jewelry ranges from skulls to unicorns and rainbows, with most items under $9.99. The store also sports a wide selection of fedoras, including plaid styles.  Pick up some peace sign earrings, bracelets in neon colors and tie dye attire to finish off your Pride look. Hollywood Mirror opened its store in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood in the 1990s.

Related: Second Hand Shopping Deals In Chicago

Check out CBS Local's Guide to Celebrating Chicago Pride

Megan Horst-Hatch is a mother, runner, baker, gardener, knitter, and other words that end in "-er." She loves nothing more than a great cupcake, and writes at I'm a Trader Joe's Fan. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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