For a successful Halloween costume, you really need to start with the end in mind. What is it you want to be... Scary? Sexy? Glamorous? Just plain weird? If you've been invited to more than one party, you might even need more than one costume. After all, you might want to be a little more conservative at the office party than you would at your best friend's.

Once you have your goal in mind, a good costume shop will be able to help you get it together. You can buy your costume, but it can be a little too predictable if you wear the same one year after year. For that reason, a rental may be your best choice.

Of course, you can always opt for one of the pre-packaged costumes you'll find at your local store but honestly, they don't usually do it justice. If you spend the same money on a rental, you'll come out a lot further ahead.

A great costume really comes down to the little details. If you want to be unrecognizable on Halloween, these details can be critical. For example, a scary mask will hide your identity but it's far more effective to work with a costume shop that can use some theatrical makeup to completely transform you.

When your costume search is underway, be sure that you find a costume shop that offers everything you need. Some really don't have much of a selection so you'll have a much smaller chance of finding what you want.

Look for a shop that not only has the costume you want, but all the accessories you might need to personalize it and make it your own. Wigs, makeup, fake blood, fake cigarettes (complete with fake smoke) and other little things can make all the difference.