Avoid costume envy this Halloween with our roundup of the very best fancy dress shops in London.

What: Angels
Why: Rentable costumes for men, women, children and animals from every decade.
When: Mon.-Fri., 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Wed., 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. (See website for Halloween hours.)
Where: 119 Shaftsbury Ave., WC2H 8AE (020 7836 5678).

What: Charles Fox
Why: Take your look a step further with special-effect makeup, wigs, beads or a transvestite transformation.
When: Mon.-Wed., 9:30 a.m.-5:45 p.m.; Thurs. & Fri., 9:30 a.m.-6:45 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-5:45 p.m.
Where: 22 Tavistock St., WC2E 7PY (08702 00 03 69).

What: Costume Studio
Why: Rent clothes and accessories or use the consultation service to design, source, manufacture or style your look.
When: Mon.-Fri., 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 159-161 Balls Pond Rd., N1 4BG (020 7275 9614).

What: Escapade
Why: Up-to-the-minute costumes include characters from Little Britain, Disney and Star Wars.
When: Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m.
Where: 150 Camden High St., NW1 8AJ (020 7485 7384).

What: Mad World Fancy Dress
Why: More than 35,000 costumes to choose from, with a vast selection of authentic historical disguises.
When: Mon.-Fri., 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Thurs., 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 69-85 Tabernacle St., EC2A 4BA (08007 83 65 82).