(Photo: Melissa Hom)

Golfer
Assuming you already own a polo shirt, the preppy golfer look is all about outrageous plaid. Screaming Mimi’s has a gloriously clashing rack of the checked prints, so we were able to grab these and go without pawing through stacks of trousers ($65). We also came across a covetable pair of Payne Stewart–esque knickers at Marmalade, for those willing to rock a pair of kneesocks. We snagged this houndstooth newsboy cap at Fabulous Fanny’s ($41.25), but the ample hat racks at Eye Candy are another good bet.

Sock Hop Girl
Poodle skirts are top sellers at Halloween costume stores, so we were skeptical about our chances of tracking down the vintage variety. But Love Saves the Day delivered with several sweet versions in shades of pink, black, red, and baby blue ($39). Pick out a colorful scarf at Narnia and your costume is made.