Back to Costuming Guide

Where to Find or Create Your Look

You do not need to purchase a brand-new outfit to attend the Faelight Ball. Many guests create their look from pieces they already own, thrifted finds, borrowed garments, or simple handmade additions.

If you’d like a place to begin, the resource suggestions below offer a range of options: from ready-made, to rental, to do-it-yourself.

Canadian Online & Small-Business Retailers

There are many Canadian-based shops that offer fantasy, historical, or artisan pieces that work beautifully for the Ball.

Etsy (Canada-based makers)
 A wonderful source for:

  • fae crowns and circlets

  • cloaks and capes

  • corsets and bodices

  • lace gloves, masks, and jewelry

Tip: Filter by “Ships from Canada” to reduce shipping time and cost.

Costume & Formalwear Rental (Ontario-Friendly)

Renting can be a fantastic option for a one-night event.

Local Costume & Theatre Rental Houses
 Search for costume rental services in:

  • Barrie

  • Midland / Penetanguishene

  • Orillia

  • Toronto (for broader selection)

Many theatre houses carry:

  • Victorian-era garments

  • cloaks, capes, and accessories

  • period-inspired outerwear

Formalwear Rental (Canada-wide)
 Canadian formalwear rental services provide:

  • tuxedos

  • suits

  • waistcoats

These make an excellent base for Victorian or “Between Worlds” styling when paired with accessories.

Thrift, Vintage & Secondhand (Highly Encouraged)

Some of the most striking Faelight looks begin secondhand.

Local Thrift & Vintage Shops
 Look for:

  • lace blouses

  • velvet jackets

  • waistcoats

  • long skirts

  • shawls and wraps

Online Canadian Resale Platforms

  • Poshmark Canada

  • Depop (Canadian sellers)

These are especially good for:

  • statement accessories

  • vintage-inspired silhouettes

  • unique one-of-a-kind pieces

DIY & Craft Supplies (Canada-Based)

If you enjoy making or modifying pieces, these Canadian retailers are excellent resources.

Fabricland (Canada-wide)
 Great for:

  • lace, ribbon, trim

  • sheer fabrics

  • embellishments

Michaels Canada
 Ideal for:

  • floral crowns

  • circlets

  • masks

  • crafting accessories

Local Fabric & Bead Shops
 Often carry unique materials and are perfect for small, personal details.

A Gentle Reminder

A costume does not need to be expensive, elaborate, or new.

A borrowed jacket, a thrifted shawl, a handmade crown, or a single piece of jewelry can be enough to evoke the world of the Faelight Ball. Creativity, comfort, and confidence matter far more than completeness.

When to Start: A Gentle Timeline

If You’re Starting in February or March

How delightful - you have time to wander.

If you’re beginning months in advance, consider this an opportunity to explore rather than decide. There is no need to finalize your look early; instead, let ideas gather slowly.

This is a wonderful time to:

  • browse thrift and vintage shops casually

  • collect inspiration images or textures you love

  • experiment with silhouettes, colours, or accessories

  • plan or commission handmade elements

  • keep an eye out for the one piece that makes everything click

If you enjoy crafting, this is also an ideal window to:

  • design a flower crown, circlet, or mask

  • sew or embellish a shawl, cloak, or sash

  • practice styling hair or makeup looks

There is no need to complete your ensemble all at once. Many guests who start early find joy in assembling their look piece by piece, letting it evolve over time.

And if your plans change — that’s perfectly fine. Early inspiration does not require early commitment.

If You’re Starting 6–8 Weeks Out

  • Explore thrift and vintage shops

  • Consider rentals if you want something elaborate

  • Plan any DIY elements (crowns, cloaks, embellishments)

  • Try on pieces early for comfort and movement

This is ideal — but not required.

If You’re Starting 2–4 Weeks Out

  • Focus on one strong base outfit

  • Add accessories: gloves, jewelry, mask, sash, or cloak

  • Check local craft stores for quick embellishments

  • Consider online Canadian sellers with short shipping windows

Most guests fall comfortably into this category.

If You’re Starting 1 Week (or Less!) Out

You are still completely fine.

Try:

  • Modern formalwear you already own

  • One standout accessory (mask, crown, shawl, brooch)

  • Simple layers for warmth and texture

A single intentional detail is enough to belong.

A Final Reassurance

Your attire does not need to be perfect, expensive, or elaborate.

Whether your look is thrifted, rented, borrowed, handmade, or assembled at the last minute, what matters most is that you feel comfortable and excited to attend. The Faelight Ball celebrates imagination, not precision.

If your outfit feels thoughtful and celebratory, it already belongs.