Carbon Costume

The 1989 version of Batman found Michael Keaton beneath the cowl and Tim Burton behind the camera. It’s a movie you either love or hate thanks to its striking visual style, signature ’80s vibe, and the way Keaton plays Bruce Wayne. Love it or leave it, though, there is no denying that this movie has one of the most iconic versions of the joker and some great action sequences that set it apart from other Batman films.

Getting an accurate Batman look does not come cheap or easy and that’s something to keep in mine with costumes like this. Starting with the basic suit you can switch out the belt to match the 1989 film. Items like the cowl and neck guard can be made using patterns from Etsy or you can order premade versions though the price tag runs much higher. Finally some killer boots and a grappling gun rounds out the ’80s Batman vibe!

Butch Coolidge played by Bruce Willis is a professional boxer living in Los Angeles. He has gotten into trouble with Marsellus Wallace. Butch double-crossed the mob boss after being coerced into fixing a match. Together with his French girlfriend Fabienne he plans to stay low in a motel until he can escape LA. Butch’s most prized possession is his father’s gold watch which has been passed on from each generation.

Hannah Montana was the celebrity persona/alter ego of pop singer Miley Cyrus. She had her own show on Disney Channel, which revolved around Miley Stewart, a normal high schooler, by day and Hannah, a teen pop sensation, by night.  Some of her famous songs include “Best of Both Worlds,” “Rock Star,” and “Nobody’s Perfect.” Her massive success resulted in two movies: one following her concert and the other as a conclusion to the show. She is known for her signature blonde wig. Later on, she made music as both Hannah and Miley, before just going by Miley. This makes a great throwback or Disney nostalgia costume.

Nicki Brand played by Debbie Harry in Videodrome is a sadomasochistic radio show host in Toronto. With the main protagonist Max, she watches an episode of Videodrome, an ultra-high frequency broadcast variety show featuring violence and torture. Once Nicki discovers Videodrome is being broadcast Pittsburgh she leaves Max and travels there to audition, never to return. Nicki’s outfit is a monochromatic red with chunky gold accessories. Her eyeshadow is a soft earth tone and she wears mauve colored lip gloss. This iconic outfit will surely be a unique and elegant look for any Horrorcon or Halloween party.

Mr. John Boddy (played by Lee Ving) is – maybe? – the mastermind behind the blackmail that drives the plot of Clue. Then again he might be a butler who took the penalty his boss should have suffered. Who really knows?!

Mr. Boddy’s fashion sense, at least, is not a mystery. A combination pomade and temporary black dye will let you mimic his hair style. A black suit and faux Oxfords make up the majority of his look while a dark olive dress shirt is the final piece. Of course if you’re Mr. Boddy then you need gifts for all your party guests. So don’t forget your black boxes and decorative ribbon.

Lord Farquaad is the main antagonist in the first Shrek movie as well as the musical. In spite of his small stature, he is a ruthless ruler of Duloc. He banishes fairytale creatures from his kingdom so it’s a “perfect place.” In attempt to pursue and marry Princess Fiona, he sends Shrek and Donkey to rescue her from her tower. When Fiona becomes an ogre, he rejects her, but he meets his demise when the dragon eats him. If you want to get creative with the costume, try making a pair of little legs out. Slip the trousers and boots onto pool noodles or pipe, and stuff the ends of the boots with newspaper. Affix the legs to underneath the jacket, and wear a pair of black pants so the legs look believable. An easier route is to paint little legs onto the thighs of black pants. Kneel and drape the cape to hide your real legs, and the effect is complete!

In Groundhog Day, Phil Connors played by Bill Murray is a conceited TV weatherman. On February 2nd he covers the groundhog day celebrations in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The next day he awakens to realize it February 2nd all over again. He realizes he in an endless loop. At first he steals and manipulates people each day. Later he grows depressed from the isolation of reliving each day knowing the next won’t matter. After falling in love with his producer Rita he begins to commit acts of kindness instead of petty crimes. Finally, he breaks the loop. This costume is extremely warm and will be a great choice for fall if you live in a colder climate. If you live somewhere warmer I suggest wearing a short sleeve button down and substituting the winter trench coat with a raincoat.

Meg Ryan voices the mysterious Russian princess Anastasia Romanova in the animated Anastasia movie. In this pseudo-historical fantasy version of Russia, Czar Nicholas’s youngest daughter survives the gruesome assassination of the royal family and grows up under the name Anya. Her only clue to her past is a locket engraved with the words “together in Paris.”