Carbon Costume

Everyone knows Elvis. His full name is Elvis Aaron Presley and he was born in Memphis, Tennessee. Dubbed the “King of Rock and Roll,” he is one of the most significant pop culture icons of the 20th century and in American history. With hits like “Hound Dog” and “Blue Suede Shoes,” Elvis shocked the nation with his loud sound and swinging hips. While he also acted in some films, such as Love Me Tender, he is the best selling solo music artist of all time. This costume guide offers two of his signature looks: his jumpsuit from the Aloha from Hawaii tour and his more casual outfit from Jailhouse Rock.

Lord John Grey (played by David Berry) is the governor of the Scottish prison Ardsmuir. He is an excellent swordsman, and has a kind personality. When it comes to battle and honor he is dedicated and passionate. Lord John Grey tries to live an honorable life in Outlander.

Charlie Price is the protagonist of the movie turned Broadway musical, Kinky Boots. After his father dies, he inherits the family shoe factory, but he isn’t ready to assume the responsibility, especially as profits look bleak. While seeking a new market, he encounters a group of muggers harassing a woman. Charlie intervenes but gets knocked unconscious, and the woman ends up saving him. Turns out that woman is Lola, the drag queen who headlines her own show, yet can’t fit into women’s boots. The two create a whole new line of shoes made for drag queens, fittingly called “kinky boots”, with Lola as the designer. Their partnership helps Charlie overcome dealing with his father’s legacy, which leads to their shared success. Stark Sands originated the role on Broadway. Celebrities such as American Idol winner David Cook and Panic! At the Disco’s Brendon Urie have also stepped into the role — or should we say, stepped into the kinky boots!

Taylor Swift is an American singer/songwriter. From “Love Story” to “You Belong with Me,” her songs narrate her personal and romantic life. She started out as a country singer, but her current music fits more of the pop genre. Taylor is one of the world’s best selling music artists and the highest earning female musician of the 2010s. Some of her hit albums include Red, Speak Now, 1989, and her most recent album, Lover. As most musicians, Taylor’s style has evolved throughout the years, so we have three looks from each era of her career. You can go classic country pop with her long hair and cowboy boots, Red style with a black fedora and red flats, or a modern T-Swift with a glittery dress.

Sabina Wilson (played by Kristen Stewart) is a rebellious Angel in Elizabeth Banks’ 2019 reboot of the Charlie’s Angels franchise.  An heiress and former criminal, Sabina is fiercely loyal to her fellow Angels, including Jane and Elena, and credits the program for saving her from a life behind bars.  Sabina’s style changes wildly throughout the film depending on the needs of her job, providing a wide range of costume options for everyone’s tastes.  Many of the pieces Stewart wears as Sabina are high-end and difficult to find, so a little creativity and flexibility may be required to recreate her looks on a budget.

Summer Rose (voiced by Sandy Lee Casey) is the deceased mother of RWBY‘s brave young protagonist, Ruby. The circumstances of her death are mysterious, but as Rooster Teeth’s anime-inspired webseries progresses, we are learning small details about her past and personality, from master cookie baker to responsible team leader with a “bratty” streak.

In the Wonder Woman 1984 movie, Barbara Minerva (played by Kristen Wiig) is an insecure scientist who befriends Diana.  After being exposed to a mystical force, Barbara eventually transforms into Cheetah, arch enemy of Wonder Woman.  Barbara’s look evolves almost as much as the character.  From her frumpy 80s style at the outset of the film, to the sexy animal prints she wears later, there is a lot of room to have fun with the era.  Barbara’s fully evolved Cheetah form looks like a humanoid cat, so some adaptations to a standard leopard or cheetah Halloween costume can make it look more intimidating and better suited to the character.

Queen Poppy (voiced by Anna Kendrick) is the leader of the Pop trolls. She’s one of the most adventurous – and definitely among the most energetic – of nearly all the trolls. After creating peace with the Bergens, how hard can peace among the trolls be?

Getting Poppy’s perfectly pink look takes some work but is well worth it! You’ll want to start with a pink wig and pink body paint. A green headband and some felt flowers can recreate her headband while you can get close to her felt dress with printed blue dress to match the pattern on hers. And, yes, technically Poppy runs around barefoot but that’s not a safe option. Pink sandals will get you close enough unless you can find a tutorial for invisible shoes, which might come in handy for other costumes!

Remus Lupin is a character in the Harry Potter book and movie series. In the Prisoner of Azkaban, he becomes the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts. While he is a compassionate and good natured man, he was cursed with lycanthropy during his childhood. He keeps it a secret until Hermione Granger realizes why his boggart is a full moon. During his years as a student, he was part of the Marauders with Sirius Black, Peter Pettigrew, and James Potter. Remus remains protective over Harry as his father was his best friend. He marries Nymphadora Tonks but they are murdered by Death Eaters in the Battle of Hogwarts.

In Boardwalk Empire, Nelson Van Alden (played by Michael Shannon) is one of those men who lived long enough to see themselves become the villain in their own story. Although he started as a good man, he ultimately allowed corruption to take hold.

It’s hard to see that from the outside though. Throughout the series Van Alden stuck to the same sort of clothing even as his priorities and principles changed. Like many men at that time he wears a coordinated three-piece suit with a white undershirt and an understated tie. Van Alden prefers browns over blacks and greys and his ties are usually striped. His shoes match the tone of his suit and he wears a camel wool overcoat when the weather calls for it. He also has a wide-brimmed fedora to keep his head covered as was proper at the time. And of course you can’t forget the pomade for the distinct slicked hair of the period.