…And Who Are You Going As?:
Jack Black [as Ignacio/Nacho] from Nacho Libre
At-Home Ingredients & Props:
Mess-up your hair; a brown, monk-inspired shawl or dark-colored schmata wrapped with heavy-duty rope; tight, red male bathing suit or undies, preferably polyester; powder-blue opaque tights; two red knee patches (buy the self-adhesive ones to cut down on prep time); red boots–a plus if you can find or borrow them. A robust beer belly will definitely get you ‘street cred’.
Estimated Prep Time: 21 mins.
What Else?:
Now there were several inspiring ‘looks’ from this offbeat flick. We wanted to pull one that was a little less obvious than the masked Ignacio; however, if either Nacho’s signature ringside look–a matching blue stocking mask–or Ignacio’s alter look–him in a white wedding dress with matching veil with doves surrounding–moves you, by all means, go for it!
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…And Who Are You Going As?:
Marlon Wayans [as Calvin, the baby-faced man] from Little Man
At-Home Ingredients & Props:
A frilly baby bonnet; a diaper; a LOT of guts…
Estimated Prep Time: 4 mins.
What Else?:
You’ll either get candy–or arrested…but do make sure to bring along a baby blanket, in case it gets a little nippy outdoors!
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…And Who Are You Going As?:
Hugo Weaving [as ‘V’] from V for Vendetta
Estimated Prep Time: 23 mins.
At-Home Ingredients & Props:
Straightened black hair, or black wig–your choice; a Zorro/bolero hat; a black cape (this can also be a black tablecloth–easy to find during this haunted season); black clothing head to toe. Also: stock-up on black, white and red face-paint–or just buy the mask, it’s cheap and everywhere these days (from costume shops to pharmacies).
What Else?:
You’ll impress more people at the door if you talk in riddles, and with a British accent.
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…And Who Are You Going As?:
Natalie Portman [as Evey Hammond] from V for Vendetta
At-Home Ingredients & Props:
Just shave your head–if you’re willing to pay the sacrifice for a few mini Snickers Bars. In addition to applying pasty face foundation, thereafter, throw-on a drab, burlap-sack, sleeveless dress–for Evey’s tortured prison look; or simply jazz-it-up with a basic, but fitted, trendy jeans jacket–for her outdoors look (see above)… Eyebrows remain plucked either way!
Estimated Prep Time: 16 mins.
What Else?:
If you only score a handful of stale Mary Janes and unpleasant butterscotch hard candies after sacrificing your beloved mane, don’t blame us–you may want to re-think staying in your neighborhood!
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…And Who Are You Going As?:
Kirsten Dunst [as Marie] from Marie Antoinette
Estimated Prep Time: 33 mins.
At-Home Ingredients & Props:
Big hair overtures: Up, up, sweep it UP! Add on wigs, hair pieces–whatever needs to happen to make it rise above six inches (white colored or blonde); elegant earrings–dripping always, matching gem bracelets and necklaces enhance the look (costume jewelry only, just in case a cat burglar is at your party); a gown from the attic; powdered white and/or fairer-than-your complexion make-up; a classy looking cape or throw; lots of posing; a tasteful fan adds a nice touch.
What Else?:
Remember those old-school Marie Antoinette costumes you’d see at a party–where someone would waltz around, fully-encased in a bloody-neck dress, to feign as if they were headless? We declare–as did Sofia Coppola—bring on the fashion…and let’s leave that last vulgar episode of Marie’s life in the gallows for now…
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…And Who Are You Going As?:
The Creepy Ghost Kid from The Grudge 2
At-Home Ingredients & Props:
Short-cropped, straightened black hair, or a black wig–your choice; white and grey face-paints (make sure it’s non-toxic because you’ll need a lot of it); silver or grey matte lipstick (the cheapie .99 cents type will probably reveal the best, lifeless look); a shirtless chest. Make sure to crouch whenever the opportunity arises.
Estimated Prep Time: 12 mins.
What Else?:
This morbid look can work for kids and adults, but parental guidance is suggested. Also make sure to stare ahead, eye’s wide-open right after you knock. Also, don’t talk when you’re opening your trick-or-treat bag–it’s all about the creepy silence!
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…And Who Are You Going As?:
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt [as Jane & John Smith] from Mr. & Mrs. Smith
At-Home Ingredients & Props:
For Her: a crisp, long-sleeve men’s white shirt and goulashes–red is sort of a must. For Him: a clean, v-neck white t-shirt, white boxers; utility or construction boots… Being in great shape helps–but is not a necessity; it is dress-up night after all!
Estimated Prep Time: 7 mins. per person
What Else?:
Yes, we know this look is a throw-back to 2005, however, on the ‘couples’ front, if you’re going out together and want a ‘couples-costume’, this one is super low-maintenance, hot and chic (since you are pretending to be Brangelina). And as proof from the film’s ridiculous box-office gross intake, millions will recognize you, worldwide. This may very well score you a handful of Kit Kats. We recommend two things: whoever is playing Angie–please don’t forget to purse your lips! For Brad, just rub your head regularly and look sexily perplexed.
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…And Who Are You Going As?:
Johnny Depp [as Captain Jack Sparrow] from Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest
At-Home Ingredients & Props:
Grab every piece of gauzy clothing and material in your house–vests, shawls, wraps, you name it. Throw the most colorful one around your head–not before purchasing a “Rasta” wig; if you’re desperate, a dark-colored mop will do–add some shells, rubber-bands and beads to enhance. A big, silver-buckled belt wrapped around your vest is key. Lastly, gather-up: mascara, a triple supply of dark eye-liner, a blue eye-shadow pencil and get ‘White Out’ (from the office) for filling-in the eyes. Hold your cheeks still while drawing-in those multiple eyes; make sure the whites of each eye line-up below your own.
Estimated Prep Time: 35 mins.
What Else?:
Yup, we know, it’s not the most original costume this year, considering there seems to be an overload of mannequins in pirates’ drag on display this month, but tell them you’re Captain Jack from the sequel–that should somewhat distinguish you from the rest…
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…And Who Are You Going As?:
Toby Jones [as Truman Capote] from Infamous
At-Home Ingredients & Props:
A stylish fedora–preferably tilted to the side; a rich, pastel-colored cable-knit scarf; a tailored trench or wool coat. Don’t be tacky and go out of your way to lisp-it-up when talking! Treat the soft-spoken Truman with dignity, grace and simply add a few moments of calculated pauses between your words–then you’ll really nail it.
Estimated Prep Time: 4 mins.
What Else?:
So you’re going to one of those high-brow costume parties, where you really don’t want someone to be able to guess who you are–at least not until the third try… Well, we recommend this literary look for you–and be prepared to snobbishly snap back at shallow inquirers with, “No, not Philip Seymour Hoffman‘s Truman–Toby Jones‘s!” That’ll impress them.
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…And Who Are You Going As?:
Will Ferrell [as Ricky Bobby] from Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky
At-Home Ingredients & Props:
Start with a basic jumpsuit, or a sweat-suit–if you’re fresh out of adult onezies. Also, gather-up a baseball cap or helmet. Next have fun: ransack your kitchen to search for every food label you can find; for a super-search, dig into some magazines and newspapers for ads that will feature additional promotional logos. With your safety scissors, cut out every name-brand you come across; be careful not to destroy your utility bills. Depending on your arts-and-crafts abilities, either tape the labels–or safety-pin them–directly on to your jumpsuit. For a more serious ‘Ricky Bobby’ effect, you may want to walk around with a microphone, or a trophy.
Estimated Prep Time: 28 mins.
What Else?:
If you wear lots of name brand M&M/Mars candy stickers, it may inspire folk to hand-over the gold when you’re begging for attention at the door.
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*OUR RECOMMENDED BONUS FEMALE LOOK:
…And Who Are You Going As?:
Amy Sedaris [as Jerri Blank] from Strangers With Candy
At-Home Ingredients & Props:
A schleppy turtle-neck and vest ensemble–or anything outdated and from the ’80s will do; some wooden and/or craftsy-inspired ’70s jewelry. A short, side-swept hair-do, invoking Jerri’s flawless, broad upsweep, is a must; it may be easier to work with a store-bought wig. It’s also very important to remember to apply the deep red lipstick, and a wisp of tacky rouge to the cheeks. Also with your furled brow, be very conscious of maintaining a fierce overbite.
Estimated Prep Time: 18 mins.
What Else?:
Now, for those of you ladies who like to do the sexy and/or pretty-dress-up thing for Halloween–this look is not for you. However, for those of you who just wanna have clean, wholesome, ex-con inspired fun–Get That Candy!
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*OUR RECOMMENDED BONUS MALE LOOK:
…And Who Are You Going As?:
Ali G [as Borat] from Borat: Cultural Learnings Of America For Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan
At-Home Ingredients & Props:
A disco-era tank top; polyester short-shorts. White tube socks and white casual, corny sneakers are very important to the ‘look’. Hair also plays an integral role: think ’80s game show host; use a blow-dryer and curler if need be. Also the handle-bar mustache is essential; don’t skimp by using make-up, buy one of those hairy suckers at the local Rite Aid, or costume shop–they’re destined to have it!
Estimated Prep Time: 16 mins.
What Else?:
Clearly you need to spend time in the mirror, nailing-down a Kazakhstanian inflected, “Trick or Treat!” before you go knocking… Just pray that you don’t offend anyone in your beautifully diverse neighborhood, because the last thing you want to see on the other side of the door–with candy in-hand–is Borat’s long-lost smiling cousin.
