We’re five days out from Halloween… do you know what your costume is? Of course, you could play the World’s Laziest Costume card if you have a tux or some black construction paper, but people can tell when you’re not trying. Primer’s got you covered with six topical costumes guaranteed to turn heads and get a knowing laugh. The best part: Most of these items will be readily available at your local Goodwill, but you can also assemble them in 20 minutes just in time for the Friday parties as long as you hop on Amazon Prime…now!
Sterling Archer
Raffish, Roguish, Ridiculous: International private spy and infiltrator of privates Sterling Archer is a mashup of Don Draper, James Bond, and Job from Arrested Development. Perfect for striking that humorous-yet-classy balance on Halloween. Break out your charcoal gray suit (though a lighter Draper-style suit will do in a pinch) and you’ll be in the danger zone all night.
THE INGREDIENTS:
Archer comes in two variations: Polished (Gray Suit) or “Tactleneck” (Black Turtleneck). If you don’t already have a well-fitting gray suit, Tactical may be your best bet.
Black Men’s Turtleneck + Black Pants / Company Name Tag (for Turtleneck look):$0 / Replica Walther PPK: $15 / Temporary Black Hair Spray: $4-$12
PULLING IT TOGETHER:
Whether you opt for the suit or the turtleneck, a key to this look is Archer’s jet black hair. If you’ve got lighter hair, consider picking up some temporary black hair spray.
Steve Murphy from Narcos
DEA agent Steve Murphy’s battle against drug kingpin Pablo Escobar takes him down some dark paths in the hit series Narcos. Along the way, he’s a great example of a late-70s to 80s look that’s simple to pull together.
THE INGREDIENTS:
Member’s Only Jacket: $85 – $108 (new) / Retro Polo: $10 -$45 /Blue jeans /Aviators: $7 /DEA badge: $0 – $74 / Leather Badge Wallet: $12 /Blonde mustache: $12
You can spring for a real decommissioned or replica badge but we recommend using Google to print your own and put it in a classy badge holder.
PULLING IT TOGETHER:
As with Archer, Murphy’s haircut is distinctive. Use pomade to approximate his look. For the mustache, you’ll need spirit gum or a similar adhesive. If you’ve got darker hair, simply become Murphy’s partner, Javier Pena.
DIY Ghostbusters
Not that it ever went out of style, but this year’s Ghostbusters reboot has made this classic costume current again. Unisex and timeless, it’s packed with easy-to-assemble details that set it apart from your average last-minute effort. 80% is available on Amazon, with the rest coming from your local hardware store. Check out our full guide for easy ordering and assembly.
THE INGREDIENTS:
PULLING IT TOGETHER:
Give yourself more time with this one. Getting the details right will take you a full afternoon, but the results are worth it.
Eleven from Stranger Things
The buzziest new series on Netflix has plenty of breakout characters, but perhaps none as memorable as the girl with telekinetic powers and a shaved head played by Millie Bobby Brown. Apply a little thrift store effort and you can really bring this character to life.
THE INGREDIENTS:
The massive popularity of the show means you can, of course, get a pattern for the dress and make it yourself, but any pink dress from your local Goodwill should do the trick.
Pink Dress: $17 / Blue Jacket: $24 – $35 /Striped Tube Socks: $22 / Sneakers, $40 / Eggo Waffles: $3 / Fake Blood: $0 – $15
PULLING IT TOGETHER:
It’s going to be a big year for Eleven costumes, so green and yellow striped socks may be difficult to come by. Swap in plain green striped or yellow striped if need be. The linchpin of the whole look is the small amount of blood coming from her nose. Purchase prop blood or make your own using sugar and food coloring.
Steve from Stranger Things
Arrogant, charming, and ultimately redeemed, Steve Harrington allows you to reprise your role – or try it out for the first time – as a classic popular kid from high school who encounters the truly strange.
THE INGREDIENTS:
Green sweatshirt: $8 / Elvis wig: $4 – $20 / Jeans & Sneakers / Baseball bat: $0 – $20 / Dark purple/blue eyeshadow: $6
PULLING IT TOGETHER:
Much of what you need can be sourced from a local Goodwill or Target, including sweatshirt, bat, and eyeshadow, and it may be cheaper than Amazon. Key to this look is allowing the Elvis wig to fall a bit more naturally and less, well, Elvis-y. Make your own bruise in 2 minutes using the eye shadow.
John Stone from The Night Of
Channel your inner grizzled antihero from HBO’s critically acclaimed and beautifully acted miniseries. You probably won’t get another chance to wear a John Turturro lawyer costume and feel current, so jump on it now.
THE INGREDIENTS:
Grey trench coat: $15 – $150 / Blazer & khakis: $10 – $30 / White button-up shirt & tie: $0 – $12 / Ugly Sandals: $20 / Plastic Wrap: $3 / Stuffed cat: $9
Turturro appears to be sporting a London Fog trench coat. You can spring for the real thing or raid your local vintage store/Goodwill. Pull out your ugliest Dockers and pair them with a drab, slightly too-big blazer from Goodwill. Again, you can buy new…but doesn’t it defeat the purpose?
You may not have a tie drab enough, so we recommend Goodwill or your local lost & found.
PULLING IT TOGETHER:
Turturro is the anti-Archer: he’s been worn down by the system. Take a moment to loosen your tie, rumple your shirt, grow some stubble, and if you’re really committed, don’t sleep for a couple days. A running plot line involves his struggle with eczema and a cat that he's allergic to, so for the finishing touch wrap your feet in plastic wrap and carry that kitty!
