Can't get enough of AMC's "Mad Men"? If you obsess over the '60s fashion and hair (oh, the hair!) week after week, you'll have a blast planning a Halloween costume based on ad exec Don Draper, liberated copywriter Peggy Olsen or poor little Sally Draper. Or put together all three, for a cool group or family costume!
Credit: AMC
For the perfect Don, you'll need a drink, a cigarette, a nice suit, and a tube of original Bryllcreem. Rub the hair cream into your hair, comb it all back, then make a side part and comb it over to the right, creating Don's retro look (as an added bonus, the Bryllcreem will give off a retro smell, too). Shop thrift stores like Goodwill for a reasonably well-fitting grey or blue business suit, a white dress shirt and a thin -- but not super-skinny -- striped necktie and black dress shoes. If you're going all out, add a pocket square, tie bar and cufflinks, and skip a day of shaving to create Don's 5 o'clock shadow. Accessorize with a cocktail glass -- a vintage round glass with a silver rim is perfect; fill as you wish. A cigarette is a must: Fake novelty cigarettes are inexpensive and look super-realistic.
Credit: AMC
Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce's up-and-comer Peggy finally lost the youthful ponytail and updated her look to a more mature, more mod style. At work, she dresses conservatively but fashionable. Rusty Zipper Vintage Clothing offers a treasure trove of '60s vintage dresses and more that will help you nail Peggy's style (items are listed as the stock turns over, so don't wait to buy if you see something you want). You can also search local vintage or thrift stores for cool early-60s dresses. For the hair, create Peggy's new mod hairstyle by setting it with fat rollers, setting tape, spray, and a blowdryer (you'll probably need a tutorial) -- or shortcut it, with an inexpensive mod girl wig. Keep makeup light, but don't forget the lipstick.
Credit: AMC
Don's adorable, emotionally disturbed young daughter Sally reminds us that simpler times weren't always simpler. Or saner. In a recent episode, Sally decided to give herself a haircut; recreate it by taking an inexpensive long blonde Barbie wig and cutting it. Badly. This look goes best with a vintage nightgown, but you could also go for a vintage party dress -- if you've got the skill, you can sew one, or search for one on eBay.
Celebrity Halloween Costumes
"I realize my cultural ascendance only serves to illuminate your own banality. But, face it, I'm legend. It's happened." You're right, Sue -- and this Halloween, we totally want to dress up as you. Here's how.
This might be the season when "Dancing With the Stars" gets renamed "Dancing with People We're Tired of Hearing About." Case in point: Bristol Palin. Fortunately, her DWTS getup makes for a terrific Halloween costume.
How does Pittsburgh Steeler's safety Troy Polamalu keep his mane looking good? Head & Shoulders, of course! At least that's what we're assuming, since they've insured his hair for $1 million. This Halloween, though, you can dress up like number 43 for a whole lot less -- here's how.
2010 was Betty White's year, starting with her Superbowl Sunday Snickers commercial and rolling right through her hilarious gig hosting "Saturday Night Live." This Halloween, dress up as America's Funniest Octagenarian. And don't be afraid to swear a little.
We're still agog at the news that Tiger Woods may have had close to 20 mistresses during his five year marriage to hottie Elin Nordegrin. And we're still wondering if she came after him with a five iron over Thanksgiving weekend. Either way, the now-divorced Woods make a great couples Halloween costume. See how to pull it off here.
We were never sure what girl-next-door Sandra Bullock saw in tattooed motorcycle baddie Jesse James. And now that we've seen the girls he cheated on her with, we're even more baffled. But they make a great couples costume for Halloween! Just don't forget your tattoos.
Katy Perry and Russell Brand are one scary couple, on a normal day. So dressing up as them for Halloween is a no-brainer. Get the full scoop here.
Bachlorette star Ali Fedotowski may have given her heart to Roberto, but she and her suitors make a great group costume. See how to organize your own rose ceremony here.
Bieber Fever is sweeping Halloween! Learn how to get the Bieber hair here. And remember: This is a costume that doesn't require you to be a tween -- in fact, we think a 40-year-old Bieber would be about the funniest thing around this Halloween.
Mel Gibson has turned into a one-man horror show these days, which makes him an ideal candidate for a Halloween costume. Just don't forget your phone!
