Where's Waldo Halloween Costume

A Where's Waldo Halloween Costume is a simple yet distinctive costuming choice.

Is a Waldo costume the right choice for you?

Waldo is the star of an inventive series of children's books that hides the main character in a sea of illustrated activity. For instance, a two page spread in a book might feature a circus theme, with Waldo peeking out from behind an elephant, while all around him performers practice their tricks, families enjoy cotton candy, and circus animals run wild. As Waldo traveled the globe dressed in a distinctive red and white striped shirt, he became an iconic figure for children and adults alike.

A Where's Waldo costume is easy to assemble with just a few key pieces.

The shirt is the most important part of a recognizable Where's Waldo Halloween costume. Waldo wears a white, long sleeved shirt with wide, horizontal red stripes. Finding a shirt with such large stripes may be difficult, but it is easy to make your own with a plain white shirt and some fabric paint or glued on felt. If you're crafty, knitting a sweater is another way to get just the right striped look.

In the picture book illustrations, it's clear that Waldo is meant to be wearing blue jeans. However, the coloring of these pants is a bright blue that is not often found in store bought denim. An average pair of jeans certainly won't ruin the costume, but if you want to recreate the character's look more accurately, check thrift stores for brighter hued polyester pants or a pair of white jeans you can dye blue at home.

Waldo tops off his look with several accessories:

• A short, white stocking cap with a red brim and pom-pom
• Round, black rimmed glasses
• A tan messenger bag
• Brown shoes
• A tan walking stick in the shape of a cane

For the ultimate in Waldo authenticity, why not recreate his haircut? Waldo has short brunette hair with long, slightly wavy bangs swept forward in the front.

Whether you're looking for group Halloween costume ideas, or you don't quite fit the Waldo look, expand your Where's Waldo Halloween costume options with supporting characters from the book series.

Let your pooch join in on the fun by dressing as Waldo's canine companion, Woof. Woof also wears a red and white striped shirt and a red and white hat. As with all Halloween costumes for dogs, make sure your pet's comfort take precedence over a cute costume.

Wenda is Waldo's female friend. Her costume begins with an identical shirt and hat. Instead of blue jeans, she wears a knee-length denim skirt. Again, this skirt is a brighter blue than most denim. Combine the skirt with red-and-white striped tights and a pair of tan loafers. We Love Colors is one online retailer that allows shoppers to order striped tights in more than 30 colors. With their candy-cane-like looks, Christmas costume suppliers may also be a good source of appropriate tights. Matching the width of the stripes in the shirt and tights will create a cleaner look. In addition to her crazy tights, Wenda also wears glasses, and her hairstyle is a longer, more feminine version of Waldo's coif. Instead of a walking stick, Wenda carries a practical red and white striped umbrella.

Odlaw is Waldo spelled backwards, and in many ways, this nemesis offers an inside out version of the main character's distinctive look. Odlaw wears black pants instead of blue, and his hat and shirt are black and yellow instead of red and white. The color scheme continues down to his black and yellow shoes. He also has black hair, a black mustache and wears slightly tinted glasses.

Waldo Watchers are fans of the title character following him in his travels. They also wear the trademark shirt and hat, along with blue jeans for the men and a knee-length denim skirt for the women. They really only differ from Waldo and Wenda in the details. They may not wear glasses and typically do not carry other accessories, such as a walking stick. In addition, the women wear red and white socks instead of tights with the skirts. A Waldo Watchers costume will have the greatest impact when paired with a friend dressed as Waldo.

Once you're properly decked out in your very own Waldo-riffic style, it's time to hit the trails and see who can spot you at the next Halloween gathering.

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