Easy Halloween Costume for Men
Dress up like an old time reporter
If you are a computer programmer, an engineer or a clerk, chances are that you have a problem each year trying to come up with a passable Halloween costume. This year will be different. You can dress up as a reporter from the 1950's or 1960's. You likely have everything you need, with a couple of exceptions. You can get the needed finishing touches easily and you will be good to go. Dress up and go to the office. You will finally fit in. Get a hat like in the picture. Put a "PRESS" sign on it and have fun. Take a notepad and camera for maximum effect.
If you are a Canadian, you can dress like Stephen Harper, Micheal Ignatieff or Jean Cretien. Your choice will depend on who looks most like you in age and stature.
Remember, though, that if you dress in this style for Halloween, people will think that you cheaped out, were lazy or both. Of course you know that they are correct. Get your game face on now and use these great explanatory lines:
- I'm dressed like Elliott Ness, (or other obscure historical figure)
- I'm dressed up in remembrance of my father, a private investigator
- I watched an old detective movie and had to show everyone how great the characters were
Have fun with it!
Reporters on YouTube
Dress Like Walter Cronkite
Walter was a famous newscaster. He was extremely popular, having worked on CBS TV for many years. He was the definition of a newsman for many people.
Men today can dress like Walter. To do so, very formal wear is needed. Period jackets from the 1960's or 70's make good choices. Thin ties are best. The overall theme of the costume should be dark. Black or dark gray work well. Ties should be dark and solid. Walter never wore flamboyant ties.
This look can be enhanced with a hat befitting a reporter. A trench coat is a good accessory as well. The persona should be one of confidence and conformity.
Walter was famous for providing a calm outlook, even when the news was grim. He controlled the emotion of the news, he didn't add to it. Like a strong father or grandfather, Walter evoked stability.
The costume is enhanced when Walter's style of speaking is used. He was famous for the ending catchphrase "...and that's the way it is". This phrase can be augmented and adapted as necessary. Always speak it in subdued tone, directly to the "viewers".
Dress Like Stephen Colbert
For a more modern costume, the Halloween costume can be patterned after Stephen. This allows for a much more modern look than the Walter Cronkite costume. Colbert is modern and upbeat. His clothes can be stylish, and new. Ties need not be plain.
When posing as Colbert, be sure to point out the absurdity of the current news. Having a strong opinion on current affairs is great. The more outlandish, the better. It is important, however, to base the role somewhat on fact. Stephen Colbert is not one to talk about trivial issues, nor to invent falsehoods.
A passable Stephen Colbert impression can be made simply by dressing the part and using a few "Colbert Nation" quotes. Be sure to thank nation citizens. (The Colbert Nation, of course.) Let your viewers know that you are important and that you can quietly make the news, as well as report on it. Do not descend into shock journalism, however.
