by Joseph Heinzelman

Created on: October 20, 2009   Last Updated: October 21, 2009

Halloween is coming, along with that costume party that you dread going to because you don't have anything to wear. Pre-made costumes cost so much to buy and its way too hard to make any kind of nice costume at home right? Wrong. With just a few simple items that you probably already have or can easily acquire you can be sailing the seven seas as the best dressed pirate in the Caribbean, or just your block if you don't have high ambitions.

The clothes surely make the man, or women, in the case of a pirate.

Pants: For men it is preferable to get loose black, grey, or brown sweatpants and cut them off just below the knee in a zigzag pattern to make them look old and worn out. For the women trying to be scourges of the seas then it is best to get a skirt in the same muted colors and make the bottom ragged and dirty.

Shirt: The shirt is an important part of your ensemble as it will be one of the things most people see. A white long sleeved button up shirt is excellent but try not to be too business like. A tuxedo shirt with simple cuff links works especially well. Failing that, a long sleeved cotton t-shirt (or even short sleeved for that matter) can easily be changed into a dashing piece of pirate regalia. Cut out a V from the neck to where the center of your chest will be and poke holes on either side then string a white shoelace through there to make it look like a lace up shirt. Remember to dirty it up, pirates weren't known for being clean.

Vest: Anything red or black would work great here. If you cannot find anything of the sort then a white or other suitably light colored vest can easily be dyed to a darker color.

Boots: For men the best thing to use would be any tall black boots. Try to stay away from work boots or extremely modern looking boots. If they fold over at the top then that is good. An alternative is to find boot covers online for around ten to fifteen dollars such as these http://www.amazon.com/Deluxe-Black-Vinyl-Boot-Adult/ dp/B000F4NMHO and wear them over any pair of black shoes. Women can be slightly more extravagant, even wearing high heeled boots.

Bandanna or Hat: A good red or black bandanna under a tri-cornered hat or other suitably pirate-like hat is a great addition. If a hat isn't available then just a bandanna will work. For those with longer hair it may be good to put a few beads here and there to give it that authentic pirate look.

Belt or Sash: A nice wide belt with a large belt buckle is excellent but there are cheaper and easier things to use if you don't have a good belt. A red or black scarf or long piece of cloth can be tied around your waist to make a rough and weather beaten sash, remember that it should cover from your waist up to your belly button on men, for women it should be slightly narrower and cover from just below the waist to the top of the pants.

Earrings and Jewelry: Pirates were gaudy people. Any costume jewelry you have laying around can be used here. Large gold hoop earrings are always good, along with rings and necklaces. Use your imagination and make your pirate as gaudy or austere as you like.

Most of these items can be found in your own home but failing that, be sure to check out thrift stores, you would be surprised what treasures may turn up there for low prices. Have fun creating your costume and you'll be sure to have every one saying "arrrgh" when you sail up to the entrance of that party.

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