Dress as a penniless hobo for Halloween.
A hobo or vagabond is an inexpensive costume which often requires nothing more than old clothing items from around the house. Hobo costumes for Halloween have been popular for many decades, with common elements such as a "Charlie Chaplin" type bowler hat and a bag on a stick. The key to perfecting the wandering hobo costume is to look worn, ragged and dirty. Use neutral colors of clothing and accessories for a serious appearance, or use bright colors for a whimsical appearance. Add a clown nose and make a hobo clown costume.
Instructions
1. Locate old, ragged clothing to recycle for your costume. An old pair of jeans, flannel shirt and an old hat will work fine. Any clothing that looks worn, such as work clothes, will work best.
2. Rip holes in your clothing to make them look tattered. Start holes with scissors, then rip the fabric by hand so it shreds. Rip holes in areas that would wear easily, such as knees and elbows.
3. Cut scraps of fabric into squares to make clothing patches. Pull the edges of the squares to fray the fabric. Then glue the patches randomly onto your clothing using fabric glue.
4. Grubby a pair of shoes by rubbing them with dirt. It is advisable to use old shoes you planned to discard. Take the shoes outside and roll them in dirt to cover them. Cut a hole in the front tip of the shoes to look like your toes are coming through. Create a few rips and tears for a worn look.
5. Locate any style of hat to use. Any style will work, such as a baseball hat or knit winter hat; however, if you can locate a bowler style hat, this will give you the most authenticity for the traditional hobo costume. Cut holes, rub dirt and glue patches to the hat to make it look dirty and worn too.
6. Create a hobo bag with a tree branch and a piece of flannel shirt. Walk around a wooded area and look for a fallen tree branch to use for a hobo bag. Look for a thin branch, about 36 to 48 inches long. Cut the back off an old flannel shirt, or use a bandanna. Gather the four ends of the fabric and tie knots to secure the shirt to the branch. Fill with crumpled newspaper or plastic shopping bags so the bag looks full. Carry the bag by holding one end of the branch and swinging the other end over your shoulder, with the bag hanging down the back.
7. Rub brown powder makeup over your forehead, cheeks and chin for a dirty look. Alternatively, and for the best authenticity, wet your hands and place them in the dirt then rub the muddy dirt on your face, allowing it to dry crusty. Avoid applying makeup or dirt near eyes or mouth.
Tags: flannel shirt, will work, glue patches, hobo costume, over your, them dirt, tree branch