“The Wizard of Oz” characters are among the most universally known film characters in all of movie history. They were, of course, first featured in books of L. Frank Baum. Before the film, the books had also been adapted into a Broadway play for several years. However, there are notable difference between the characters in the books and in the movies. In the books, Dorothy’s shoes are silver; in the film, she has the infamous ruby slippers. Unless you are a fanatic of the book, it’s best to go with the choices used in the film, if you want your characters to be easily recognizable to fellow fans and Halloween trick-or-treaters.

For the Dorothy costume, you’ll want a blue gingham dress or pinafore. A white shirt with short sleeves should be worn underneath the dress. You often can find both of these things at a thrift shop. If you can sew, there are often very simple patterns you can use to make your own Dorothy dress. Blue gingham is a popular material in craft shops, especially for September and October. You’ll also need white socks, which cover the ankle, and sparkling ruby slippers. If nothing else is available, a pair of red flats will do. For your hair, you’ll want to wear it in two braids, tied with two blue ribbons that match your dress. Check out our full line of dorothy costumes.

For the Scarecrow costume, prepare to create the costume by gathering some hay or straw. Pine straw actually works quite well with the costume. Go to the thrift shop for some clothes that are comfortable tearing and adapting for the scarecrow look. His shirt should be dark green, and his pants should be plain brown. In the movie, he wore a black, floppy hat. A cowboy’s hat would do. A black hat that you can find will work well; stuff it with straw before placing it on the scarecrow’s head, allowing for some pieces to hang down.. Also, you want light brown face paint. Paint the entire face and neck of the scarecrow in the light brown color; his nose should be a dark reddish brown. The shirt is dark green, and there should be rope to tie loosely around his wrists, ankles and neck area, for where he used to be fixed to the wooden post in the garden to scare those crows. Straw or hay should be coming from his pant leg at the ankles and at the wrists of his short, as they are tied off. Any plain black slippers will do for shoes.

For the Tin Woodsman costume, you’re going to need a good amount of safe silver face paint. You’ll also need silver spray paint (not to be ever used on the person, obviously, but for the materials.) Spray paint an old oil funnel with the sliver paint. Do this outdoors, then leave it to dry on a porch or patio for a couple of days. This will be what lies on the head of the Tin Woodsman. Make sure to choose one that’s appropriate for the size of the person who will be wearing the costume. The mask for this costume will be the face paint itself. For the body of the Tin Woodsman, your creativity and what you have at your disposal will come into play. If you have a space suit costume, you may opt to adapt it. Any silver costumes that you may have can usually be adapted to fit this unusual character. If all else fails, consider using tin foil as a wrap around a straight shirt and pants. It can be easily molded, while observing the pictures of the Tin Woodsman or watching the film. What’s crucial is that he be all silver, and that you have a heart sticker or pendant to place on his heart, symbolizing the heart that he had all along.

For the Cowardly Lion costume, there’s no way to fake that costume, except to use a lion’s costume. It doesn’t have to necessarily be an official cowardly lion costume. Any lion or lioness costume can be easily adapted. You may even opt to rent one at a local costume shop. Standing amidst Dorothy, the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodsman, he’s sure to be recognized as the courageous Cowardly Lion.

If you want a Glenda in the mix, be sure to bring out an old pink prom or bridesmaid dress. Spray lots of glitter glue to it. Curl the lady’s hair (or put a blond, curly wig on her head), and give her a wand.