Dressing the Part

The jack-o-lanterns are out, the cobwebs and plastic spiders have been hung, and the candy is ready to give out (if you don’t get to it first). All that’s left to do is pick out the perfect Halloween costume. Sure, you could go with something like a witch (yawn) or a monster (blah). Or you could impress your fellow Halloween revelers with a creative costume inspired by TV's biggest characters and personalities. Whether you're going solo, looking for a costume for a couple, or need an idea for you and a slew of friends, click through this slideshow for the coolest costume ideas straight from the small screen. And if you're wearing a TV-inspired outfit this Halloween, be sure to upload a photo to our flickr group: www.flickr.com/groups/tv_costumes/Friday, October, 16, 2009, 7:16 PM

Don't have a date this Halloween? Don't worry, neither does Kate Gosselin. Whether or not you have kids, you can pretend to be the once-model mom of twins and sextuplets from "Jon and Kate Plus 8" who's now a media hound on the brink of divorce. First and foremost, you'll need a women's short blonde wig. Try to find a hair-streaking stick at the drug store to paint on Kate's highlights, and then use a pick and some hairspray (and probably some scissors, depending on the wig) to get Kate's reverse mullet look -- spiky in the back, straight in the front. For wardrobe, you've got lots of options. You can go for a ruffled T-shirt and jean skirt, a cotton sundress, or a blazer paired with jeans. If you want to play scorned Kate, you'll have to grab a few tabloids with Jon on the cover and cut out or cross out his face, then carry them around with you. And speaking of carrying, don't forget to grab eight dolls to accompany you. The best part is that life will seem so easy at the end of the night when you can stop schlepping eight kids around and go home without any paparazzi incidents.TLC - Friday, October, 16, 2009, 7:16 PM

It seems everyone loves nocturnal, crucifix-avoiding garlic-haters these days, so if you and your partner want to stand out as "True Blood's" waitress/vampire combo, Sookie and Bill, authenticity is everything. Luckily, HBO's got you covered. Well, half-covered. Sookie Stackhouse's T-shirt with the Merlotte's Bar & Grill logo and her Merlotte's apron are both for sale on hbo.com. Just add black shorts, sneakers, and a blond wig (if necessary). It couldn't hurt to carry a notepad for taking orders. Once you have her down, Bill Compton is a snap. First, he was killed during the Civil War, so you're gonna need some powder or other pale makeup on your face. Also, since he's a neck-biter, plastic fangs are a must (any costume shop should have them). For clothing, Bill tends to wear long-sleeve, four-button, collarless solid-color shirts or dress shirts. He's a Southern gentleman, so he's been known to wear a nice sportcoat, but he's also a dangerous creature of the night, so feel free to rock a leather jacket like the one seen here.HBO/John P. Johnson - Friday, October, 16, 2009, 7:16 PM

Take a cue from high-end clothier Brooks Brothers — which just unveiled its limited-edition "Mad Men" suit, designed by the series' costume designer, Janie Bryant — and dress up like it's the early '60s. If you're a couple, you shouldn't have much trouble selling yourselves as Don and Betty Draper. For Madison Avenue ad exec Don, gel your hair into a glossy, flat mat. To get his clothes on the cheap, Bryant suggests visiting vintage shops to find a "white shirt with French cuffs, dark sweater vest (preferably in brown tones), high-waisted trousers with skinny legs, black socks, and penny loafers." For Don's long-suffering housewife, Betty, make sure you have a perfectly coiffed blonde wig and bright red lipstick. Deck yourself out in a "shirt waist dress with a full skirt and matching belt." You'll have to wear the dress with a nice petticoat and medium-heeled pumps. If you have sewing skills, Bryant says you can make Betty's dress using yards of eyelet, but you can always get the same look by combing through vintage stores, online, or the flea market. A Betty Draper costume won't be complete without pearl earrings and a necklace.AMC - Friday, October, 16, 2009, 7:16 PM

Shut it down on Halloween night by channeling your inner fashion diva with a Rachel Zoe haute hippie costume. To get the foundation of Rachel's look, you must get a wavy blond wig, tons of mascara and eyeliner, bronzer, and a pair of bug-eyed sunglasses. Then throw on a '70s-style top with some wide-leg trousers, or a printed frock with black tights. Finally pile on the gold and silver accessories. Make sure every finger is adorned with a giant ring, and that your wrists are dragging from the weight of your multiple bangles. And if you're not drowning in fur, you're not Rachel Zoe yet, so go bananas with the faux pelts. You can achieve all of this with a simple run to the nearest Forever 21 store. But Rachel Zoe is incomplete without her associate Brad by her side (Taylor flaked out again!). Make your guy friend or boyfriend snaz it up Halloween night as your own personal Brad. Have him wear a fitted tweed suit that can be found at a thrift store, or in the back of your dad's closet or in your grandpa's trunk in the attic. Top off the look with Brad's signature dark-framed spectacles and giant bow tie. Your "Rachel Zoe Project" costumes will be totally OCC (out of control), and the two of you will be snatching up "best dressed" honors all night long. "I die!"Ray Tamarra/Getty Images - Friday, October, 16, 2009, 7:16 PM

You'll have no problem dressing up like Lady Gaga this Halloween because, well, it's like Halloween for the pop superstar every day. The real issue you'll have is selecting which costume to go with, since there are a lot to choose from. Our personal favorite is the all-white turned bloody ensemble she wore during her "Paparazzi" performance from this year's MTV Video Music Awards. It has just the right amount of gore and glamour that will have you looking both spooky and sexy for All Hallows' Eve. Start off with a stretchy white body suit or swimsuit. Slash out the midriff area and embellish the bodice with rhinestones. Then visit a thrift store to find an old white wedding dress or prom dress with poufy shoulders and long lace sleeves. Cut off the left arm of the dress and sew it onto the bedazzled suit. Don a pair of thigh-high fishnet stockings and bright white over-the-knee boots. For hair and makeup, you'll want a crazy, curly blond wig (the messier, the better) with pink streaks (you can easily color parts of the wig with pink hair dye) accessorized with a lacy headband, and thick, glittery black, raccoon-like eye shadow. The most important last step is spattering the fake blood all over your body. Pick up a mic and you'll have the paparazzi after you in no time.Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com - Friday, October, 16, 2009, 7:16 PM

Fictional suburban mom Tara of "The United States of Tara" has three completely different alternate personalities -- and the three of them together makes a clever costume idea for a trio of friends. For housewife Alice, pick up a printed, '50s-style dress from a vintage shop and wear it with an apron, a string of pearls, and some bright red lipstick. And make sure to carry around a feather duster or other housewifey item. Even better: freshly baked cupcakes! For Buck, tuck your hair up into a trucker hat and put on a pair of large glasses, then slip a concert T-shirt under a sleeveless, unbuttoned flannel shirt. And remember to take a beer can as a prop. Finally, the gal who isn't afraid to show a little skin can play T, the wild teen who likes to wear tight jeans and low-cut lacy tank tops that reveal brightly colored bras. Make sure to add dangling earrings, a high ponytail, and frosted lip gloss, and don't forget to chomp on some bubblegum!Showtime/Nigel Parry - Friday, October, 16, 2009, 7:16 PM

This one is so simple, you don't really need our help to put it together. Still, we figured we'd remind you that if you've got the guts, there's an easy way to get some big laughs on Halloween. You'll need three guys, but it can't hurt to bring along a sexy diva too. Each guy will need a black leotard, a pair of pantyhose, and simple black pumps. For your diva, add a black turtleneck and plenty of attitude. Carry along a portable music player to blast "Single Ladies." You've got two weeks to get the moves down, but don't learn them too well, or you've blown the "SNL" bit!NBC/Dana Edelson - Friday, October, 16, 2009, 7:16 PM

Got a clique of five females? Then you'll definitely want to dress up as this group of gregarious girlfriends from the Garden State, "The Real Housewives of New Jersey." The shortest gal in your group should dress up as the most recognizable wife -- Caroline -- by donning a red, short-haired wig and wearing a low-cut dress or top. Anyone with shoulder-length or long brown hair can dress up as the news-making Danielle, just make sure to get a "Hello My Name Is" sticker to wear with "Beverly" crossed out and "Danielle" written instead. You may need a wig to replicate the big dark tresses Teresa has, and the pregnant belly (a la the reunion) is optional. And finally, if there's a blonde in your group, have her be Dina, and any remaining brunette can go as Jacqueline. You don't have to worry about looking exactly like these Jersey girls. The key is big hair, heavy makeup, high heels and flashy clothes. And if five guys want to attempt to pull off this costume idea … even better!Bravo/Virginia Sherwood - Friday, October, 16, 2009, 7:16 PM

Couples can bring the most awkward moment in MTV Video Music Awards history to life this Halloween by dressing up as the crude Kanye West and the caught-off-guard Taylor Swift. For Taylor, don a one-shoulder dress (ideally silver and sequined, like the real thing, if you can swing it), pull your hair back in a loose bun, and put on some serious red lipstick. Then you'll need to pick up an award statue and a toy microphone at a party-supply or toy store. Guys, to be Kanye you'll need to wear a short-sleeve black shirt, jeans, and some big sunglasses (for bonus points, cut a gnarly mazelike pattern in your close-cropped hair). Then, of course, you've got to pull the microphone from your date's hand over and over as she gives a truly stunned look. If you're not sure if your fellow revelers will know who you are when you're not with Taylor, you can always tape a sign to your shirt that reads, "Beyonce should have won."Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com - Friday, October, 16, 2009, 7:16 PM

One of the best things about this fall's breakout hit "Glee" is Jane Lynch's wicked portrayal of McKinley High Cheerios' head coach, Sue Sylvester. Looking like Sue is the easy part. You'll need a track suit (preferably Adidas), a short layered blonde wig (if you're not already rocking the Sue 'do), and the necessary tools of a nationally ranked cheerleading coach: a bullhorn, a stopwatch, and a whistle. Now here's the hard part, kiddos: To complete your Sue Sylvester costume you'll have to get the attitude down right. Before the big day, prepare a bagful of mean-spirited but insanely funny one-liners aimed at all things sweet, cuddly, and lacking of athletic abilities, like babies, puppies, and of course nerds. And yes, that's "How Sue Cs It"!FOX/Patrick Ecclesine - Friday, October, 16, 2009, 7:16 PM

Are you and your gal pal trying to catch the eye of that certain sinister someone in your life this Halloween? Then the two of you need to dress up as the Upper East Side ladies Chuck Bass covets most: Blair Waldorf and her loyal maid Dorota. Even if you've never set foot inside Barney's, you can still transform yourself into Blair for the night. For Blair's preppy, conservative look, you'll want to stick with clothes in primary colors like red and blue, and focus on plaid jackets and pleated skirts. For the perfect "Gossip Girl" accessories, choose bows, fake diamonds, pearls, and oversized handbags. And don't even think about leaving the house without Blair's signature piece: the oh-so-preppy headband. Dorota is not your typical maid. She's a Facebook-posting, text-a-holic, party-planner extraordinaire, but achieving her look will be much simpler. Stop by a Halloween costume store to get a French maid outfit. Remember, Dorota is a lady, so try to stick with a costume that's not too revealing or short. Ditch the duster and replace it with a cell phone. Program your ringtone to Britney's "I'm a Slave 4 U," and walk at least a foot behind Blair throughout the night. Blair and Dorota, what a perfectly scheming duo! The CW/Giovanni Rufino - Friday, October, 16, 2009, 7:16 PM

If you're hoping to win the award for the grimiest, grungiest, grossest costume this Halloween, then dressing up as "Dirty Jobs" host Mike Rowe is the way to go. Start off with any old t-shirt or polo, a pair of equally old jeans or khakis, and a fitted baseball cap. Make sure these are items you're willing to throw away the next day because the next step is to get your top, bottom, and hat as black as possible. We suggest you clean your tires with the articles of clothing, or throw them into a bag of coals and start shaking. Finish up the filthy look by covering any areas of exposed skin, including your face, with powdery black eyeshadow (you'll need a lot!). Don't forget the stuff underneath your fingernails. Safety goggles, rubber gloves, and rubber boots are optional accessories you can add to your unsanitary look.Discovery Channel/Jeffrey Sauger - Friday, October, 16, 2009, 7:16 PM

Follow the "code of Harry" and knock 'em dead this Halloween as "Dexter" Morgan. By day Dexter is a well-liked blood-spatter expert working for the Miami police force, but by night he turns into a serial killer ... and the nighttime look is what you're going for. Start off with military-green shirt and pants, then put on a shiny black apron, latex gloves, and a splatter of fake blood, and you should be all set. If you want to make things simpler for yourself, you can just go for Dexter's everyday look and wear a short-sleeve dress shirt (splattered with blood, of course) and jeans or khaki pants. There's a new addition to the costume this year -- Dexter's baby son, Harrison. Buy a baby doll and a plain bib and write "My dad is a killer" on the bib before putting it on the doll. Isn't that sweet? Showtime - Friday, October, 16, 2009, 7:16 PM

It won't take long to turn into everybody's favorite "TGS" writer this Halloween. "Frank's look is pretty easy to nail. It's really about the hat, the glasses, and the crazy hair," says Tom Broecker, costume designer for "30 Rock" and "Saturday Night Live." Broecker recommends buying curly, dark hair extensions (or cutting pieces off a curly wig) and sewing or duct-taping them to the inside of a plain trucker hat. You can pick up half-inch press-on letters at any art or crafts store. Then create a phrase or name to wear across the front of the hat. "It changes every episode, and sometimes it changes within the episode," adds Broecker. (Previous phrases featured on the hat have included "Ninja Expert," "Time Travel Agent," and "Extra Cheese"). To keep it authentic, pick up some oversize black '70s-style glasses, Wrangler cargo jeans, a solid T-shirt, and plain white sneakers. Just hope you're witty enough to fill those big shoes. NBC/Mary Ellen Mathews - Friday, October, 16, 2009, 7:16 PM

If you're short on time, on-again/off-again Dr. Meredith Grey and Dr. Derek Shepherd from "Grey's Anatomy" make an easy couple's costume. Get scrubs (light blue for her, dark blue for him) and white lab coats where you can write the doctor's name and "Seattle Grace" on the front. Meredith will need a long, dirty blonde wig while Derek will need a wig of short, dark, wavy hair to match McDreamy's luscious locks. For accessories, try to find a toy scalpel at a toy store or just bring a couple of plastic butter knives along. And if you're actually in a romantic relationship with your costumed partner, try to make it through Halloween without breaking up multiple times.ABC/Bob D'Amico - Tuesday, October, 28, 2008, 10:28 PM

"Lost" may be full of challenging mysteries, but dressing up as fan favorite Hugo "Hurley" Reyes isn't tough at all. In the most recent season, he and several other castaways went to work for the shadowy DHARMA Initiative and were given simple uniforms consisting of a khaki jumpsuit emblazoned with a logo patch, employee name, and job title. Once you find an XXL jumpsuit (try surplus shops or even hardware stores), pad it as necessary (use lightweight material, because you're going to be livin' large all night long), and then use a black marker to draw a DHARMA logo on the front left chest panel. Underneath that, write "Hurley" and the job title "Chef." Top it off with a curly brown wig of thick ringlets. Depending on your skill level, you can also use a second wig, or even fabric, to fashion muttonchops. For the finishing touches, use your printer to create two props: a fake lotto ticket with the winning numbers 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, and 42, and a generic DHARMA label to wrap around a box or jar of food (several templates are available online).ABC/Mario Perez - Friday, October, 16, 2009, 7:16 PM