How to Create a James Dean Costume

James Dean mastered the art of cool. He expressed himself with such a fire and honesty on screen that he is beloved as an actor to this day, despite the fact the he made only three films and passed on many decades ago. An undeniable talent and unforgettable legend, James Dean is a great choice when it comes to impersonating class Hollywood character. Whether it's for a masquerade party or some trick or treating fun, embrace the character fully and become a legend yourself!

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Learn about James Dean. His biography is fascinating. He lost his mother in early childhood and he was raised mostly by relatives when his father left him with an aunt and uncle after the death of his mother. He had a determination like no other, and he rose to fame and fortune very early in life. He was dead at 24, leaving a legacy in his wake (see Resources below).

2. Get the hair down. Styling your hair like James Dean isn't going to be an easy feat. It's best to enlist the help of a hair stylist, but you should give them clear instructions. Cut the sides and back short. You want the top to be long with a slight curl in front. Apply gel and work with the top of your hair until it looks like a rebel ready to go.

3. Put on a white T-shirt. It doesn't have to be a designer shirt. He was a rebel. Any shirt that can be simply worn carelessly will do.

4. Sport a pair of well worn blue jeans. These should be on the tight side, but don't go to the extreme here. He sported casual jeans.

5. Put on a pair of work boots. The boots are nothing too fancy. Dean was quick on his feet and ready for adventure. Keep the boots simple.

6. Put on a black motorcycle jacket. This completes the look. If it gets too hot, you can sling it over your shoulder. .

Tips & Warnings

• Practice talking as he did while watching his films. You'll be more easily recognizable if you capture his attitude, speech patterns and quote from his films.
• Don't worry about your age. James Dean is an ageless character. If you get the look down, you can believable as James Dean at any age.

Resources

• James Dean

[jubo3272]

on 10/29/2008 The only thing i disagree with is the leather jacket, i think people would recognize you as James Dean better if you wore a red windbreaker jacket instead, like his character Jim Stark in "Rebel Without a Cause". I think if you just wear a leather jacket, people will just think your someone from grease or just a random 50's person. That photo of him with the red jacket and the cool way he holds is cigarette is very unique and popular and stands out from his other pictures.