How to Be Fonzie for Halloween

Fonzie's leather jacket was typical of 1950s counterculture.

Arthur Fonzarelli is a classic character from "Happy Days," a 1950s period sitcom that ran from 1974 to 1984. Portrayed by Henry Winkler, the Fonz started out as a rebel gang member and high school dropout, sporting a light cotton jacket. Several episodes later, this "prototype" transformed into the role model we know today -- a cool character with a leather jacket whom his friends looked to for advice. Fonzie's simple costume consists of easily attainable wardrobe staples typical of 1950s greasers.

Things You'll Need

• White T-shirt
• Blue jeans
• Leather jacket
• Black boots
• Pomade
• Comb

Instructions

1. Find a basic white T-shirt and well-worn blue jeans from your wardrobe or a thrift store. Fonzie's T-shirt was fitted to emphasize his physique, while his jeans were a little on the loose size to match his relaxed attitude. Roll the pant cuffs up and tuck the shirt into the jeans. The Fonz occasionally wore a black t-shirt, but the white version is more recognizable.

2. Wear a brown or black leather jacket. Fonzie's simple leather jacket hit at the hips and had ribbed fabric at the cuffs and bottom hem. This is probably the most expensive element of the costume but is essential for the Fonz look.

3. Put on a pair of black work boots. Since the Fonz was a mechanic, choose a sturdy, broken-in pair.

4. Dye your hair black or brown if it isn't already, and comb your hair in a ducktail. Slick back your hair with a generous amount of pomade, a hair-styling product, and slick the sides of your hair up and back. You can also find a Fonz mask or a Fonz/1950s hair wig at costume stores or on line.

5. Carry a simple black comb in your back pocket.

6. Act like the Fonz. Adopt a confident swagger. Comb your hair a lot in front of the bathroom mirror. Validate anything cool, including your own appearance, by leaning your shoulders back, giving two thumbs up and saying "Aaaayyy." Snap your fingers to get people to do things for you. Bang on jukeboxes and soda machines to make them play songs/dispense sodas, and stutter when attempting to say you're sorry, or you were wrong.

References

• Rewind the Fifties; Men's Hair Styles in the Fifties; Avis Yarbrough
• Fibers; How to Dress Like the Fonz; October, 2009