DIY COSTUME ITEMS
1
Hat + Sunglasses
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2
2 Piece Suit
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3
Tie
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4
Oxford Shirt
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5
Leather Belt
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6
Sideburns
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7
Wrist Watch
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8
Shoes
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The Blues Brothers style originated in the late 1970s with comedians Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi, who created these characters for Saturday Night Live before the 1980 film immortalized them. Understanding the historical context helps nail the authentic look – their costume combined elements of Chicago blues musicians, beatniks, and jazz artists of the 1950s and 60s with their own unique twist.
Essential Components: A Comprehensive Breakdown
1. The Hat: Perfecting the Fedora
- Style: A proper black fedora with a medium-narrow brim (approximately 2-2.5 inches)
- Material: Wool felt is most authentic, but cotton or polyester blends work for budget options
- Positioning: Wear it straight on your head, not tilted or angled
- Band: The hat should feature a simple black band (about 1 inch wide)
- Fit: Should sit approximately 1 finger-width above your eyebrows
2. The Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Inspired Precision
- Style: Classic Wayfarer-type frame with solid black rims
- Lenses: Dark, nearly opaque lenses (no gradients or colored tints)
- Size: Slightly oversized but not comically large
- Fit: Should sit squarely on your face, not slipping down your nose
- Wear: Keep them on at all times, even indoors or at night
3. The Suit: Tailored Black Perfection
- Jacket: Two-button, single-breasted black suit jacket
- Lapels: Narrow notch lapels (approximately 2-2.5 inches wide)
- Shoulders: Lightly padded but not exaggerated
- Length: Should cover your posterior completely
- Fit: Slim but not skinny; allows for movement during dance sequences
- Pants: Black suit trousers
- Cut: Straight leg, not too slim or wide
- Rise: Medium to high-rise, sitting at or slightly above the natural waist
- Break: Slight break at the shoes, not pooling or flooding
- Pleats: Preferably flat-front for a cleaner silhouette
4. The Shirt: The Perfect White Canvas
- Color: Bright white (not off-white or cream)
- Material: Cotton with light starch for structure
- Style: Point collar (not button-down or spread)
- Fit: Roomy enough to allow for dancing but not baggy
- Details: Standard barrel cuffs, no monograms or decorative elements
- Condition: Crisp and clean, freshly pressed
5. The Belt: Understated Necessity
- Width: Medium width (approximately 1-1.5 inches)
- Material: Smooth black leather (not textured or embossed)
- Buckle: Simple silver or gunmetal rectangular buckle
- Length: Just enough excess to tuck into the first belt loop
6. The Tie: Skinny Black Statement
- Width: Skinny (1.5-2 inches at widest point)
- Length: Should reach the top of your belt buckle, not shorter or longer
- Material: Silk or silk-like material with minimal sheen
- Knot: Four-in-hand knot (not Windsor) for a narrower profile
- Tightness: For Jake – slightly loosened; For Elwood – properly tightened
7. The Watch: Subtle Timepiece
- Style: Minimalist silver watch with round face
- Band: Mesh metal band (Milanese-style)
- Face: White or silver dial with simple hour markers
- Size: Medium-sized face, not oversized or too delicate
- Position: Wear on left wrist, visible but not emphasized
8. The Shoes: Polished Footwear
- Style: Black leather oxfords or cap-toe dress shoes
- Shine: Highly polished to a mirror finish
- Soles: Leather soles preferred for better sliding during dance moves
- Laces: Black, properly tied and not frayed
- Toe: Slightly rounded, not pointy or square
Accessory Details
The Briefcase (Optional)
- Style: Black or dark brown leather or leatherette
- Size: Slim profile, not bulky
- Contents: Could include sunglasses case, harmonica, or “mission” documents
The Handcuffs (For Jake)
- Style: Standard police-style handcuffs
- Material: Silver metal (real or replica)
- Attachment: Connected to left wrist and briefcase handle
The Harmonica (For Elwood)
- Style: Standard blues harmonica (Hohner Marine Band or similar)
- Size: Standard 10-hole diatonic harmonica
- Carrying: Tucked into inside jacket pocket for easy access
Character-Specific Nuances
Jake Blues Distinctions
- Posture: More relaxed and swagger-filled
- Suit Fit: Slightly looser, occasionally unbuttoned jacket
- Tie: Loosened about 1-2 inches from collar
- Shirt: Top button usually undone
- Movement: More energetic, larger gestures
- Mannerisms: Tends to point fingers when speaking, more animated
Elwood Blues Distinctions
- Posture: More upright and composed
- Suit Fit: More precisely tailored, always buttoned when standing
- Tie: Properly tightened against collar
- Shirt: Buttoned all the way up
- Movement: More restrained, precise movements
- Mannerisms: Often keeps hands clasped or in pockets, more reserved
Perfecting the Look: Final Details
Grooming
- Hair: Slicked back or neatly combed under the hat
- Facial Hair: Clean-shaven for the most authentic look
- Expressions: Practice the deadpan, serious face with occasional raised eyebrow
Body Language
- Walking Style: Confident stride with slight bounce
- Standing Position: Feet shoulder-width apart, slight bend in knees
- Hands: When not gesturing, keep hands clasped in front or behind back
- Head Position: Slightly tilted down to look over sunglasses when addressing someone
Performance Elements
- Dance Moves: Practice basic shuffle steps, synchronized side-steps, and the finger-snap
- Timing: Work on synchronized movements if performing as a duo
- Catchphrases: Memorize key lines like “We’re on a mission from God,” “It’s 106 miles to Chicago,” and “We got both kinds – country AND western!”
This comprehensive guide should help you transform into the perfect Blues Brother, capturing not just the costume but the essence of these iconic characters. Whether you’re attending a convention, Halloween party, or blues-themed event, this attention to detail will make your costume stand out from the crowd.
Blues Brothers Costume Ideas
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About Blues Brothers
Jake Blues and Elwood are the main characters in the film named “Blue Brothers”. They both are blood brothers in the movie. Jake’s role was played by John Belushi and Elwood’s role was played by Dan Aykroyd. They grew up and were brought up as kids at a Roman Catholic Orphanage. Later, when they grew adults that orphanage was about to close due to non-payment of $5K property tax at that time. Blues brothers decided to take the responsibility to repay the tax and they believed that they were on god’s mission to save the orphanage. They work hard in a band to give an amazing performance to earn $5K as a prize. They faced a lot of challenges along the way.
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