DIY COSTUME ITEMS
Buford Van Stomm, the reformed bully from Phineas and Ferb, has become a fan-favorite character with his tough exterior but surprisingly complex personality. If you’re looking to embody this lovable antagonist-turned-friend at your next convention or costume party, I’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you nail the look!
Essential Components for Your Buford Van Stomm Costume
1. Skull T-Shirt
The centerpiece of Buford’s outfit is his black t-shirt with a skull design. Look for a plain black tee with a simple gray or white skull graphic on the front. The skull should look somewhat cartoonish rather than realistic – Buford’s skull has an angry expression with slanted eyes, perfectly matching his tough-guy persona.
2. Olive Green Cargo Shorts
Buford’s bottom half consists of olive green cargo shorts. Look for a pair that sits just above the knee with visible cargo pockets on the sides. The military green/olive shade is important to get right – not too dark and not too light.
3. Brown Hiking Boots
For footwear, Buford sports sturdy brown hiking boots. Look for medium to dark brown boots with thick soles and some visible treading. These should look rugged and practical – perfect for a bully who spends his days outdoors chasing Baljeet or reluctantly joining in on Phineas and Ferb’s adventures.
4. Fake Buck Teeth
To complete the authentic Buford look, you’ll need to add his signature buck teeth. You can find toy buck teeth at costume shops, or dental putty that allows you to create temporary buck teeth. This small detail makes a huge difference in capturing Buford’s distinctive appearance.
Styling Tips
Hair
Buford has short brown hair styled in a simple bowl cut with a small cowlick at the front. If you don’t want to cut your hair, a short brown wig can work well. The key is to make it look simple and no-nonsense – Buford isn’t spending hours on his hairstyle!
Physique
Buford has a stocky, somewhat intimidating build. If you’re naturally on the larger side, great! If not, you can add some padding under your shirt to create a more imposing silhouette. Remember, Buford’s strength is part of his character.
Expression
Perfect Buford’s signature scowl! Practice furrowing your brow and looking tough yet slightly confused – Buford often has a perpetually annoyed expression that’s essential to the character.
Optional Extras
- Baljeet Prop: For extra authenticity, carry around a Baljeet doll or have a friend dress as Baljeet that you can pretend to intimidate (all in good fun, of course!).
- Goldfish Bowl: Buford has a pet goldfish named Biff that he adores. A small plastic fishbowl with a fake goldfish could be a fun prop that showcases Buford’s softer side.
- Wrestling Belt: As an accomplished wrestler, Buford occasionally mentions his wrestling prowess. A toy championship belt could be a fun accessory.
Character Mannerisms
To truly embody Buford, adopt some of his classic mannerisms:
- Cross your arms frequently to look intimidating
- Speak in a gruff voice and use simple vocabulary
- Occasionally reference obscure cultural facts (Buford is surprisingly cultured!)
- Refer to yourself in the third person: “Buford doesn’t like this!”
Final Touches
Remember that despite being introduced as a bully, Buford evolved into a loyal friend with hidden depths. He’s tough but fair, surprisingly intelligent, and even sensitive at times. Capturing this complexity in your portrayal will take your costume to the next level!
With this guide, you’ll have everything you need to transform into Danville’s most misunderstood bully. Whether you’re attending a Phineas and Ferb themed party or just want to show your love for the show at a convention, your Buford costume is sure to be recognized by fans!
