How I Met Your Mother Cosplay: A Comprehensive Guide
How I Met Your Mother (HIMYM) is a beloved sitcom that aired for nine seasons, captivating audiences with its humor, heartfelt moments, and unforgettable characters. One of the show's standout features was its creative and often hilarious Halloween costumes. This guide will explore some of the most iconic costumes from the series, provide tips on how to recreate them, and highlight resources like CrazeCosplay.com for finding or making these costumes.
Iconic HIMYM Costumes
Ted Mosby's Hanging Chad
Ted Mosby's "Hanging Chad" costume is perhaps the most iconic Halloween outfit from the series. Inspired by the controversial 2000 U.S. Presidential election, Ted wore this costume year after year in hopes of reconnecting with the "Slutty Pumpkin."
To recreate this look:
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Wear a white t-shirt and pants.
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Cut out a large oval from gray paper or fabric.
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Attach the oval to your shirt with a string.
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Write "CHAD" on the oval.
Marshall and Lily's Couple Costumes
Marshall and Lily were known for their creative couple costumes throughout the series. Some of their most memorable outfits include:
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Sonny and Cher (2001): In a gender-swapped version, Marshall dressed as Cher while Lily went as Sonny.
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Jack Sparrow and Parrot (2005): Marshall donned the iconic pirate look while Lily complemented him as a colorful parrot.
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Matador and Bull (2010): This clever costume had Lily as the matador and Marshall as the bull.
Barney Stinson's Multiple Costumes
Barney Stinson, known for his love of suits and grand gestures, often went all out for Halloween. Some of his best costumes include:
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Top Gun Pilot (2005): Barney dressed as Maverick from the movie *Top Gun*.
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Devil and Penguin (2005): In the same episode, Barney also appeared as both a devil and a penguin.
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Johnny Lawrence from The Karate Kid** (2010)**: Before Cobra Kai made Johnny Lawrence popular again, Barney was already a fan.
Robin Sparkles
Robin Scherbatsky's alter ego, Robin Sparkles, is a fun and nostalgic costume idea. To pull off this look:
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Grab your 80’s gear (according to Robin, the 80’s didn’t come to Canada until ‘93).
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Pull on a bedazzled jean jacket over your denim skirt.
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Put your hair through a wind tunnel and slap a bow on it.
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Incorporate fishnet fashion and add some big plastic jewelry.
Group Costume Ideas
While the show didn't feature many group costumes, there are some ideas you could adapt from the series:
The Breakfast Club
In one episode, the gang dressed up as characters from *The Breakfast Club*. This is a great group costume idea, and you can easily find or make the outfits:
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Ted as Brian Johnson (The Brain): Wear a sweater vest and khakis.
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Marshall as Andrew Clark (The Athlete): Wear a letterman jacket and athletic wear.
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Lily as Allison Reynolds (The Basket Case): Wear a black outfit with a scarf.
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Robin as Claire Standish (The Princess): Wear a pink outfit and a pearl necklace.
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Barney as John Bender (The Criminal): Wear a flannel shirt, denim jacket, and fingerless gloves.
Tips for a Successful HIMYM Halloween Costume
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Plan ahead: Some of the more complex costumes might require ordering pieces online or crafting elements yourself.
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Consider comfort: Remember, you'll likely be wearing this costume for several hours. Make sure it's something you can move and socialize in comfortably.
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Add personal touches: While recreating a costume from the show can be fun, don't be afraid to add your own twist to make it unique.
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Practice the character: Half the fun of a HIMYM costume is getting into character. Practice some of their catchphrases or mannerisms to really bring the costume to life.
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Group coordination: If you're going with friends, consider coordinating your costumes. You could all go as different versions of the same character throughout the series, or each take on a different main character.
Resources for HIMYM Costumes
For those looking to purchase costumes or accessories, websites like CrazeCosplay.com offer a wide range of options to help bring your How I Met Your Mother Halloween costume to life. CrazeCosplay.com specializes in tailor-made cosplay costumes, wigs, and accessories, making it a great resource for finding or creating your HIMYM-inspired outfit.
Conclusion
How I Met Your Mother provided us with a wealth of Halloween costume ideas throughout its nine-season run. From Ted's persistent "Hanging Chad" to Marshall and Lily's creative couple costumes, there's something for everyone. Whether you're looking to recreate an iconic look from the show or create your own HIMYM-inspired costume, the key is to have fun with it.
Remember, the best costumes are often those that not only look great but also reflect the personality of the character and the wearer. So channel your inner Ted, Barney, Robin, Marshall, or Lily, and get ready to make your next Halloween legendary!
For those looking to purchase costumes or accessories, websites like CrazeCosplay.com offer a wide range of options to help bring your How I Met Your Mother Halloween costume to life. With a little creativity and the right resources, you'll be ready to suit up for a Halloween that even Barney Stinson would approve of.
Additional Costume Ideas
The Slutty Pumpkin
Warning: wearing this costume may result in making Ted Mosby fall in love with you. He will wear his “hanging chad” costume year after year and attend the same NYC roof party hoping to run into you again. All you need is a massive orange throw with ‘strategic cutouts.’
Ducky Tie Barney
Suit up. Then, find the most childish, embarrassing ducky tie you’ve ever laid eyes on. Next, struggle with learning how to tie a tie via YouTube. You should allocate a few hours to that part. Finally, tighten it around your collar. Trick or treat with pride, because you’re the hottest on the block. The timeless fun of a ducky tie will juxtapose the classiness of your suit perfectly. And just so you know, when Halloween ends, you have to keep wearing this.
The Mother (Tracy McConnell)
Tracy McConnell. The woman fans have been itching to see since the very first episode of *How I Met Your Mother*. For this costume, all you truly need is a yellow umbrella. It also won’t hurt to have everything Ted looks for in a woman. Bring a bass guitar (or a ukulele), a CD from “The Unicorns,” *Who Will Cut Our Hair When We’re Gone*, and the book World’s End by T.C. Boyle.
Hippie Barney
Grab a colorful tie-dye shirt, a green vest, and some cargo shorts. Pick up a long, blond wig from PartyCity. If you really want to sell this costume, then grab an electric keyboard, get some tears going, and practice your singing voice: “Will I ever see another rainbow? Baby please don’t go!”
Final Thoughts
How I Met Your Mother has left an indelible mark on pop culture, and its Halloween costumes are a testament to the show's creativity and humor. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just looking for a fun and recognizable costume, HIMYM offers plenty of inspiration. With the tips and resources provided in this guide, you'll be well on your way to creating a memorable and legendary Halloween costume. So suit up, get creative, and have a fantastic time celebrating Halloween HIMYM-style!
