Homemade costume ideas from the Willy Wonka film

The colourful cast of characters from the Willy Wonka films make great costumes for children and adults alike. Instead of spending a lot of money on premade costumes, you can make your own creations at home with some dress-up pieces you may already have. A stop at the thrift or discount store, for face paint, props and wigs, provides the finishing touches.

The candy master himself can make a great inspiration for a costume. As a top hat and fancy clothes are depicted in both films, costuming as Willy Wonka may be as easy as a trip to the thrift store. A long coat, made of purple velvet or velour, goes over trousers and a matching button-down shirt (either black or white). White gloves and a cane completes the look.

A classic choice is an Oompa Loompa costume, particularly for a little one. Some green hairspray (or a wig) and some orange face paint with white eyebrows are good starting points. Paint stripes with white puff paint on long, brown socks, and the collar and cuffs of a brown turtle neck. Shoes can be garnished with either a white ball painted with brown stripes or a brown ball painted with white. White trousers with straps that cross in front finish off the look.

Violet, the disobedient girl who blows up like a blueberry because she didn't listen, makes an easy and fun homemade costume. Blue scrubs make a great Violet costume. For a small child, wear ones several sizes too big and stuff with pillows or even blankets. Tie a wide red ribbon around the middle (reminiscent of Violet's belt). Apply blue face paint. A shade matching the blue of the scrubs is a bonus. Chew gum throughout the day or night to really capture Violet's character.

Mike Teavee in both films is depicted as a young boy obsessed with television and video games. The 1971 movie shows him as a fan of cowboy flicks and makes an excellent inspiration for a costume. Start with a plaid shirt and a cowboy hat. Add holsters and inexpensive toy guns. Another option stems from the scene where he puts himself on Wonka's television. Try a tight-fitting outfit of all white and huge black goggles.