Mad Hatter Halloween Costume, Johnny Depp

The Mad Hatter from Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking Glass" books is among the most outrageous and colorful literary characters.

It's no small wonder that Mad Hatter Halloween costumes are a favorite choice among those who enjoy expressing their flamboyant side at parties. Mad Hatter Halloween costumes have specific requirements if you want an authentic look so give yourself some time to pull the look together rather than expecting to throw things together on Halloween.

Mad Hatter costumes don't have to be expensive to assemble, because you may already have some of the ingredients right in your own wardrobe. Let's discuss the options of making one and buying one.

The top hat is among the most unique characteristics of Mad Hatter Halloween costumes, so begin the search at thrift stores, church rummage sales and costume shops. Ideally, the top hat will be black with a band so you can tuck a white index card inside to the side of the hat, displaying the numbers "10/6" that the original Mad Hatter placed on his chapeau, referring to the cost of the hat in England (10 shilling and 6 pence).

A white wig is usually worn under the hat, with the hair sticking out in a madcap scientist fashion. A white wig signifies the seniority of the character. Another wig color made popular by Johnny Depp in his film portrayal of the Mad Hatter is bright red, with plenty of curls sticking out from under the top hat. Enlarge your nose using putty and add a pair of oversized glasses for added effect.

Check your own closet for a white dress shirt and to see if you have either a jacket or slacks in a bright, loud color such as purple, orange, green or turquoise. Check older men in the family to see if you can borrow a bow tie to wear with the shirt, or find one at a thrift store. The bigger the bowtie the better and make a big bowtie with dots your first choice for authenticity. Checkered pants are also perfect to suit the Mad Hatter's persona and don't worry if the jacket, which should reach almost to the knees if possible, and the pants clash in color because the madder the mismatch, the better!

Get black or brown shoes to finish the outfit, along with false teeth at the costume shop to give the Mad Hatter a noticeable overbite. For added special effects, carrying a walking cane, a tea pot, an oversized pocket watch or a book of riddles. Have several riddles memorized so that as you scamper madly about the Halloween party, you can stay in character by asking other guests riddles in the same fashion that the Mad Hatter did of the tea party guests in "Alice in Wonderland."

Alternatively, you can buy a pre-made Mad Hatter costume. Doing this is less work but you will have to pay a bit more than if you made one yourself. There are many to choose from that look great and if you add your own special details to it, it can look even greater. Think of a pre-made costume as a head start that you can certainly do more with.

Things like makeup, a walking cane or Mad Hatter contact lenses will make sure you stand head and shoulders above anyone else that decided to go as the Mad Hatter as well!