DIY Michael Jackson 'Smooth Criminal' Halloween Costume

The late Michael Jackson will doubtless be the most popular Halloween costume this year. But why spend money? Make your own Michael Jackson costume. Here's a DIY Smooth Criminal costume. Michael Jackson's Smooth Criminal may not have been his most popular album, but Michael's outfit and style certainly made headlines. Michael Jackson's Bad album, featuring Smooth Criminal, was probably one of the last albums featuring Michael Jackson looking normal, before all the plastic surgery began.

Michael Jackson had taken his hair from the full afro of his youth, to the oiled curly locks and tendrils for which he became famous. Michael had also begun to style his hair in the famous androgynous or mullet look of the late 1980s and early 1990s. This hairstyle was popular with everyone of the time, men and women. The hair was cut shorter in the front, with combed back or even shaved sides, and a long flow of hair, generally curly or permed in the back. You know, the old 'business in the front, party in the back' look.

For a Michael Jackson Smooth Criminal look, you will need to create a very dressy gangster look. The costume isn't the gangster look of today's rappers, with zoot suits, pin stripes and bling, reminiscent of 1950s New York gangs. Michael Jackson's look for Smooth Criminal was 1930s and more classy, elegant look. The whole costume would be very pricey to purchase, but you can improvise. Most all of these articles of clothing and accessories can be found at any secondhand store. Here's what you will need, for a Michael Jackson Smooth Criminal outfit, starting from the top down:

-white, ivory or neutral fedora hat with black band. Add a piece of black ribbon or draw it on if you can't find one. Wear the hat pulled down over the face.

-curly black or dark brown wig (remember to pull one tendril down in front of your face)

-white, ivory or neutral sport or tuxedo jacket with silk pocket handkerchief. Fold a piece of fabric and pin it in the lapel pocket for the handkerchief. Add a silk or fresh carnation boutonniere to the pocket if you wish.

-white, ivory, khaki or neutral dress pants.

-suspenders (not essential, but they do complete the look)

-dark colored dress shirt

-light colored tie

-rhinestone rings

-black arm band (Wrap a piece of black fabric around the upper part of the suit coat sleeve and pin in place.)

-patent leather dress shoes with spats. Spats may be difficult to find; ask grandparents or make your own by wrapping a piece of white cloth around your shoe and drawing buttons down the side.

-walking stick: Paint a dowel rod black and then paint a silver tip on the end. You can tape a piece of aluminum foil on the end also.

Happy Halloween and enjoy trick-or-treat in your Michael Jackson Smooth Criminal costume.