How to Conjure Up the Perfect Draco Malfoy Halloween Costume

Draco Malfoy is the most iconic student of Slytherin house in both the books and the films. Here are the basic ingredients you'll need to construct a credible Draco costume:

• A black school robe
• Gray pants
• A sweater
• A green-and-silver (or gray) striped tie and scarf
• Dark, preferably somewhat dressy shoes
• A wand
• Natural light blonde hair, blonde hair dye, or a blonde wig.

Once you've got these items, you'll want to consider the significant details of Draco's appearance and how they relate to his character.

Draco comes from a wealthy and prestigious family, and he prides himself on his polished appearance. When you're dressing as Draco, make sure your appearance is impeccably clean and neat-- Draco would never been seen with his tie crooked.

Draco's wand is never described beyond its basic dimensions in the books, so it should be easy to obtain a passable Draco wand on a budget. Online wand-seller Alivan's offers many affordable wooden wands. If, as for the Malfoys, money is not an object for you, I'd recommend the top-notch replica of Draco's wand from the films offered by the Noble Collection.

If you're aiming for the look of a younger Draco, you'll want to slick your hair back. If you prefer the look of the post-Prisoner of Azkaban Draco, wear your hair short with a few artfully-askew bangs at the front. If you're going for a post-Half-Blood Prince Draco, you may also want to draw a Dark Mark onto the inside of your arm.

I'd also encourage you to accessorize. Draco prides himself on his heritage and loves flaunting his wealth, so it doesn't seem unlikely that he might wear rings or other accessories to this end.

The only item it might be problematic to put together yourself is Draco's robe. You may be tempted to substitute a black jacket, but I wouldn't recommend it. Reasonably-priced Slytherin robes are easy to find online, though they tend to be more expensive than their Gryffindor equivalents.