How to Conjure Up the Perfect Ron Weasley Halloween Costume

Ron Weasley's appearance is a bit more idiosyncratic than that of most other Hogwart's students. Here are the basic ingredients you'll need in order to put together a convincing Ron costume:

• A black school robe
• Gray pants
• A sweater
• A red-and-gold (or yellow) striped tie and scarf
• Dark, preferably somewhat dressy shoes
• A wand
• Natural red hair, red hair dye, or a red wig

Once you've assembled these staple items, turn your eye to the details of Ron's appearance. What makes Ron look like Ron? What characteristics are mentioned as significant in the books?

Ron's family isn't well-to-do, and Ron frequently must wear clothing handed down from his older brothers. You may want to make sure that your costume looks a bit worn. Wash it a few times and add a patch or two if you're so inclined. Remember, Ron isn't particularly polished or glamorous-- if that's what you want, you might rather go as Draco Malfoy.

If you want to be scrupulously accurate to the books, remember that Ron carries a broken wand held together with spell-o-tape. For economy, you may want to create a wand by augmenting a stick or wooden rod. Online wand-seller Alivan's also sells some very reasonably-priced wands. If you're really going all-out, you can purchase a top-rate replica of Ron's wand from the movies from the Noble Collection.

You may also want to include some representation of one of Ron's pets. Which pet would be appropriate depends on what era Ron you're dressing as. Up until the conclusion of Prisoner of Azkaban, Ron owns a rat named Scabbers, after which he acquires a small owl named Pigwidgeon. A stuffed rat or owl might suffice, or, if you happen to have a pet rat, that would probably work also, unless it's of a clearly inappropriate color (i.e.-white).

You may also want to make yourself up with Ron's distinctive freckles. A brown eyeliner pencil should do the trick.

The only item it would likely be difficult to DIY is Ron's school robe. You may be tempted to substitute a black jacket, but I wouldn't recommend it. Reasonably affordable school robes with the Hogwarts crest are easy to locate online. (You can find a set of Hogwarts robes here, for instance, for about $30). If that's too pricey, I'd recommend going casual-- ditch the robes and stick with the sweater.