Oompa Loompa Cowboy: A Wacky, Clever Halloween Costume

Oompa loompas have a distinct look that is visually entertaining. That's why oompa loompas make great Halloween costumes. To get a unique oompa loompa costume that no one else will have, mash it up with a regular costume for an ironic appeal. Ironic costumes are humorous because they take two opposite costume ideas and meld them. Dressing as an oompa loompa cowboy is ironic because an oompa loompa seems far removed from the Wild West. Taking the oompa loompa out of Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory and placing him into ordinary situations makes for good humor. Just think of Weeman's video of the skateboarding oompa loompa. That video clip was wildly popular! Now that you understand the idea behind an oompa loompa cowboy Halloween costume, let's get started putting your costume together.

The Clothes

For this costume you are going to need a button-up shirt, blue jeans, cowboy boots, and a cowboy hat. Any solid or plaid button-up shirt will do, but for authenticity choose a shirt with two pockets. Any pair of blue jeans and cowboy boots will do. Just make sure they fit or you will be dealing with calloused, sore feet afterward. Any cowboy hat will work. All of these are easy to find. Borrow them from your friends or look at secondhand stores like Goodwill or the Salvation Army. If all else fails, you can look at your local Wal-Mart or western wear store.

The Make-up

Now that you are dressed it is time to put your Halloween make-up on. I dressed as a clown in whiteface for a fifth grade play. From that experience, I learned that powder keeps the make-up on longer. Apply white eyebrows and color the rest of your face orange. Set the make-up by powdering with a puff. If there is excess powder, just spritz your face with water in a small spray bottle. Halloween make-up is widely available and inexpensive, so don't worry about breaking your budget.

The Hair

Once your make-up is applied you are ready for your green oompa loompa hair. If your hair is long enough, braid it Willie Nelson style and spray it with green Halloween hairspray. If no, find an inexpensive green wig and cut it just below the shoulders so you can braid it.

The Props

Props will pull the costume together. Chaps, spurs, a cowboy vest, a sheriff's star, and a lasso make good props. Find a way to incorporate the name Willy Wonka into your props. For instance, your sheriff's star could say Sheriff of Wonkaville. Make sure to keep Wonka candy in your pockets for your travels on the range.