It’s only been a little over a year since Netflix dropped the first season of Stranger Things, yet I’m 100% sure we’re already shelving it off as a cult classic. Its appeal spans all ages, from 21st-century Internet kids to parents who were mastering the Running Man as the 1980s came and went. The Emmy-nominated television series is the perfect blend of modern genius and nostalgia – and we all can’t wait for Season 2.
Halloween’s also just around the corner and now is the perfect time to whip out the Stranger Things costume you’ve always wanted to wear. Here’s how you can recreate five of the best characters from the show:
1. Joyce Byers
Winona Ryder is no stranger to cult classics. She has starred in Heathers (1988), Beetlejuice (1988), and Edward Scissorhands (1990), all of which are landmark films of their time.
In Stranger Things, Winona plays Mike Wheeler’s seemingly deranged mother who fights to save her other son, Will, from the Upside Down. Despite earning the reputation of the local crazy woman, Joyce’s resilience and courage eventually helped solve the mystery of Will’s disappearance.
What you’ll need:
- army green button down
- red striped t-shirt
- brown trousers
- leather loafers
Winning accessory: either a yellow corded phone, an axe or colourful Christmas lights
2. Dustin Henderson
Everyone likes Dustin. He is a charming little boy with a flair for science and an adorable smile that will melt your heart. He is the source of comic relief in an otherwise tension-filled action-packed scene, making you love him even more.
What you’ll need:
- teal hoodie
- corduroy pants
- white, red, and blue trucker hat
- white sneakers
- denim backpack
Winning accessory: missing teeth (fake it by drawing over your teeth with a black waterproof pencil eyeliner)
3. Barbara Holland
Barb’s ill fate was one of the most frustrating things to watch, ever. While her best friend Nancy was upstairs snogging her lover boy, Barb was sitting by the pool before the Monster pulled her into the Upside Down. But despite her short stint in Stranger Things, people will never stop screaming: “Justice for Barb!”
What you’ll need:
- ruffled plaid blouse
- mom jeans
- brown ankle boots
- vintage round glasses
Winning accessory: a file folder
4. Nancy Wheeler
Nancy Wheeler had THE best character development in the show. From the obliging and selfish young girl to the badass bat-swinging woman that she was in the last few episodes, Nancy is surely going to wow us some more in the next season.
What you’ll need:
- maroon shearling jacket
- plaid shirt
- teal sweater
- dark blue jeans
- leather ankle boots
- white hand wraps
Winning accessory: a baseball bat or a cute boyfriend (one with perfect hair, preferably)
5. Eleven
Eleven barely has any dialogue throughout Season 1 but her presence is so strong, she doesn’t need to talk for you to notice her. She is one of the most intriguing and well-written characters in television history. Rising star Millie Bobbie Brown is responsible for bringing Eleven to life and she deserves all the Eggos in the world for doing so.
What you’ll need:
- indigo windbreaker
- baby pink dress with a Peter Pan collar
- knee high socks with stripes at the hem
- white sneakers
Winning accessory: a waffle or a piercing gaze with matching nosebleed
Feel free to play around with your costume and see which amongst the characters are the easiest to replicate from pieces in your wardrobe. The more resourceful you can be, the better.
Stranger Things Season 2 is set to be released on October 27, 2017.