If you want to create the perfect captain costume for this Halloween you have a few decisions to make up front. What type of captain do you envision transforming yourself into? There are two basic types of captain costumes to choose from and these two categories can be broken down further based on the era you wish to represent.
Likely the most popular captain costume centers on the commander of an early sailing vessel. Picture yourself decked out in a three pointed hat, eye patch, a long waistcoat, flintlock pistol and perhaps a sword. Pants tucked into tall boots are almost always required when representing a captain of the high seas in this era. Other accessories to mix and match include a bandana, maps, a telescope and a box of treasure.
Sticking with the marine theme you could jump ahead a few hundred years and create your captain costume with the look of a cruise ship captain in mind. White shorts or trousers, white shoes, a white collared shirt complete with epaulettes and a black brimmed white sailing officers cap. A more formal white jacket trimmed with full regalia could be used if time and budget are not an issue.
The second main category of to consider in a captain costume is that of a military captain. Whether you choose a full dress uniform or one that is of a more relaxed combat look is up to you. To let your recruits know you are in charge, make sure to wear two silver bars on you collar. Across all divisions of the U.S. military it is the two bar insignia that represents the rank of captain.
Have fun with your captain costume and enjoy the salutes gathered due to your high rank. If you do not receive a salute consider making the offender walk the plank.