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Choosing Clint Eastwood’s Man with No Name poncho from The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly is always a great costume choice because it is so iconic that everyone would know who you were. However, are you looking for a Western costume that will really make you stand out this Halloween that is not the Man with No Name? Want to channel your inner Clint Eastwood without wearing a poncho to the next frontier-themed party? Then consider going as the notorious Outlaw Josey Wales from the classic 1976 Western film about a Missouri farmer (played by Clint Eastwood) who wants to avenge his family who were killed by militant Union Soldiers during the Civil War. With his unforgettable fringed leather jacket, red bandana, cowboy hat, and steely gaze, Clint Eastwood’s cowboy antihero Josey Wales is one of the most iconic characters in Western movies.
This detailed guide will provide you with everything you need to know to create an authentic Josey Wales costume, from nailing the key elements like his jacket and spurs to putting your own unique spin on it. You’ll be ready to stroll into your Halloween bash looking every bit like the rugged antihero Wales, cigarillo clenched in your teeth and revenge on your mind.
Josey Wales is a man of distinctive style. While he’s a wanted outlaw with a price on his head because he kills a lot of people while trying to avenge his family, he manages to look dapper amidst the dusty chaos of the Old West. If you want to emulate Wales’ iconic costume for Halloween, here are the key wardrobe elements you’ll need from cowboy hat to spurs:
Fringed Leather Jacket
The most iconic part of Wales’ costume is his fringed leather jacket. This jacket has tassels or fringe hanging off of it, giving it a rugged, well-worn look. Wales’ jacket is typically a brown cowhide or buffalo leather. A vintage-style brown fringed leather jacket is ideal.
When choosing your fringed jacket:
Opt for a vintage style that fits properly and hits about hip level
Look for real leather – faux leather won’t have the same look and feel
Expect to pay $50-$300 for a good quality real leather fringed jacket
Sources include:
Thrift and vintage stores – dig around for hidden gems
eBay and Etsy – filter searches for “fringed leather jacket”
Leather apparel shops – expect to splurge $200+ on quality
Can’t find the perfect jacket? DIY your own using a regular leather jacket and gluing/sewing fringe trim to it. This lets you customize to your liking.
Western Style Shirt
Under his leather jacket, Wales wears a classic Western style button down shirt. Key features to look for include:
Plaid or printed fabrics like the colors in the film
A front yoke with ornamental stitching
Pearl snap buttons down the front
Long sleeves with button cuffs
Shirt tails hanging loose
Vintage style Western shirts can be found online and in many costume stores for $15-$50.
Cowboy Hat
What’s a cowboy without his hat? For Wales:
A wide-brimmed felt cowboy hat is your best bet
Bend and age the brim and hat body
Size it correctly to your head
Expect to pay up to $250 for authentic quality
Hat hair? Small price to pay for embodying Wales!
Red Bandana
Wales wears a red bandana tied around his neck, covering his throat.
Fold a bright colored bandana into a triangle
Tie it loosely with ends hanging down
Bandanas can be purchased for just a few dollars
This is an easy accessory that adds a pop of color and completes the cowboy look.
Gun Belt & Holster
No self-respecting outlaw hits the town without strapping on his trusty gun belt and holster.
Look for a detailed leather rig with holster
Use a toy pistol or replica gun that looks like the .44-caliber Colt Walker 1847 Revolver or the Colt Army Model 1860 cap and ball .44-caliber single-action revolver that Josey Wales used to avenge his family after they were killed by unionists during the Civil War.
A good leather rig with holster can range from $150 to $200 online and in costume shops.
A good replica gun can range from $200 to $250 online.
Jeans or Cowboy Pants
On his lower half, Wales wears rugged cowboy pants or jeans.
Bootcut jeans provide room to tuck into boots
Cowboy cut pants with a flared leg also work well
Distress jeans for a worn, weathered look
Aim for a solid color like blue, black or brown
Pick up a pair of cowboy-ready pants for $30 to $70.
Cowboy Boots
No cowboy costume is complete without a pair of Western boots.
Boot tips should point to emphasize spurs
Go for leather material with ornate stitching
Distress and scuff boots to break them in
Expect to spend $100 to $300 for quality
Not just for costumes, cowboy boots make a stylish statement!
Spurs
Metallic cowboy spurs attached to boots complete the Western gunslinger look.
Spurs jingle and jangle with each step
They strap onto boot heels with leather straps
Buy spurs online or at tack and leather shops
Basic sets cost $20 to $50
Wales-Inspired Costumes For Cowgirls
Ladies, want to join in on the Western costume fun? There are plenty of ways to channel your own inner Josey Wales cowgirl. Here are some ideas:
Frontier Styled Dress
A vintage style Western dress paired with boots and a hat makes for an easy cowgirl costume.
Look for a prairie or frontier inspired dress in earth tones
Floral prints and lace trim add a feminine touch
Pair with cowboy boots and a bandana
Carry a toy gun in a holster for a fun Wales twist!
Saloon Girl Costume
For a sultry spin, try a saloon girl look with Wales inspiration:
Corset or bustier top with a fringed leather jacket over it
Long prairie skirt with lace trim
Flashy jewelry, like bangles and brooches
Don’t forget the cowboy boots and hat!
Channel your inner Calamity Jane at any Old West soiree.
Wales-Inspired Casual Cowgirl
For an everyday cowgirl vibe, combine:
Flouncy peasant top in earth tones
Dark bootcut jeans
Layer on a fringed suede jacket
Finish with cowboy boots and hat
Wales-Inspired Costumes For Little Cowboys & Cowgirls
Want to dress up the little buckaroos in your life as Outlaw Josey Wales this Halloween? Here are some creative costume ideas for kids:
Mini Wales Cowboy
For boys, pull together:
Toy leather vest and cowboy hat
Bandana around neck
Jeans or cowboy pants
Cowboy boot covers over shoes
Toy gun in belt holster
Bang bang! Your mini Wales is ready to trick or treat in Western style.
Baby Cowgirl Costume
For tiny cowgirls:
Western-style dress with lace and florals
Jeans or leggings underneath
Mini cowboy boots or hat
Bandana bib over top
Adorable and perfect for photo ops!
Quick Kid Cowboy
For an easy costume:
Have them wear normal clothes
Add cowboy belt, bandana, hat and toy gun holster
Draw or attach a mustache
Wales-Inspired Group Costumes For Frontier Friends
Want to get the whole gang in on the Josey Wales costume fun? Group costumes are always a hit at Halloween parties and events. Here are some ideas for Wales-themed ensembles:
Josey Wales Posse
Get a group together as Wales’ motley crew of companions:
Josey Wales as the leader
Lone Watie as the wisecracking sidekick
Laura Lee as the love interest
Extras as rugged frontier folk
Recreate hilarious hijinks and western adventures all night long!
The Wild Bunch
Channel Wales’ outlaw gang:
Josey as the central figure
Friends as various western bandits
Wear matching cowboy hats, bandanas, vests
Carry prop guns and money bags
Rob a bank? Steal a stagecoach? The possibilities for chaos are endless!
Couples Costume
For pairs:
Man as gritty Wales
Woman as Laura Lee in western dress
Or vice versa for a twist!
Perfecting Your Outlaw Josey Wales Costume
You’ve got the key pieces – the fringed leather jacket, cowboy hat and bandana. Now it’s time for some finishing touches to really nail that gritty Josey Wales look:
Makeup
Blacken your eyes with grease or makeup to look worn and weathered
Dirt and bruise effects can add a banged-up look
Facial hair like Wales’ mustache and scruff
A cigarillo clenched in teeth completes the look
Make it clear you’ve lived a rough outlaw life on the frontier edges.
Costume Distressing
Scuff and dirty all costume pieces
Fray jacket edges and clothing holes
Stain shirt and pants with fake blood, mud, etc.
Weather and age any leather items
The more beaten-up and worn the better!
Wales Voice and Mannerisms
Practice your best gruff, gritty accent
Memorize iconic Josey one-liners and quotes
Glare and squint threateningly for full effect
Insert plenty of “pardners” and “fillies” into conversation
Saddle Up as Legendary Outlaw Josey Wales
Josey Wales is one of the most iconic characters in Western cinema. With his stoic grit, signature fringed leather jacket, and steely gaze, Wales is the quintessential cowboy antihero.
This Halloween, channel this legendary outlaw with an authentic Josey Wales costume. The key pieces include:
Fringed leather jacket – the most memorable Wales item
