How to Dress Like the Stranger from High Plains Drifter this Halloween
He rode out of the desert heat waves like a mirage – the enigmatic figure known only as The Stranger. Played by Clint Eastwood in the 1973 twisted Western High Plains Drifter, the Stranger is a man of mystery, returning to the frontier town of Lago to wreak ghostly vengeance. With his dusty poncho and wide-brimmed hat, he cuts an iconic silhouette against the stark Western landscape.
A man with no name poncho and hat from The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly is a great costume idea because everyone will recognize it right away. However, this Halloween, why not tap into your dark side and channel this supernatural stranger? Our guide will break down how to recreate The Stranger’s unique cowboy costume, from distressed duster coat to jangling spurs. We’ll provide tips on sourcing the signature pieces, offer DIY solutions, and cover how to adopt the Stranger’s otherworldly mannerisms.
You’ll know exactly how to cobble together an outfit that convincingly channels the unlikely hero/reincarnated spirit of the late Marshal Jim Duncan. With the right costume and a heap of brooding intensity, everyone will believe The Stranger is back to haunt the living and punish the wicked.
Nailing The Stranger’s Iconic Costume
The Stranger’s signature costume pieces provide deep insight into his mysterious otherworldly character. Here are the most meaningful elements:
Distressed Tan Duster
The Stranger wears a knee-length distressed tan leather duster coat with wide lapels, perfect for riding. The knee-length distressed tan leather duster with wide lapels conveys volumes about The Stranger.
- Vintage styling shows he’s a man out of time
- Distressing implies he’s weathered storms, battles, hardships
- Length allows dramatic flair while also suited for riding
- Wide lapels give his silhouette a supernatural, haunting quality
This coat makes it clear The Stranger has returned from the past to avenge wrongs, lingering between this world and the next. Expect to spend $100 on the coat for a used one while a new one will cost you about $300. New options from Western retailers like Sheplers run $200-$500
Custom Cowboy Hat
The Stranger sports a wide-brimmed brown leather cowboy hat with a leather latigo hatband, 4.5-inch crown, and 4.5-inch shapeable wire rimmed brim.
- Wide brim creates dramatic facial shadowing
- Custom shaping shows he crafts his image with great intention
- High-end materials prove no expense spared for his presentation
- Hat pulled low hints at secrecy and mystery
This hat signals The Stranger is meticulous about cultivating a powerful, ominous persona. Hats like this range from $50 to $90. High-end hats from Stetson, Shady Brady run $150-$300.
Blue Linen Button-Up
While simple, his blue linen button-up shirt relays The Stranger’s character in subtle ways.
- Lightweight linen conveys comfort with frontier living
- Stains and fraying hint at a hard-worn life
- Partially unbuttoned shows relaxed swagger
- Plain color and loose style downplay his lethality
This shirt reflects a man at ease with himself and his dangerous capabilities. The price range is $10 for a used one and $60 for a new one. New linen shirts start around $60 from retailers like Boot Barn.
Gun Belt & Revolver
The Stranger’s Colt revolver in a worn brown leather gun belt finishes his picture.
- The renowned Colt .45 conveys he’s formidable
- Holstered yet accessible shows readiness for violence
- Distressing hints this gear has seen use
- Classic Western design aligns him with outlaw heyday
- Buy replica ammo and bullets for added realism
His iconic weaponry tells of an expert gunman not hesitant to kill in pursuit of retribution. Expect to spend about $150 for a replica of the Colt .45 Single Action Army revolver and $100 for the gun belt and holster. Prop Colt pistols on Etsy and eBay sell for more than $40.
Black Neckerchief
The Stranger wears a simple black neckerchief tied around his throat.
- Black color conveys a somber, serious mood
- Neckerchief is a traditional Western accessory
- Worn loosely with shirt unbuttoned shows casual edge
This subtle piece hints at The Stranger’s complex nature – both gritty and refined. Expect to spend just $5-$15 on a bandana at Amazon.
Winchester 1892 Saddle Ring Carbine
The Stranger used the iconic Winchester 1892 Saddle Ring Carbine to shoot off one of the ears of Cole Carlin near a dry lake bed.
- Classic, strong Old West rifle shows he means business
- Saddle ring provides easy access while riding
- Trusty rifle implies competence and experience
This legendary rifle signals The Stranger is seasoned with firearms and battle. Price range is $900-$1,500 for authenticity.
Bullwhip
Attached to The Stranger’s belt is a leather bullwhip.
- Whip shows he exerts dominion over others
- Allows him to disarm and inflict pain from a distance
- Implies a comfort with violence if required
This weapon conveys The Stranger will use fear and force to subdue his enemies. Expect to pay $40-$100 for a bullwhip.
Cowboy Boots with Spurs
On his feet, The Stranger wears scuffed cowboy boots with jingling spurs.
- Boots ground him in the Western setting
- Spurs create a foreboding sound when moving
- Scuffing shows he’s been through some rough trails
This footwear signals The Stranger is an experienced cowboy not to be crossed. Plan on $100-$300 for well-made boots and $20-$50 for spurs.
Cigarillos
The Stranger is frequently seen enjoying unlit cigarillos.
- Cigarillos project a tough, gritty edge
- Makes him appear relaxed and confident
- Indicates rebelliousness and individualism
His cigars convey The Stranger is comfortable rebelling against norms and conventions. Cost for props is $5-$20.
Stranger-Inspired Costumes for Ghostly Cowgirls
Ladies, want to tap into your own dark side this Halloween and channel the female version of The Stranger? There are several creative ways for gals to make a costume that emulates his supernatural cowboy style:
Saloon Girl Stranger
Put a spin on a saloon costume and sashay ominously through the swinging doors to deal out justice mixing in The Stranger’s vibe:
- Saloon girl dress in earth tones ($50-$100)
- Poncho or duster coat over the top ($75-$200)
- Toy gunbelt slung around hips ($15-$50)
- Stranger’s style brimmed cowboy hat ($100-$300)
Ghostly Cowgirl
Channel your inner cowgirl spirit and ride again to avenge your untimely end with:
- Printed prairie dress in blues and browns ($50-$150)
- The Stranger’s ragged neckerchief ($5-$15)
- Cowboy boots with spurs ($100-$300)
- Unlit cigarillo between your teeth ($10-$20)
Everyday Stranger Vibes
For casual creepy-cowgirl chic:
- Pair dark jeans ($50-$100) with cowboy boots ($100-$300)
- Layer on The Stranger’s distressed duster ($150-$500)
- Top with wide-brimmed hat ($100-$300)
Comfortably channel the grim gunslinger anytime.
Stranger-Inspired Costumes for Little Cowboys
Want to dress up your little buckaroos in some supernatural Stranger style this Halloween? Here are creative DIY ideas for kids’ costumes on a budget:
Mini Stranger Cowboy
For a baby Stranger, use:
- Dad’s oversized tan or brown coat ($0)
- Toy cowboy hat ($10-$20)
- Bandana around neck ($5)
- Kids’ cowboy boots ($20-$50)
Your mini drifter is ready to haunt trick or treating!
Lil’ Cowgirl Stranger
For supernatural cowgirls:
- Floral dress in dusty blues and tans ($10-$30)
- Brown duster too big for her ($0)
- Toy gun in holster ($5-$10)
- Cowgirl hat ($15-$30)
Too cute to shoot anyone (even if they deserve it)!
Quick Undead Cowpoke
On a tight budget? Use what they own:
- Jeans and a stainable shirt ($0)
- Add bandana, hat and toy gun ($15-$40)
Stranger Group Costumes for Haunting Posses
Want to get your squad in on channeling the supernatural Stranger this Halloween? Group costumes make the haunting twice as fun. Consider these ideas:
Stranger’s Cowboy Ghost Posse
Simple concept – one person as The Stranger, the rest as undead cowboys.
- Stranger in full drifter garb
- Friends in distressed cowboy clothes
- Extra ripped/stained shirts and hats for ghosts
- Face paint for scary spectral looks
Ghost makeup can be bought for $10-$30 or DIY’d.
Supernatural Saloon Specters
For a haunted saloon vibe:
- Stranger as creepy patron
- Friends as ghostly bartenders, servers, bandits
- Saloon girl dresses, bartender aprons
- Ragged clothes and pale makeup
Raid your closet for costume pieces!
Pair with Mordecai Villard
An iconic duo:
- One as The Stranger
- One as Mordecai – black suit and hat
- Work together to terrorize the town
Becoming the Drifter’s Spirit
You’ve assembled the signature duster, hat and spurs. Now it’s time to fully inhabit the foreboding persona of The Stranger. Use these tips to complete the transformation:
Study Eastwood’s Expressions
- Practice the signature icy blue-eyed stare and slight sneer.
- Squint judgmentsally at people who cross your path.
- Perfect the subtle winces and glares Eastwood is known for.
Channel the Haunter’s silent intensity.
Move Smoothly Yet Ominously
- Glide slowly with a hand poised near your holster.
- Spurs should jingle broodingly with each measured step.
- Turn dramatically in your duster to reveal yourself.
Bring a sinister supernatural presence to your movements.
Speak with Gravelly Authority
- Adopt a soft, raspy tone when speaking.
- Make vague yet ominous pronouncements.
- Decline to answer nosy personal question so as to leave people uneasy and wanting to know more.
Always Stay in Character
- Remain stoic and unreadable at all times.
- React cryptically when confronted or curious people pry.
- Exude mystery and otherworldliness.
