Contents
Introduction
“Merry Christmas! Sh*tter was full!” If you hear that iconic line and immediately picture a man in a short, white bathrobe, fuzzy trapper hat, and a cigar, then you’re a true fan of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. The character of Cousin Eddie, played brilliantly by Randy Quaid, is a holiday legend. His chaotic energy and questionable fashion choices have made him a fan favorite for decades. One of his most memorable looks, the infamous bathrobe ensemble, has become a go-to costume for holiday parties, Halloween, and themed events. It’s a look that’s instantly recognizable and guaranteed to get a laugh.
Thinking about putting together your own Cousin Eddie outfit? You’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create the perfect tribute to this hilarious character. We’ll break down each piece of the costume, from the signature robe and hat to the must-have accessories. We’ll also share some tips on how to truly embody the spirit of Eddie, because the costume is only half the fun. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need to assemble an amazing Cousin Eddie outfit that will make you the star of any party.
Who is Cousin Eddie?
Before we get into the details of the costume, let’s take a moment to appreciate the man himself. Cousin Eddie is Catherine’s husband and Clark Griswold’s cousin-in-law in the National Lampoon’s Vacation series. He first appeared in the original 1983 film, but it’s his role in Christmas Vacation that cemented his legacy. Eddie is a kind-hearted, simple man who loves his family, even if he has a strange way of showing it. He lives in a run-down RV with his wife, kids, and dog, Snots. He’s unemployed and doesn’t have much money, but he always has a positive outlook on life.
Eddie’s charm comes from his complete lack of self-awareness. He says whatever is on his mind, no matter how inappropriate it might be. His fashion sense is just as unfiltered. He wears clothes that are often too small, mismatched, or just plain weird. The most famous example is his bathrobe scene, where he stands outside the Griswold’s house in the cold, emptying his RV’s chemical toilet into the sewer. This scene perfectly captures who Eddie is: a little rough around the edges, but ultimately well-meaning. Creating a Cousin Eddie outfit is about more than just clothes; it’s about capturing this unforgettable personality.
The Essential Bathrobe
The centerpiece of the Cousin Eddie outfit is, without a doubt, the bathrobe. It’s not just any bathrobe, though. To get the look right, you need a specific style. Eddie wears a short, white, fluffy robe that barely covers his thighs. The robe is often slightly open, revealing his bare chest. It’s a look that screams “I don’t care what you think,” which is pure Eddie. When you’re shopping for your robe, look for one made of a plush, absorbent material like terry cloth. This will give you that authentic, just-got-out-of-the-shower look, even if you’re at a party.
The fit is also crucial. The robe should be noticeably too short and a bit snug. You don’t want it to look like it fits you perfectly. Part of the humor of the Cousin Eddie outfit comes from the ill-fitting clothes. If you can’t find a robe that’s short enough, you can always buy a regular-sized one and have it hemmed. The goal is to show a little leg, just like Eddie. Remember, the robe is the most important part of the costume, so take your time to find the right one. It will make or break your entire look. A great bathrobe is the foundation of a successful Cousin Eddie outfit.
Finding the Perfect Trapper Hat
Next up is the hat. Cousin Eddie’s trapper hat is just as iconic as his bathrobe. It’s a furry, animal-print hat with ear flaps that tie at the top. The hat adds a touch of wilderness to his suburban ensemble, making it even more hilarious. The original hat from the movie appears to be a light-colored faux fur, possibly with a subtle animal pattern. When you’re searching for your hat, look for something that has a similar vibe. You can find trapper hats at many clothing stores, especially during the winter months. Online retailers are also a great source.
Don’t worry about finding an exact replica of the movie hat. Any fuzzy trapper hat with ear flaps will work. The key is to capture the spirit of the look. You could go for a classic white or tan faux fur, or you could mix it up with a different animal print like leopard or cheetah for a fun twist. The ear flaps are a must, as Eddie wears them tied up on top of his head. This small detail is what makes the hat so recognizable. Your Cousin Eddie outfit won’t be complete without this essential piece of headwear.
The Black Dress Shoes and Socks
Now let’s talk about footwear. To complete the bottom half of his look, Cousin Eddie wears black dress shoes with black socks. This is perhaps one of the funniest parts of the outfit. The combination of a fluffy bathrobe and formal dress shoes is wonderfully absurd. It suggests that he might have been getting ready for a fancy event before he was interrupted, or maybe he just has a very unique sense of style. Whatever the reason, the shoes are a critical component of the costume.
When choosing your shoes, go for a simple, classic black dress shoe. It doesn’t have to be anything expensive or fancy. A basic pair of loafers or oxfords will do the trick. The shinier, the better. Pair them with a pair of plain black dress socks pulled up high. This combination creates a stark contrast with the casual robe, which is exactly what you want. This part of the Cousin Eddie outfit is often overlooked, but it’s the small details that really sell the costume and show you’re a true fan of the film.
Don’t Forget the Accessories
Accessories are what take a good costume and make it great. For the Cousin Eddie outfit, there are a few key items you’ll need. First and foremost is the cigar. Eddie is almost always seen with a cigar hanging out of his mouth. You can get a fake, oversized cigar from any costume shop. It adds an extra layer of character to the look and is a prop you can have fun with all night. Next, you’ll need a green garden hose. In the movie, Eddie uses the hose to empty his RV’s toilet. Carrying a coiled-up hose with you will make your costume instantly recognizable.
Another great accessory is a can of beer. Eddie is often seen enjoying a cold one, so having a can of beer as part of your costume is a nice touch. You can use a real can or a prop, depending on the rules of your event. Finally, consider adding a dog leash for his beloved dog, Snots. Even if you don’t have a real dog with you, carrying the leash adds another layer of detail. These accessories help tell the story of the character and make your Cousin Eddie outfit more complete and memorable.
Bringing the Character to Life
Wearing the Cousin Eddie outfit is just the beginning. To truly nail the costume, you have to embody the character. This means adopting his mannerisms, his speech, and his overall attitude. Eddie has a distinct way of talking, with a slight southern drawl and a tendency to use colorful phrases. Practice some of his most famous lines, like “That there’s an RV” and “Real nice, Clark.” Saying them with the right timing and inflection will get a huge laugh.
Beyond his quotes, think about his body language. Eddie has a relaxed, almost lazy posture. He often stands with his hands on his hips or with one hand in his pocket. He’s not afraid to get up close and personal, often putting his arm around Clark’s shoulders. When you’re in character, try to mimic these mannerisms. Be friendly, a little too familiar, and completely oblivious to social cues. The more you can act like Eddie, the more effective your costume will be. A convincing performance is what separates a good Cousin Eddie outfit from a great one.
Where to Wear Your Cousin Eddie Outfit
Once you’ve assembled your perfect Cousin Eddie outfit, you’ll need a place to show it off. The most obvious choice is a holiday-themed costume party. Whether it’s a work event, a gathering with friends, or a family get-together, this costume is guaranteed to be a hit during the Christmas season. It’s a fun, lighthearted choice that everyone who has seen the movie will appreciate. You could even host your own Christmas Vacation viewing party and encourage guests to come dressed as their favorite characters.
But the fun doesn’t have to stop at Christmas. The Cousin Eddie outfit is also a fantastic choice for Halloween. It’s a unique and funny costume that stands out in a sea of superheroes and monsters. You could also wear it to a 1980s-themed party, since the movie was released in 1989. The costume is so iconic that it works for a variety of occasions. No matter where you wear it, be prepared to get a lot of attention. People will want to take pictures with you and hear you recite Eddie’s best lines.
Creating a Group Costume
Why go solo when you can get your friends and family involved? A Christmas Vacation group costume is a fantastic idea for any party. You can easily expand on the Cousin Eddie outfit by having others dress up as different characters from the movie. Someone can be Clark Griswold, complete with his Santa hat and tangled ball of Christmas lights. Another person can be Ellen Griswold, wearing one of her classic ’80s sweaters. Don’t forget about the kids, Rusty and Audrey, or the grandparents.
And of course, you can’t have a Cousin Eddie without his family. Find someone to be his wife, Catherine, in a simple dress and sweater. You can even create signs for his kids, Rocky and Ruby Sue. A group costume is a great way to share the fun and create some unforgettable photo opportunities. Imagine the entire Griswold clan, plus Eddie’s family, all gathered together. It’s a recipe for a memorable night and a great way to celebrate one of the best holiday movies of all time. Your Cousin Eddie outfit becomes even better as part of a team.
DIY vs. Pre-Made Costumes
When it comes to putting together your Cousin Eddie outfit, you have two main options: you can buy a pre-made costume set, or you can assemble it yourself. There are pros and cons to each approach. Pre-made costumes are convenient and ensure you have all the necessary pieces. You can find complete sets online that include the robe, hat, belt, and sometimes even the cigar. This is a great option if you’re short on time or don’t want to hunt for individual items.
On the other hand, a DIY approach allows for more creativity and a more authentic look. You can hand-pick each piece to get the fit and style just right. Thrifting the robe and shoes can be a fun adventure and might save you some money. Building the costume yourself also gives you a greater sense of ownership and pride in the final result. You’ll know that your Cousin Eddie outfit is truly one-of-a-kind. Ultimately, the choice between DIY and pre-made comes down to your personal preference, budget, and how much time you want to invest.
Final Touches for Authenticity
To take your Cousin Eddie outfit to the next level, focus on the small details. Think about his overall appearance in the film. His hair is a bit messy and unkempt, so don’t be afraid to tousle your hair a bit. If you really want to commit, you could even wear a “dickie” (a mock turtleneck collar) under your robe. Eddie is famous for wearing them in other scenes, and it’s a funny little inside joke for true fans of the movie.
Another detail is the fit of the bathrobe. In the movie, Eddie’s robe is held together by a single, thin belt that looks like it’s struggling to do its job. Try to find a similar belt for your own robe. It’s these subtle touches that show you’ve really done your homework. The more you can replicate the exact look from the movie, the more impressive your costume will be. A truly great Cousin Eddie outfit is a collection of these well-observed details, all coming together to create an unforgettable look.
Are You Ready to Be Eddie?
Creating a Cousin Eddie outfit is a fun and rewarding project for any fan of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. It’s a costume that’s full of personality and humor, and it’s sure to be a hit at any event. By focusing on the key elements—the short white robe, the trapper hat, the black dress shoes, and the essential accessories—you can build a look that’s instantly recognizable. But remember, the costume is only part of the equation. To truly capture the magic of Cousin Eddie, you have to embrace his clueless but lovable personality. Practice your lines, perfect your posture, and get ready to spread some holiday cheer, Eddie-style. Now go on, get your gear together—that sh*tter’s not gonna empty itself!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important parts of a Cousin Eddie outfit?
The most crucial elements are the short, white bathrobe, the furry trapper hat, and the black dress shoes with black socks. These three items create the signature look. Accessories like a cigar, a green garden hose, and a can of beer will make the costume even more recognizable and complete the iconic Cousin Eddie outfit.
Is it better to buy a pre-made Cousin Eddie costume or make my own?
Both options have their benefits. Pre-made costumes are convenient and ensure you get all the main pieces at once. A DIY approach allows for more personalization and can be more fun. You can thrift the items to create a more authentic, worn-in look that perfectly captures Eddie’s character.
What kind of hat does Cousin Eddie wear?
Cousin Eddie wears a classic trapper hat, also known as an aviator or bomber hat. It’s made of a light-colored, fuzzy faux fur and features ear flaps that he wears tied up on top of his head. Any similar style of hat will work to complete your Cousin Eddie outfit.
How can I act like Cousin Eddie to make my costume more convincing?
To act like Cousin Eddie, adopt a friendly, overly familiar, and slightly clueless demeanor. Use a bit of a drawl and practice his famous lines from the movie. Stand with a relaxed posture and don’t be afraid to be a little goofy. Embodying his personality is key to a successful costume.
Can I wear a Cousin Eddie outfit to events other than Christmas parties?
Absolutely! While it’s a perfect costume for the holidays, the Cousin Eddie outfit is also a great choice for Halloween, 80s-themed parties, or any event where costumes are encouraged. It’s a funny and recognizable costume that people will appreciate year-round.
What are some good ideas for a Christmas Vacation group costume?
A Christmas Vacation group costume is a fantastic idea! You can have people dress up as Clark Griswold (with lights), Ellen Griswold (in an 80s sweater), Rusty, and Audrey. For Eddie’s family, you can have a Catherine, and you can even make props for Rocky, Ruby Sue, and the dog, Snots.
