- Difficulty: 2/10
- Can you build it from your own wardrobe: Maybe! The core pieces (red shirt, jeans) are likely closet staples. Accessories like the jacket and ring might require shopping.
- Scare factor: 0/10. Ben Chang is more funny and eccentric than scary.
- Cost: $$$$$
The hallowed halls of Halloween are upon us, friends, and what better way to celebrate than by embodying the delightfully manic energy of Ben Chang, the "Spanish" teacher turned rage monster from Community? So, ditch the predictable superheroes and boring princesses, and get ready to unleash your inner El Tigre Chino with this comprehensive Ben Chang costume guide!
Ben Chang Costume Essentials
You will need the following items to dress like Ben Chang:
How To Dress Like Ben Chang
Now that you've grasped the Changlorious essence, let's delve into the nitty-gritty of assembling your costume. Remember, Chang's attire reflects his chaotic personality, so embrace a touch of mismatched flair!
1. The Crimson Canvas: The Red Shirt
- What You Need: A plain red short-sleeved shirt. Think classic crewneck or V-neck.
- How to Do It: This is the foundation of your Changness. Dig into your closet or hit up a thrift store for a vibrant red shirt. Bonus points for a slightly worn or faded look, reflecting Chang's "seasoned" wardrobe.
- Bonus Tip: Elevate your Chang-ness by adding a DIY name tag with "Señor Chang" or "El Tigre Chino." Channel your inner marker artist and unleash your creativity!
2. The Roar of the Tiger: The Iconic Jacket
- What You Need: A black leather jacket with a tiger design on the back. Think classic biker style.
- How to Do It: This is the statement piece! Thrift stores and online marketplaces are your hunting grounds. Alternatively, unleash your inner artist and paint a tiger motif on a plain black jacket.
- Bonus Tip: No tiger jacket in sight? Don't fret! Channel your inner Changnesia and rock a black jacket with a fierce animal print scarf or a bold tiger-themed pin.
3. The Sparkle of Authority: The Silver Ring
- What You Need: A simple silver ring. Think classic band or signet.
- How to Do It: Accessorize like a (delusional) authority figure! Any silver ring will do, but consider a slightly chunky or engraved one for added Chang-tastic flair.
- Bonus Tip: Thrift stores and online shops offer a treasure trove of affordable silver rings. Get creative and find one that speaks to your inner Chang!
4. The Denim Dilemmas: The Cowboy Cut Jeans
- What You Need: A pair of relaxed-fit, bootcut jeans. Think classic cowboy style.
- How to Do It: Embrace Chang's unique fashion sense with a pair of relaxed-fit jeans. Dark wash or light wash, it's your Chang-tastic choice!
- Bonus Tip: Don't have cowboy cut jeans? No worries! Roll up the cuffs of your favorite jeans for a similar silhouette. Remember, Chang's about confidence, not sartorial perfection!
5. The Stomp of El Tigre: The Leather Boots
- What You Need: A pair of brown leather boots. Think classic cowboy or combat style.
- How to Do It: Complete your Chang-formation with some sturdy boots! Cowboy boots channel the classic Chang, while combat boots add a touch of Chang-tastic edge.
- Bonus Tip: No leather boots? Don't despair! Dark brown ankle boots or even sturdy hiking boots can work. Remember, Chang's about attitude, not brand names!
Ben Chang Cosplay
Now that you're dressed to impress (and slightly terrify), it's time to truly transform into the manic maestro, Ben Chang! Remember, Chang's charm lies in his unpredictable energy, so embrace the absurdity and prepare to Chang-ify the party!
How to Act Like Ben Chang at the Halloween Party
1. Speak with Chang-tastic Confidence:
- What To Do: Exude an aura of unwavering self-belief, even if it borders on delusion. Hold your head high, make bold statements, and own the room (figuratively, of course).
- How To Do It: Channel your inner motivational speaker (with a hint of narcissism). Project your voice, make eye contact, and don't be afraid to share your (often outlandish) opinions.
- Bonus Tip: Practice Chang-isms like "Pop quiz, hotshot!" or "streets ahead" to sprinkle throughout your conversations. Just remember, Chang's confidence often masks insecurity, so deliver your lines with a hint of vulnerability for added depth.
2. Embrace the Pop Culture Deluge:
- What To Do: Shower your fellow partygoers with obscure movie references, outdated TV show trivia, and anything else that pops into your Chang-tastic mind.
- How To Do It: Brush up on your pop culture knowledge (think B-movies and cult classics) and unleash a barrage of references. Bonus points for incorporating Chang's love for Chevy Chase and Die Hard.
- Bonus Tip: Don't be afraid to get creative! Invent your own fictional movies, TV shows, or even historical events and share them with wide-eyed enthusiasm. Remember, Chang's world is a hilarious blend of fact and fiction.
3. Channel Your Inner Narcissist:
- What To Do: Revel in your Chang-tastic awesomeness! Compliment yourself liberally, strike dramatic poses, and demand the spotlight.
- How To Do It: Practice self-deprecating humor mixed with bursts of self-admiration. Think Michael Scott with a dash of El Tigre Chino. Remember, Chang's narcissism is more comedic than malicious, so keep it light and playful.
- Bonus Tip: Whip out a selfie stick and capture Chang-tastic moments with your fellow partygoers. Just don't forget to tag yourself in all the photos!
4. Be Enthusiastically Over-the-Top:
- What To Do: Approach everything with unbridled passion, whether it's dancing, playing games, or simply chatting. Remember, Chang's emotions are always dialed up to eleven!
- How To Do It: React to everything with exaggerated enthusiasm. Gasp dramatically at surprises, cheer wildly for your team in games, and even shed a Chang-tastic tear (or two) during emotional moments.
- Bonus Tip: Don't be afraid to get physical (within reason, of course)! Engage in playful Chang-fu moves, perform an impromptu karate demonstration, or simply strike a dramatic pose. Just remember, safety first!
5. Embrace the Absurdity, Have Fun!:
- What To Do: Above all, remember that Chang is a hilarious and ridiculous character. Don't take yourself too seriously, embrace the nonsensical, and most importantly, have fun!
- How To Do It: Let loose, laugh at yourself, and enjoy the reactions you get. Chang's humor lies in his unpredictable antics, so don't be afraid to improvise and embrace the unexpected.
- Bonus Tip: Remember, the key to Chang's character is his childlike wonder and excitement for the world. Channel that inner joy and spread Chang-tastic cheer wherever you go!
Couple and Group Costume Ideas
Now that you're a Chang-tastic solo act, let's expand the Changnesia to your whole crew! From romantic duos to group shenanigans, here are some Chang-inspired costume ideas to truly dominate the Halloween scene:
Chang-tastic Couples:
- Annie and Abed: Channel the ultimate study group power couple! Annie can rock her classic cheerleader outfit, while Abed dons his iconic "Darkest Timeline" hoodie or a themed costume from his favorite movie. Add Chang flair with a "Señor Chang and the Study Group Save Greendale" banner.
- Shirley and Chang: This unlikely duo brings the laughs. Shirley rocks her sassy chef attire, while Chang dons his "El Tigre Chino" garb. Bonus points for carrying around a Chang-ified version of Shirley's famous Shirley sandwiches.
- Jeff and Chang: A bromance for the ages (with a twist). Jeff rocks his suave lawyer suit, while Chang goes full "City College" rival, complete with a fake City College jersey and Changnesia-fueled trash talk.
Chang-tastic Groups:
- The Greendale Study Group: Assemble your own ragtag study crew! Each member can dress as their iconic character, such as Annie, Britta, and Chang, of course, takes center stage. Bonus points for recreating scenes from the show for ultimate comedic effect.
- The Save Greendale Committee: Channel Chang's activist spirit! Dress in mismatched protest attire, carry homemade signs with absurd slogans, and don't forget Chang's signature "Save Greendale" headband.
- The Chang Dynasty: Embrace Chang's delusions of grandeur! Dress in various Asian-inspired outfits (with a healthy dose of Chang-tastic misinterpretations), complete with cardboard crowns and Chang leading the procession as the self-proclaimed emperor.
Chang-tastic Families:
- Chang and the Mini-Tiges: Dress your kids as miniature El Tigre Chinos, complete with adorable tiger ears and tails. Chang, of course, leads the pack in his full glory, ready to unleash some Chang-fu cuteness.
- The Changnesia Family: Embrace the Changnesia chaos! Everyone dresses in mismatched, nonsensical outfits, with Chang at the center of the hilarious confusion. Bonus points for carrying around props like inflatable globes or Chang's trusty whiteboard.
- Ben Chang and His "Subjects" : For a family leaning into Chang's dictator phase, one person dresses as Emperor Chang, complete with a makeshift crown and scepter, while the rest of the family dresses as his loyal (or not-so-loyal) subjects or "Changlourious Basterds."
Remember, these are just jumping-off points! Get creative, mix and match, and most importantly, have Chang-tastic fun with your crew!
About Ben Chang
Now that you're equipped to unleash your inner El Tigre Chino, let's delve into the fascinating depths of Ben Chang himself. From his erratic persona to his surprising impact on pop culture, there's more to Chang than meets the Changnesia-addled eye.
Character Overview:
- Role in: Community, the beloved sitcom about a ragtag study group at Greendale Community College.
- Played By: Ken Jeong
Background and Personality Traits:
- Personality: Chang is a complex and unpredictable character. He displays manic behavior, delusions of grandeur, and a deep-seated insecurity that often manifests as narcissism and aggression. Despite his eccentricities, he occasionally shows moments of vulnerability and even kindness.
- Appearance: Chang's signature look is a red shirt, jeans, and a leather jacket with a tiger design. He often accessorizes with a silver ring and sunglasses.
Role in the Story:
- Chang's Journey: Throughout the series, Chang transitions from a Spanish teacher to a security guard to a student, experiencing various mental breakdowns and identity crises along the way. He remains a central figure, injecting chaos and humor into the group dynamics.
- Chang's Impact: Though not always a positive influence, Chang's unpredictable energy and outlandish schemes contribute significantly to the show's humor and unique charm. He represents the absurdity and hidden insecurities that lurk beneath the surface of seemingly normal individuals.
Cultural Impact:
- Chang-tastic Memes: Chang's lines and mannerisms have become iconic, spawning countless memes and online references. Phrases like "Pop quiz, hotshot!" and "streets ahead" have cemented his place in pop culture lexicon.
- Beyond Comedy: While Chang primarily serves as a comedic figure, his struggles with identity and mental health resonate with viewers, sparking discussions about deeper themes and challenging audiences to look beyond the surface humor.
Further Reading:
Conclusion
This comprehensive guide has equipped you with everything needed to embody the unforgettable Ben Chang for Halloween, from his signature looks to capturing his uniquely chaotic spirit at your next party. By embracing Chang's eccentricities, you'll not only pay homage to one of "Community's" most memorable characters but also ensure your costume stands out with creativity and humor. Dive into the world of Greendale Community College and let the spirit of Ben Chang inspire your Halloween festivities.
Other "Community" Costume Ideas
Annie Edison
Abed Nadir
Britta
Jeff Winger