The Handler, from the captivating world of The Umbrella Academy, is a figure marked by her unwavering control and vintage elegance. This costume guide will empower you to recreate her timeless look with a focus on detailed pieces and embodied poise. We'll cover assembling her iconic outfit, exploring her mannerisms, and even delve into ways to adapt her style for group ensembles. With our guidance and your dedication, you'll transform yourself into the enigmatic force behind the Temps Commission.
Our Verdict:
- Difficulty: 4/10
- (The individual pieces aren't overly complex, but achieving the precise vintage silhouette and finding the perfect accessories requires both an eye for detail and a bit of sourcing luck.)
- Can you build it from your own wardrobe:
- This depends heavily on your wardrobe's style. If you already favor vintage-inspired clothing, you might be able to modify pieces you own. Otherwise, thrifting is essential.
- Scare factor: 1/10
- (The Handler is intimidating due to her presence and actions, not because her appearance is inherently scary.)
- Cost: $$$$$ Here's a rough breakdown:
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- Basic (from your wardrobe or thrifted): ~$20-$50 (This assumes you can modify what you own or find most pieces secondhand. A new wig might be the biggest expense)
- Mid-range (mix of new and pre-owned items): ~$75-$150 (This allows for purchasing a good quality vintage-style trench coat if needed, plus new accessories or makeup)
- High-End (replica pieces): ~$200+
(Sourcing accurate replicas of her briefcase, cigarette holder, etc., can get pricey, especially if buying vintage)
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Additional Notes on Cost:
- Your location will affect prices, especially for thrifted items.
- If you have sewing skills, that significantly reduces costs!
- Consider borrowing items like the briefcase from friends or family for added authenticity without the cost.
The Handler Costume Essentials
You will need the following items for your The Handler Halloween costume:
How To DIY The Handler's Iconic Look
The Handler's commanding presence comes in part from her meticulously crafted vintage look. With a few clever alterations and keen attention to detail, you can transform yourself into this stylish force of nature. Remember, we provided a ready-to-purchase shopping list earlier, but if you're ready to channel your inner seamstress or tailor, let's dive into DIY options to make your Handler costume uniquely yours!
The Forest Green Trench Coat
What You Need:
- A long, classic-style trench coat in a neutral color (black, navy, beige)
- Forest green fabric dye suitable for your coat's material
- Fabric scissors
- Black thread and needle (or sewing machine)
- Large black buttons (enough to replace existing buttons and add a double-breasted row)
- Wide black satin ribbon
How To Do It:
- Color Transformation: Follow the fabric dye instructions carefully to transform your base coat into a rich forest green or black. Let it dry completely.
- Tailored Silhouette: If needed, take in the sides or sleeves of your coat for a more fitted look, reminiscent of The Handler's tailored style.
- Button Upgrade: Remove the existing buttons and carefully sew on the large black buttons in a double-breasted configuration.
- The Tie Belt: Cut a long length of the black satin ribbon and thread it through the belt loops, cinching the waist for a classic trench coat look.
Bonus Tips:
- For a glossy, satin-like finish, consider spraying your finished coat with a fabric-safe sealant or finisher.
- Browse thrift stores or online secondhand shops for a vintage trench coat to give your project extra authenticity.
- Feeling ambitious? Search online for trench coat sewing patterns for a from-scratch build—this will allow perfect control over the color and fit.
The Vintage Blonde Wig
What You Need:
- A short blonde wig (or a wig in your natural color to dye)
- Hairspray
- Bobby pins
- Curling iron or hot rollers
How To Do It:
- Find Your Base: If you cannot find a wig in the right style, start with a short blonde wig and prepare to style it or dye a wig that matches your natural hair color.
- Set the Curls: Using your curling iron or rollers, create soft, vintage-style waves. Set the curls with hairspray.
- Shape the Style: Gently arrange the hair, pinning if needed, to achieve The Handler's side-parted, voluminous 'do.
Bonus Tips:
- For added vintage flair, search for a wig with a slight bouffant near the crown for extra height.
- Browse costume shops for character-specific wigs—you might find a pre-styled option!
The Essential Accessories
What You Need:
- Black gloves (ideally elbow-length)
- A black briefcase
- Black sunglasses with a cat-eye shape
- Red stiletto heels
How to Do It:
- These key pieces might best be sourced from secondhand stores, prop shops, or online retailers, as DIY is less practical for these items.
Bonus Tips:
- Don't stress over perfect matches. The overall effect with the coat and dress matters most!
With these transformations, the core of The Handler's look is yours. Let's transition now to embodying her cool confidence and unwavering control!
The Handler Cosplay
The Handler commands attention not just with her look, but with her unwavering demeanor. By channeling a few key aspects of her personality, you'll transform your costume into a captivating performance!
How to act like The Handler at the Halloween Party:
Composed Confidence
What To Do: The Handler possesses an unwavering sense of self-assurance. This translates directly into her posture and movement.
How To Do It:
- Maintain excellent posture: Stand tall, shoulders back, chin slightly lifted.
- Move deliberately: Walk with measured steps, avoid fidgeting.
- Speak clearly and firmly: Project your voice, and choose your words with intention.
Bonus Tips:
- This air of confidence comes from within. I find standing in a "power pose" for a few minutes before channeling The Handler helps me get into character.
- Remember, The Handler believes in her own authority, even when those around her may not!
Subtle Sarcasm
What To Do: The Handler often uses wit and subtle sarcasm to mask her true intentions and maintain power in a conversation.
How To Do It:
- Raise one eyebrow slightly when delivering a sarcastic comment.
- Emphasize certain words to subtly change the meaning of a sentence ("That's a wonderful idea").
- Maintain a deadpan expression, even when your words drip with sarcasm.
Bonus Tips:
- The key is in the delivery, not just the words themselves. Practice in front of a mirror or with a friend to perfect your timing and tone.
- Study specific scenes from The Umbrella Academy where The Handler uses sarcasm effectively.
Controlled Gestures
What To Do: The Handler rarely makes grand gestures. Her movements are calculated, adding emphasis to her words and commands
How To Do It:
- Use your hands sparingly: A simple pointed finger or a dismissive wave can be powerful.
- Keep gestures close to your body: Avoid broad arm movements that could signal a loss of control.
- Let your eyes do the talking: A lingering stare or a pointed glance is often more communicative than words.
Bonus Tips:
- The Handler holds her cigarette holder with elegance. If you include this prop, use it to accentuate your gestures.
- Think about what each gesture says about how The Handler is feeling in a given moment.
Unflappable Reactions
What To Do: Chaos often swirls around The Handler, yet she rarely displays outward shock or panic. An air of cool detachment is part of her mystique.
How To Do It:
- Breathe deeply: If practiced beforehand, controlled breathing can calm your nerves in surprising situations.
- Limit facial expressions: Maintain a neutral or slightly bemused expression, even when something unexpected happens.
- Respond with calculation: Even if surprised, The Handler is always steps ahead. Rather than reacting emotionally, focus on solutions.
Bonus Tips:
- I think this is one of the hardest Handler traits to master, but it's incredibly rewarding when you do!
- Remember, even if YOU are panicking on the inside, your audience only sees what The Handler projects.
By combining composed posture, subtle sarcasm, calculated gestures, and that unshakeable composure, you'll step beyond costume and truly inhabit the essence of The Handler.
Couple, Group and Family Costume Ideas
Take your Handler costume to a whole new level by incorporating others into the fun! Let's explore dynamic pairings, powerful ensembles, and even family-friendly themes inspired by The Handler's world within The Umbrella Academy.
Couple Costume Ideas
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Idea 1: The Handler and Number Five
- Why It Works: Their tense, adversarial relationship is iconic in The Umbrella Academy. This pairing highlights The Handler's cold pragmatism contrasted with Five's youthful defiance.
- Difficulty: Moderate
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Idea 2: The Handler and Lila Pitts
- Why It Works: Their twisted mother-daughter dynamic adds a layer of intrigue to any event. The Handler's elegant vintage look plays well off Lila's more modern combat-ready style.
- Difficulty: Easy
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Idea 3: The Handler and Hazel or Cha-Cha
- Why It Works: This is a visually striking option as the Handler flanked by her deadly assassins makes for a statement entrance.
- Difficulty: Moderate (Hazel and Cha-Cha's masks add to the challenge)
Group Costume Ideas
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Idea 1: The Temps Commission
- Why It Works: Gather your friends as the various agents of the Temps Commission. This works for groups of most sizes, and difficulty can be scaled by how ambitious you get with individual agent costumes.
- Difficulty: Moderate
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Idea 2: Siblings of Chaos
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Idea 3: The Sparrow Academy Throwdown
- Why It Works: Handler and the Sparrow Academy make for a rivalry for the ages! The Handler's vintage style plays against the Sparrows' edgier looks.
- Difficulty: Varies based on chosen characters
Family Costume Ideas
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Idea 1: The Temps Commission Family Vacation
- Why It Works: A hilarious twist where the normally serious Commission members are dressed in vacation attire. Think The Handler sporting a vintage swimsuit and sunglasses! Kids can be junior agents in training.
- Difficulty: Moderate
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Idea 2: Handler and Her Variants
- Why It Works: What if the Sparrows were all Handler variants? Explore different takes on The Handler's look for each family member – different color palettes, accessories, hairstyles!
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (depending on the level of detail)
About The Handler
The Handler is more than just her stylish outfits and intimidating presence. She's a fascinating figure whose ambitions and manipulations ripple throughout the fabric of The Umbrella Academy. Let's unravel her complexities and explore why she remains a fan favorite.
Character Overview
- Role in The Umbrella Academy: High-ranking member and former leader of the Temps Commission, an organization dedicated to maintaining the timeline and preventing changes to history.
- Played By: Kate Walsh
Background and Personality Traits
- Personality: Ruthlessly ambitious, cunning, and possessing a dry sense of humor. The Handler is firmly convinced she knows best and is willing to go to extremes to preserve the timeline, even if it means sacrificing lives.
- Appearance: Meticulous vintage style – think tailored dresses, elegant trench coats, and a constant air of authority. Her appearance reflects her commitment to order and tradition.
Role in the Story
- Major Plot Points: The Handler's actions drive much of the conflict in Season 2. From forging Carmichael's signature to assassinate Lila's parents to her ruthless attempts to eliminate the Umbrella Academy members, her choices create chaos.
- Narrative Impact: The Handler serves as a constant foil to the Umbrella Academy, exposing their flaws while pushing them to their limits. Her pursuit of Five also highlights his immense power and unique role in disrupting timelines.
Cultural Impact
- Fan Reception: The Handler is a beloved villain! Her stylish looks are popular for cosplay, and her memorable quotes are frequent memes. Fans debate her motivations, showcasing her complexity.
- Thematic Significance: The Handler embodies themes of fate vs. free will. Her obsession with preserving the timeline raises questions about whether individuals hold power in the face of seemingly predetermined events.
With this nuanced view of The Handler, you're equipped to channel her essence, whether it's through embodying her poise or sparking debates about the very nature of time itself.
Further Reading:
Conclusion
With a meticulously crafted outfit, an understanding of The Handler's poised demeanor, and a touch of her cunning ambition, you have all the elements to bring this captivating character to life. We've explored her vintage style, her personality, and even her place within exciting group costumes. Now, it's your turn to command attention as the enigmatic Handler – get ready to make your mark as a true master of time!
"The Umbrella Academy" Costume Ideas
