Judd Nelson: The Breakfast Club Halloween Costume

Would you like to dress up like Judd Nelson did in The Breakfast Club? Nelson's character, John Bender, was the rebel in the film, but he melted lots of hearts! This classic '80s movie left us all with the message that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. Why not help keep that message alive by dressing like John Bender for Halloween?

Here are some costume ideas!

You probably have one already. It should be long sleeved and white, but not too white, since John Bender isn't really the type to launder his shirts with bleach and iron them flat, if you know what I mean. In other words, any ratty old white T-shirt will do.

No, you won't be buttoning it all the way up. As you can see in the film stills, Bender cut off the sleeves. It looks like he used his teeth to do it and left plenty of dangling pieces, but cutting off the sleeves is up to you!

Ideally, it should be a bit faded and torn, probably dirty and smelly, too, but any jean jacket will do.

John Bender's jeans were gray-colored, probably Levis button-downs, and probably had some authentic and perfectly-placed holes here and there.

Sunglasses: Dark, Wayfarer-style Ray-Bans. He wore these all the time, even at night, to cover his eyes because... well... it's cool, right?

Gloves: Black gloves with velcro straps and half fingers. Why did Bender need driving gloves? I don't know, but they looked pretty cool.

Earring: One diamond stud. Remember when Claire gives Bender her earring at the end of the movie, while the Simple Minds sing, "Don't you forget about me?" Don't forget the earring.

Wig: That is, if you don't already have '80s-styled long floppy hair like Bender's.

Boots: Big, black, leather boots preferably with a steel toe and lots of buckles. They should make a big clomping sound when you walk down the halls.