DIY Ferris Bueller Costume Guide
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Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) gave Matthew Broderick one of the most copied outfits of the decade: a leopard-print sweater vest over a white T-shirt, pleated light trousers, white sneakers and, for the 'Twist and Shout' parade scene, a black beret. It is a cheap costume because almost everything is ordinary clothing, and the vest alone does the work.
There's a second Ferris that's even easier: the fake sick day, in a bathrobe over pajamas with a towel on his head and a dummy in the bed. Most people go with the parade look, and if you have friends, Cameron (Detroit Red Wings jersey) and Sloane (white fringed leather jacket) complete the trio; we have separate guides for both.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Easy
- Rough budget: $30–$70
- Time to put on: 5 minutes
- What people recognise first: Leopard-print vest + beret
What you need
- Leopard-print knit sweater vest — The key piece. Ferris's vest is a brown, black and cream leopard pattern. If you can't find a vest, cut the sleeves off a thrift-store leopard cardigan.
- White crew-neck T-shirt — Plain, worn under the vest with the sleeves showing.
- Pleated light-grey or khaki trousers — Pleated and slightly baggy, in a light neutral. Jeans aren't right for this one.
- White leather sneakers — Clean white sneakers. The more 1980s the shape, the better.
- Black beret — Only for the parade scene, but it's what makes the costume instantly Ferris rather than a guy in a vest.
- Brown leather belt — Simple belt with a small buckle.
- 'Save Ferris' pin or sign — A great extra. Have a friend carry a 'Save Ferris' sign, or wear the badge.
- Bathrobe and towel (sick-day version) — For the alternative look: a robe over pajamas, a towel on the head, and a thermometer.
How to put it together
Parade outfit
- Put on the white tee, then the pleated trousers with the belt.
- Pull the leopard vest over the tee and leave it untucked.
- Add white socks and white sneakers.
- Tilt the beret to one side. If you're performing, this is the 'Twist and Shout' float look.
Hair and attitude
- Short, neat 1980s side part. A little gel to lift the front is enough.
- Ferris talks to the camera; practise the fourth-wall look and the line 'Life moves pretty fast.'
Sick-day version
- Wear pajamas, a plaid bathrobe loosely tied, and a towel draped over your head.
- Hold a thermometer and a glass of water. A small stuffed dummy under one arm is a good gag.
About the character
Ferris Bueller's Day Off was written and directed by John Hughes and released in 1986. Matthew Broderick plays a Chicago high-schooler who fakes an illness to skip school and spends the day in the city with his best friend Cameron Frye (Alan Ruck) and girlfriend Sloane Peterson (Mia Sara), while the dean of students, Ed Rooney, tries to catch him and his sister Jeanie seethes at home.
The leopard vest appears for much of the day, and the beret for the parade sequence in which Ferris lip-syncs 'Danke Schoen' and 'Twist and Shout' on a float. Hughes' habit of putting his characters in a few memorable, repeatable pieces is why the costume is so easy to recreate forty years on.
Frequently asked questions
What does Ferris Bueller wear in the movie?
For most of the day: a leopard-print sweater vest over a white T-shirt, pleated light trousers, a brown belt and white sneakers. He adds a black beret for the parade scene. At home he wears pajamas and a bathrobe while faking illness.
Where can I find a leopard-print vest like Ferris's?
Search for a leopard-print sweater vest or knit vest; several costume brands make Ferris-style ones. Failing that, buy a leopard cardigan or pullover from a thrift store and remove the sleeves.
What should Cameron and Sloane wear?
Cameron wears a red Detroit Red Wings jersey (number 9, Gordie Howe) over a white T-shirt, with khakis. Sloane wears a white fringed leather jacket, a white top, patterned shorts and white boots. Our separate guides cover both in detail.
How do I make a 'Save Ferris' sign?
Write 'SAVE FERRIS' in block capitals on white poster board. In the film it appears on the water tower and on badges, so a pin or a homemade button works too.
Further reading
More Movie Characters costumes
- Scarface Costume — Movie Characters
- Blues Brothers Costume — Movie Characters
- Tyler Durden Costume — Movie Characters
- DIY Sloane Peterson Costume — Movie Characters
- Jack Torrance Costume — Movie Characters