Cousin Eddie Costume Guide (Christmas Vacation)
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Cousin Eddie, played by Randy Quaid in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989), has two looks that people quote. The first is his dinner outfit: a white sweater with a black dickie (the fake turtleneck collar) underneath, light slacks and white shoes. The second is the RV scene: an old bathrobe, a fur trapper hat, black socks, slippers and a can of beer.
The dickie is the joke, so make sure it shows above the sweater's neckline. The bathrobe version is the more comfortable choice for a long holiday party; the sweater version looks better in photos with someone dressed as Clark Griswold.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Easy
- Rough budget: $40–$80
- Best for: Christmas parties and ugly-sweater events
- What people recognise first: The black dickie under a white sweater
What you need
- Black dickie (fake turtleneck collar) — The essential piece. It should be visible above the sweater's V-neck.
- White V-neck sweater — A V-neck shows the dickie best.
- Light cotton twill trousers — Beige or light grey, a little too short and not quite fitted.
- White dress shoes — White shoes complete the dinner look.
- Fur trapper hat — For the RV version, worn with the ear flaps down.
How to put it together
Dinner version
- Put on the dickie first and smooth the collar up around your neck.
- Pull the white sweater over it so the black collar shows at the V.
- Add the slacks and white shoes. A comb-over and a slightly too-pleased expression finish it.
RV version
- Wear an old bathrobe, loosely tied, over a white T-shirt.
- Add the trapper hat with the flaps down, black socks pulled high, and slippers.
- Carry a beer can, and a garden hose if you're committed.
About the character
Cousin Eddie is Ellen Griswold's cousin by marriage, first seen in National Lampoon's Vacation (1983). In Christmas Vacation (1989) he arrives uninvited at Clark Griswold's house for the holidays in a rusty RV with his family and dog, Snots, and stays.
Randy Quaid's performance made Eddie the film's most-quoted character. Christmas Vacation, written by John Hughes and starring Chevy Chase as Clark, is now a holiday staple, which is why Eddie costumes show up at Christmas parties as much as at Halloween.
Frequently asked questions
What is Cousin Eddie's dickie?
A dickie is a separate fake collar, in Eddie's case a black turtleneck collar, worn under a sweater to look like a full turtleneck. He wears it under a white sweater at Christmas dinner.
What does Cousin Eddie wear in the RV scene?
A bathrobe, a fur trapper hat with the ear flaps down, black socks and slippers, holding a beer, while emptying the RV's waste tank into the storm drain.
What should Clark Griswold wear with Eddie?
A Christmas sweater or a red and white plaid shirt, slacks and a Santa hat. For the lights scene, add a tool belt and a string of Christmas lights.
Is Cousin Eddie a Halloween or Christmas costume?
Both. It's especially popular at Christmas parties and ugly-sweater events because Christmas Vacation is a holiday film.
Further reading
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