Knowhutimean? Mastering the Ernest Worrell Costume: A Comprehensive Guide
Ernest P. Worrell, the lovable, bumbling character brought to life by the late Jim Varney, remains a pop culture icon. His distinct look, characterized by his signature outfit and infectious energy, makes him a consistently popular choice for costume parties, Halloween, and cosplay events. If you’re aiming to perfectly capture the essence of this beloved character, this comprehensive guide will walk you through creating an authentic Ernest Worrell costume. We’ll cover everything from the essential clothing items to the crucial mannerisms that will truly bring your Ernest Worrell costume to life. So, get ready to say “Knowhutimean?” in style!
The Essential Components of an Ernest Worrell Costume
Creating a convincing Ernest Worrell costume hinges on accurately replicating his signature attire. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements:
The Denim Vest
Arguably the most recognizable part of Ernest Worrell’s wardrobe is his denim vest. Look for a classic, slightly worn denim vest. The wash should be a medium-blue, neither too dark nor too light. Thrift stores are excellent places to find authentic vintage denim vests. Pay attention to the fit; it should be slightly loose but not baggy. The vest is crucial for any faithful Ernest Worrell costume.
The Striped Polo Shirt
Underneath the vest, Ernest always sports a striped polo shirt. The shirt typically features horizontal stripes in varying colors, often including red, white, and blue. While the exact pattern can vary slightly from movie to movie, a multi-striped polo is essential. Again, thrift stores or online retailers are great sources for finding a suitable shirt. Make sure the collar is visible above the vest for that classic Ernest Worrell look.
The Khaki Pants
Completing the outfit are a pair of khaki pants. These should be a standard, straight-leg style. Avoid overly modern or slim-fit styles. The key is to find a pair that looks comfortable and slightly rumpled, reflecting Ernest’s unpretentious personality. Consider adding a brown belt to complete the look. The khaki pants are a simple but important part of the Ernest Worrell costume.
The White Sneakers
For footwear, Ernest Worrell typically wears plain white sneakers. Opt for a classic canvas or leather style. The sneakers should be clean but not brand new; a slightly worn look adds to the authenticity of the Ernest Worrell costume. Avoid overly sporty or modern designs.
The Baseball Cap
While not always present, a baseball cap can be a fun addition to your Ernest Worrell costume. Often, Ernest wears a simple, unstructured baseball cap, sometimes with a logo or slogan. This accessory can add another layer of personality to your portrayal. If you are going for a specific Ernest look, check your reference material to see if he wears a hat.
Adding the Ernest Worrell Flair: Details and Accessories
Beyond the basic clothing items, several details and accessories can elevate your Ernest Worrell costume and make it truly stand out:
The Wig (Optional)
While Jim Varney sported his own naturally receding hairline, some iterations of Ernest featured a slightly exaggerated comb-over. If you don’t naturally have this hairstyle, a wig can be a helpful addition. Look for a thin, slightly messy wig that mimics the look of a receding hairline with strands combed over to one side. Be careful not to overdo it; the goal is to suggest the hairstyle, not create a caricature.
The Overbite (Achieved with Makeup or Prosthetics)
One of Ernest’s most distinctive features was his prominent overbite. While you certainly shouldn’t force your jaw into an unnatural position, you can subtly create the illusion of an overbite using makeup. Apply a slightly lighter shade of foundation or concealer to your lower lip to make it appear more pronounced. Alternatively, you could explore using a small prosthetic appliance for a more dramatic effect, but ensure it’s comfortable and doesn’t hinder your ability to speak clearly. Remember, subtlety is key. You want to suggest the overbite, not create a grotesque exaggeration. The overbite is a key feature of the Ernest Worrell costume.
The Expressive Eyebrows
Ernest’s expressive eyebrows played a crucial role in his comedic timing. Practice raising and furrowing your eyebrows to convey surprise, confusion, and excitement. You can also use a brown eyebrow pencil to slightly accentuate your eyebrows, making them appear more defined. Study Ernest’s expressions in various scenes from his movies and commercials to get a sense of how he used his eyebrows to enhance his performance.
Mastering the Ernest Worrell Persona: Mannerisms and Voice
The clothing is only half the battle; truly embodying Ernest Worrell requires mastering his unique mannerisms and voice:
The “Knowhutimean?” Catchphrase
No Ernest Worrell costume is complete without the signature catchphrase, “Knowhutimean?” Practice delivering the line with the same enthusiastic and slightly nasal tone as Jim Varney. The phrase should be used frequently but not excessively; sprinkle it into your conversations naturally. It’s the quintessential Ernest Worrell saying.
The Energetic Demeanor
Ernest Worrell was known for his boundless energy and enthusiasm. Adopt a similar demeanor, bouncing on the balls of your feet, gesticulating wildly, and speaking with rapid-fire delivery. Embrace the character’s inherent optimism and childlike wonder. Remember that Ernest is ultimately a well-meaning and lovable character, even in his moments of clumsiness.
The Nasal Voice
Jim Varney’s portrayal of Ernest featured a distinct nasal voice. While you shouldn’t strain your vocal cords, try to slightly raise the pitch of your voice and speak through your nose. Listen to recordings of Ernest’s dialogue to get a better sense of the character’s vocal inflections and patterns. Practice mimicking his voice until you feel comfortable and confident. This is a critical feature to get right in an Ernest Worrell costume.
The Clumsiness (in Moderation)
Ernest Worrell was notoriously clumsy, often tripping over things and causing accidental mishaps. While you shouldn’t intentionally injure yourself or others, incorporating a bit of playful clumsiness into your performance can enhance the authenticity of your Ernest Worrell costume. Stumble slightly, drop things occasionally, and react with exaggerated surprise and apologies. However, be mindful of your surroundings and avoid creating any real hazards.
Where to Wear Your Ernest Worrell Costume
Now that you’ve perfected your Ernest Worrell costume, you’ll need the perfect occasion to showcase it. Here are a few ideas:
- Halloween Parties: Ernest Worrell is a classic and recognizable Halloween costume choice.
- Costume Parties: Any costume party is a great opportunity to dress up as your favorite bumbling character.
- Cosplay Conventions: Showcase your dedication to the character at a cosplay convention.
- Themed Events: Look for events with a 1980s or 1990s theme, where your Ernest Worrell costume will be particularly appreciated.
- Just for Fun: Sometimes, the best reason to dress up as Ernest Worrell is simply to bring a smile to people’s faces.
Conclusion: Embrace the Knowhutimean-ness!
Creating an authentic Ernest Worrell costume is a fun and rewarding way to pay tribute to a beloved comedic character. By paying attention to the details of his clothing, accessories, and mannerisms, you can truly embody the essence of Ernest P. Worrell. So, embrace the “Knowhutimean-ness,” put on your denim vest, and get ready to spread some laughter and joy wherever you go. Remember to practice your “Knowhutimean?” and enjoy bringing this iconic character to life. An Ernest Worrell costume is always a hit, knowhutimean?
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