Channel your inner grumpy but lovable history teacher with this Paul Hunham cosplay guide from The Holdovers.
Paul Hunham’s style captures the cozy, vintage academic aesthetic of a 1970s New England boarding school.
This look is perfect for beginner cosplayers because it relies on classic, comfortable thrift-style clothing items.
You can easily find these pieces at thrift stores or online retailers to build a convincing outfit.
Let us dive into the essential pieces you need to recreate this iconic cinematic teacher look.
With the right layers, you will bring this memorable character to life at your next event.
Complete Costume Breakdown
Clothing & Core Pieces
The foundation of Paul’s look starts with a classic brown corduroy blazer featuring a textured finish.
This blazer defines the retro academic vibe and should have a slightly relaxed, vintage fit.
Layering is key for this cold New England setting, so choose a cozy sweater vest next.
You can opt for a gray or light brown sweater vest to match the character’s wardrobe.
Wear a simple button-up shirt underneath, choosing either a solid white or a warm brown tone.
The collar should peek out neatly from under your sweater vest for that classic preppy style.
To protect yourself from the harsh winter weather of Barton Academy, throw on a heavy gray coat.
Select dark gray or brown trousers to complete the lower half of this academic uniform.
Make sure the trousers are comfortable and have a straight-cut style matching 1970s fashion.
Accessories & Details
No Paul Hunham costume is complete without his signature accessories to truly bring the character to life.
Add a red printed bow tie to give your outfit that quirky, old-fashioned schoolmaster charm.
Top off your ensemble with a stylish gray plaid fedora to match his outdoor winter scenes.
The fedora adds an extra layer of character depth and completes his signature silhouette perfectly.
Consider wearing vintage-style eyeglasses to capture his intellectual look and emphasize his facial features.
Carry a vintage history book as a simple, effective prop that instantly communicates his profession.
You can also wear simple brown leather dress shoes to keep the costume grounded and authentic.
Cosplay Tips
1. Focus on the fit of your layers to ensure you look appropriately academic and slightly disheveled.
2. Visit local thrift stores to find authentic vintage textures like corduroy, wool, and heavy knits.
3. Ensure your color palette remains muted and warm, reflecting the film’s beautiful retro aesthetic.
4. Keep your clothes slightly rumpled because Paul is not a man who cares about pristine ironing.
5. Pay attention to the patterns, especially matching the plaid fedora with the solid corduroy jacket.
6. Weathering your boots slightly can add to the realism of walking through snowy campus grounds.
Character Vibe & Styling Notes
Paul Hunham is cynical, intellectual, and deeply lonely, which shows in his rigid yet cozy attire.
Practice your best stern expression and maintain a slightly slouched posture to match his screen presence.
You can carry a mug of hot cider or a red grading pen to enhance the boarding school vibe.
Remember, the key to this character is balancing his grumpy exterior with a hidden, warm heart.
Walk with a deliberate, slow pace to convey the weariness of a long-time boarding school teacher.
Interact with your props, like adjusting your glasses or checking your watch, to stay in character.
Final Thoughts
Recreating Paul Hunham’s wardrobe is an excellent choice for a comfortable, recognizable, and budget-friendly cosplay project.
You will stay warm at your next convention while sporting a highly memorable cinematic look.
Gather your corduroy and sweater vests, and prepare to teach a lesson in vintage style.
This character connects deeply with audiences, making it a highly rewarding cosplay choice for any fan.
Enjoy the process of assembling this classic 1970s outfit and stepping into the halls of Barton.
