Pirate Boots for Halloween: A How-To

Now that the inimitable Captain Jack Sparrow is no longer set to swagger across our screens in the summer, I know we are all in pirate withdrawal. Therefore, until Disney returns with yet another sequel, we are forced to take matters into our own hands, and fill Halloween with as much piratey goodness as possible.

One of the most important elements of any pirate costume, without which no scurvy sea-dog or wicked wench can properly swagger, is a trusty pair of boots with a proper leather turn-down. Now, you could buy a pair of spats with a ready-made pirate costume - you know, the things you slip on over your regular shoes that come up about halfway to your knee, are saggy and fake-looking, and fall down every five minutes. Or, you can read on to find out how to turn your favourite pair of boots into the perfect pirate accessory.

What you will need:

- Ladies: your favourite pair of knee-high boots
- Gentlemen: this will also work if you have tall black/brown wellies, or (for those of you of the goth or punk persuasion) a knee-high pair of Doc Martens
- Fake leather trousers
- A pair of scissors
- Duct tape (optional)

Naturally, the most 'difficult' item on this list is the pair of fake leather (or real leather!) trousers. However, even if you didn't make that fashion faux-pas in your youth and then outgrow it, plenty of other people did; if you're willing to look around a bit, cheap old pleather trousers are quite easy to find in thrift or second-hand stores.

Obviously, you're going to want a pair that are as close as possible in color/type of leather to the boots you're going to use, but remember: we're going for effect, here. If you can't quite match them, no big deal. Unless people are down on their hands and knees inspecting your boots, they probably won't notice.

Once you have your leather trousers, simply lay them out on a flat surface, whip out your scissors, and cut off the ends of the legs. A good place to cut is just below the knee; that way, you have enough material to make the turn-downs as long or as short as you want.