Halloween costumes: The U.S. Olympic team

Halloween costumes: The U.S. Olympic team

We’ve got lots of love for our hometown Olympians — and Michael Phelps’ abs.

Michael Phelps
How we did it: If you’re going to do Phelps right, you have to go balls out and bare chested. Invest in a Speedo and swim cap emblazoned with the Phelps name and drape him in hefty medals and an American Flag. It’s bound to get a little chilly, so the flag will make a nice patriotic coverup.

Total cost: Phelps’ signature swim cap, $12, and Shining Star Jammers, $35, both from Action Accents, 5601 Douglas Ave. American flag $6.99, gold medals, $9.99 from  Nobbies, 9999 University Ave., Clive. $65 total.

Modeled by: JJ Bailey, 34

Created by: Brianne Sanchez

Shawn Johnson
How we did it: A leotard and a ponytail are a must. If you’re not naturally built like a gymnast (who is?), exaggerate the look with a couple barely inflated gallon Ziplock bags inside a pair of pantyhose. Embellish the leotard with a felt USA logo and throw a few medals (three silver and one gold) around your neck and you’re set.

Total cost: $9.94 for pantyhose and hair clips. Leotard rented from The Theatrical Shop, 145 Fifth St., West Des Moines. (We had Ziplock bags, felt letters and medals.)

Modeled by: Shelly Leonard, 23

Created by: Kimberly Isburg

Lolo Jones
How we did it: For Lolo you’ve got to have her signature sporty sunglasses and a pin-on number. We fashioned a hurdle for her to carry out of foam core board, glue and tape (cutting pieces with an Xacto knife).

Total cost: $6.98 for cheap sunglasses and a piece of foam core board (We had tape, markers, safety pins and an Xacto knife. Model’s own clothes.).

Modeled by: Bridgette Braswell, 24

Created by: Cara Hall