"Is it secret? Is it safe?" These are just a few of the iconic lines uttered by the enigmatic and beloved wizard Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. With his flowing white beard, pointed hat, and magical staff, Gandalf is one of the most recognizable characters in fantasy literature and cinema. And while there are many different ways to dress up as Gandalf, there are a few key pieces that are essential to getting the look just right.

By Dr. Ellis Maddison, PhD, a highly respected scholar in medieval literature and costume design, who graduated from Oxford University with a degree in English Literature and has worked as a costume designer for over 20 years. He has also received numerous awards for his work, including the prestigious Tony Award for Best Costume Design.