If one of you is blonde and the other is brunette, half the costume is already done. I always start a pairing like this from the hair, because it does the work a wig would otherwise have to do and it reads before anyone notices the clothes. The list below runs from TV best friends and movie rivals to witches, superheroes, cartoon sisters and a few throwback pairs, and each one comes with the outfit, hair, makeup, shoes and the one or two props that make it click. Most can be pulled together from two closets and a thrift run. If the character fits your friend better than her hair does, swap and add a wig; personality sells a pair more than accuracy.
When Your Real Hair Doesn't Match the Character
Not every pair lines up with your natural colours, and that's fine. I'd only reach for permanent dye if you wanted the change anyway. For one night, you have three honest options, and each has a catch.
Wigs
A wig is the most convincing swap, especially for platinum, pink-tipped or very long styles. Cheap synthetic wigs come out of the bag shiny and flat, so I brush a little dry shampoo or baby powder through the lengths to knock the shine back, then trim the fringe a little at a time while the wig is on the head. Keep synthetic fibres away from curling irons and oven doors, because they frizz or melt. A wig cap and two or three bobby pins at the nape stop it sliding back during a long evening.
Temporary colour sprays
Spray colour can turn light hair darker for a few hours, but it rarely makes dark hair blonde, and it rubs off onto collars, pillowcases and anyone you hug. If you use it, wear a darker top near the neck and set it with hairspray. Rain makes it run, so check the forecast before you rely on it outdoors.
Just swap the roles
The easiest fix is often to let hair colour decide who plays which part, then lean on the clothes. Most of the pairs below are recognised more by colour and silhouette than by exact hair, so a brunette Serena in the right tousled waves still reads perfectly well next to a sharp Blair.
1. Serena And Blair School Uniform Costume
Serena and Blair are the same uniform worn by two very different girls, and that difference is the whole costume. For Serena I'd go with a white button-down, a loosely knotted striped tie, a plaid mini, knee socks and a blazer worn a little open, with tousled waves, glowy skin and slouchy ankle boots. Blair gets a fitted white blouse with a neat bow, a pleated skirt, opaque tights, a tailored blazer and loafers or low pumps. Her velvet headband matters more than anything else on her, so buy a wide one; the skinny ones vanish in photos. Rosy lipstick, defined lashes, a structured bag and a takeaway coffee cup finish both of them.
2. Cher And Dionne Plaid Costume
The yellow plaid is what people recognise, so put your effort into getting that colour right before anything else. The blonde wears a yellow plaid blazer and pleated skirt over a white top, knee-high socks and black Mary Janes, with smooth hair curled under at the ends and pink gloss. The brunette's Dionne look is a black-and-white plaid skirt suit with a red cardigan, over-the-knee socks, platform shoes and either long dark braids or a wide hat. I match the silhouettes rather than the colours, so both suits have the same short blazer and short skirt. Thrifted plaid blazers turn up often in autumn, and you'll wear them again long after Halloween. Toss in a fuzzy pen and a flip phone for the props.
3. Regina And Gretchen Pink Costume
Pink is the uniform here, but I keep it real clothing rather than costume-shop satin, because a fitted cardigan reads as Regina and a shiny polyester top just reads as pink. The blonde wears a fitted pink cardigan over a white tank, a short black skirt, sheer tights and pumps, with straight glossy hair and soft rosy makeup. The brunette's Gretchen look is a pink sweater or polo with a plaid mini, knee socks and loafers, hair long and smooth with a small side part. Matching handbags, simple necklaces and a notebook do the rest. If you want names on the outfit, put them on a removable label stuck to the bag; felt letters glued straight onto a knit will peel the first time someone hugs you.
4. Sharpay And Gabriella Musical Costume
Sharpay is all sparkle and Gabriella is the soft one, so don't let both of them glitter or you lose the contrast. The blonde wears a sparkly pink mini dress or a matching set, a cropped jacket, rhinestone jewellery and metallic heels, with bouncy curls, shimmer on the lids and glossy pink lips. The brunette goes for a red satin dress with a bolero, gold flats or low heels, loose waves with a side part and warm, natural makeup. I hand each of them a toy microphone, which gives your hands something to do in every photo. If you'll be on your feet all night, glittery sneakers in matching colours are an honest swap for the heels.
5. Lizzie And Isabella Pop Star Costume
This is the rooftop pop-star moment, and the trick is making two loud outfits look like they came from the same show. Lizzie wears a lavender crop top with flared pants or a layered purple skirt, platforms and silver jewellery, with crimped blonde hair, pastel eyes and glossy lips. Isabella answers in a green or teal top with matching flares, platform sandals and a metallic belt, plus sleek waves and shimmery green shadow. I pick fabrics with the same sheen for both, so the satin on one doesn't make the cotton on the other look cheap. Toy mics and small headset mics finish it. Crimping on fine hair drops by mid-evening, so set it with a strong spray and expect some of it to soften anyway.
6. Betty And Veronica Cheerleader Costume
Betty and Veronica can wear the same cheer uniform, because the hair and makeup tell them apart. Both get blue-and-gold pleated skirts, fitted team sweaters, white ankle socks and clean white sneakers. Betty's high ponytail gets a yellow ribbon and soft peachy makeup; Veronica wears glossy dark waves or a sleek ponytail with a blue bow, sharper liner and a berry lip. If you can't find a uniform, a plain pleated skirt and a crewneck with iron-on letters will do, but press the letters on with a cloth and real heat, and check whether the sweater is mostly acrylic first, since the glue lifts off a lot of synthetic knits. Pom-poms and a small megaphone make it obvious from across the room.
7. Elle And Vivian College Costume
Elle is pink and Vivian is navy, and I'd resist the urge to dress Vivian up, because her plainness is what makes Elle pop. The blonde wears a fitted pink blazer over a matching dress or skirt, pointed pumps, pearl earrings and a structured bag, with smooth curls and bright pink lipstick. The brunette wears a navy blazer, a crisp button-down, tailored trousers or a knee-length skirt and loafers, with a neat low ponytail, neutral lips and strong brows. Law books and a notepad suit both. The small plush dog peeking out of Elle's bag is the detail people point at, so pick one small enough that the bag still closes.
8. Barbie And Raquelle Fashion Costume
Barbie and Raquelle are a rivalry, so I dress them as two different kinds of glamorous rather than as a matching set. The blonde wears a bright pink mini dress or jumpsuit, white heels, heart-shaped sunglasses and sparkly earrings, with a high ponytail or smooth waves and glossy rosy makeup. The brunette takes a fitted purple dress, a cropped jacket, a statement belt and black ankle boots, with sleek straight hair, sharper liner and a plum lip. A mini handbag or a pretend fashion magazine each is plenty. Stiff, doll-like poses in photos sell it better than any accessory, so practise a couple before the party.
9. Glinda And Elphaba Witch Costume
Pink against green is about the clearest contrast on this list, and the green face paint is where most of the effort goes. Glinda wears a full pink tulle gown, a sparkly crown, glittery flats and fine crystal jewellery, with soft curls or a curled updo, rosy blush and pink lips. Elphaba wears a long black dress with structured shoulders, a cape, black tights, lace-up ankle boots and a pointed hat, with a long braid or loose waves. I always patch-test green cream paint on the inside of the wrist a day ahead, then set it with translucent powder so it doesn't end up on the cape collar. A star-topped wand and a small broom are the only props they need.
10. Wednesday And Enid School Costume
Wednesday and Enid share a school shape and nothing else, which is why this one reads so fast. The brunette wears a black dress with a crisp white collar, black tights, chunky loafers and two long braids, with pale makeup, defined brows and a muted berry lip. The blonde wears a striped pastel sweater, a colourful pleated skirt, patterned tights and white platform sneakers, plus shimmer and gloss. If her hair isn't long or light enough, a blonde wig with pink and blue ends saves a dye job. The white collar is worth getting right: a detachable one stays crisp and flat, while a cheap sewn-on collar curls up at the points after an hour. A vintage book for one and a backpack covered in removable charms for the other finish it.
11. Sabrina And Prudence Academy Costume
Sabrina and Prudence suit a pair who want something a little mysterious without wearing a witch hat. The blonde wears a red long-sleeve mini dress, black tights, Mary Janes and a simple black headband, with a short bob or smooth shoulder-length waves, winged liner and a muted red lip. The brunette wears a fitted black dress with lace sleeves, sheer tights and heeled ankle boots, with a sleek bob or neat waves, berry lips and soft smoky eyes. I tie the two together with the red-and-black palette and let the necklines and hairstyles do the separating. Carry old books or small satchels rather than anything occult if you're going somewhere mixed.
12. Caroline And Elena Vampire Costume
These two hint at vampires without a drop of fake blood, which I'd recommend if you're anywhere with kids or a work crowd. Caroline wears a fitted red dress, a cropped black jacket, a fine pendant and heeled ankle boots, with polished curls, defined lashes and rosy lipstick. Elena wears a dark burgundy top, black skinny jeans, a leather-look jacket and knee-high boots, with long soft waves, neutral makeup and a berry lip. Costume fangs, vintage rings and a small diary prop carry the story. Try the fangs on at home first; most of them make you lisp, so I usually pop them in for photos and pocket them for the rest of the night.
13. Emma And Regina Fairytale Costume
Emma is jeans and a red jacket, and Regina is dressed for court, so the contrast is casual against formal. The blonde wears a red leather-look jacket, a fitted white top, dark jeans and practical knee-high boots, with loose waves and fresh, neutral makeup. A silver swan pendant and an old storybook are her signals. The brunette wears a sharply tailored black pantsuit or a fitted jewel-tone dress with pointed heels and statement earrings, sleek curls or a polished updo, bold brows and deep red lipstick. Regina carries a decorative apple, and I'd make Emma's sheriff badge from craft foam painted metallic, because a real metal pin drags a jacket lapel down all night.
14. Hanna And Aria Teen Mystery Costume
Hanna and Aria are mostly a fashion costume with a mystery theme hiding in the props. The blonde wears a bright blazer over a fitted dress, a statement necklace, ankle boots and a structured bag, with loose curls, luminous skin and pink lipstick. The brunette wears a patterned mini dress, a cropped moto jacket, layered necklaces, dark tights and platform ankle boots, with long waves, bold liner and a berry lip. Sealed envelopes or an old notebook give the hint. Keep the props small; the outfits are the recognisable part, and a fistful of envelopes just gets set down and forgotten at the first drink.
15. Phoebe And Monica Friends Costume
Phoebe and Monica come almost entirely out of a thrift store, which makes this one of the cheapest pairs here. The blonde wears a printed maxi skirt, a fitted tank, a crochet cardigan, layered necklaces and chunky sandals, with loose messy waves and a soft pink lip. A toy guitar or a plush cat is the joke prop. The brunette wears high-waisted jeans, a fitted black or red top, white sneakers and a simple apron tied at the waist, with a neat ponytail and warm neutral makeup. I give Monica a mixing bowl or recipe cards. When I'm sourcing the skirt, I look for a rayon or cotton print that moves; a stiff polyester maxi hangs flat and loses the boho feel.
16. Max And Caroline Diner Costume
Max and Caroline are one of the few pairs where matching uniforms help rather than hurt. Both wear yellow diner dresses with white collars, red piping and small aprons, with comfortable white or red sneakers. Max has long dark waves, black liner and a muted lip, and maybe a dark cardigan over the dress; Caroline gets a polished high ponytail or smooth curls, pink lipstick and pearl earrings. Removable name tags tell the characters apart at a glance. A cupcake tray and an order pad set the scene. If you can't find the dresses, a plain yellow shift with red ribbon stitched along the collar edge is a quick sewing job, and I'd stitch rather than glue it, because glued trim lifts as soon as you sit down.
17. Carly And Sam Web Show Costume
This pair is pure everyday clothes, so the styling has to carry it. The brunette plays Carly in a bright patterned blouse, a cropped cardigan, dark jeans, colourful flats and a crossbody bag, with smooth long waves, peach blush and soft gloss. The blonde is Sam in a graphic tee, an oversized plaid shirt, relaxed jeans and sturdy sneakers, hair straight or a bit messy, with minimal makeup and dark liner. What tells people who you are is the web-show props: a small video camera, handmade cue cards or toy mics. I'd give Sam an empty snack bag too. It's the cheapest costume here and one of the comfiest for a long night.
18. Buffy And Faith Vampire Slayer Costume
Buffy and Faith are late-nineties streetwear, and the colour split does the talking: lighter for Buffy, darker for Faith. The blonde wears a fitted tank, a cropped leather-look jacket, dark pants and chunky ankle boots, with loose waves and fresh, neutral makeup. The brunette wears a dark red top, a black jacket, leather-look pants and lace-up boots, with long tousled hair, smoky liner and a deep berry lip. I skip stakes and weapons entirely; old books, wooden charms and a crossbody bag full of pretend research notes say the same thing. A pair of costume fangs in a pocket is a fun reveal for photos.
19. Eleanor And Tahani Party Costume
The joke in this pair is the dress code gap: one of you looks ready for a frozen-yogurt run and the other for a gala. Eleanor wears a striped tee, a cropped denim jacket, dark jeans and white sneakers, with a shoulder-length bob or smooth waves and peach lipstick, plus a frozen-yogurt cup or a small philosophy book. Tahani wears a floor-length jewel-tone maxi, metallic sandals, statement earrings and a sparkly clutch, with glossy long waves, defined lashes and berry lipstick. To stop them looking like two strangers in the same photo, I pick Eleanor's stripe in a colour that echoes Tahani's dress.
20. Villanelle And Eve Spy Costume
Villanelle's tulle dress with boots and Eve's sensible work clothes are the contrast, and both are easy to find. The blonde wears a voluminous pastel tulle dress, fine earrings, ankle socks and chunky black boots, with a smooth bob or a neat low bun and bright lipstick. The brunette wears a navy utility jacket, a plain blouse, straight-leg trousers and lace-up shoes, with natural curly hair or a textured wig and understated makeup. Give Eve an ID-style badge, a notebook and a big shoulder bag; give Villanelle a perfume bottle or a tiny handbag. I'd leave weapon props at home. Tulle crushes in a car, so carry the dress on a hanger and change when you arrive if you can.
21. Clarke And Lexa Warrior Costume
Clarke and Lexa are adventure layers, not armour, and that keeps them light enough to wear all evening. The blonde wears a grey fitted top, a brown utility vest, dark cargo pants, fingerless gloves and lace-up boots, with a messy half-up style and smudged brown makeup. The brunette wears a long dark tunic, a structured faux-leather vest, fitted pants, wrist cuffs and tall boots, with small braids gathered into an updo and clean black graphic lines around the eyes. Maps, a compass or a fabric banner stand in for weapons. To make new fabric look worn, I rough it up with sandpaper on the edges and wash it with a cup of strong tea; it takes the shop-fresh brightness off.
22. Cassie And Maddy Glam Costume
Cassie and Maddy are two party looks, and the face gems are what make them Euphoria rather than just a night out. The blonde wears a pale blue mini dress, delicate heels, a small shoulder bag and sparkly hair clips, with soft waves or a high ponytail, luminous skin, pastel shadow and glossy pink lips. The brunette wears a fitted black or deep purple dress, strappy heels, hoop earrings and a structured mini bag, with a sleek ponytail or polished waves, sharp liner, silver gems and a neutral gloss. I stick gems on with lash glue rather than the adhesive on the backing, because it holds through a warm room and peels off cleanly. Pick hemlines that suit where you're actually going.
23. Jen And Judy Casual Costume
This is the low-key option, and you'll probably find most of it in your wardrobe. The brunette plays Jen in a fitted black blouse, dark skinny jeans, a tailored jacket and ankle boots, with smooth waves and neutral lipstick, carrying a travel mug and an oversized tote. The blonde plays Judy in a floral maxi dress, a long cardigan, layered necklaces and flat sandals or boots, with loose beachy waves and warm makeup with rosy cheeks. A sketchbook or a handmade friendship bracelet suits her. I'd only choose this pair for friends who've watched the show, because without the context it can read as two people who just came from work.
24. Liv And Emma Wedding Rival Costume
Two brides is an easy concept to read, but two long gowns are a pain to wear, so I keep both dresses short. Liv wears a white satin midi, a short veil, pearl earrings and blue pumps, with a polished updo and classic makeup with rosy lipstick. Emma wears a white A-line dress, a fingertip veil, a fine necklace and silver flats, with soft curls or a half-up style and pink gloss. Faux-flower bouquets, a wedding planner and fabric sashes finish them. Blue accents for Liv and pale pink for Emma keep them apart. Pin the veils into a firm base like a small bun; a comb slid into loose hair slips out after the first hug.
25. Carrie And Charlotte City Costume
Carrie and Charlotte are two different ideas of polished, and the tulle skirt is the piece that needs the most thought. The blonde wears a fitted tank with a tulle midi skirt, strappy heels, layered necklaces and a small statement bag, with big curly hair and glowing skin with nude lipstick. The brunette wears a classic floral or black fit-and-flare dress, pearl earrings, a neat handbag and pointed pumps, with a smooth shoulder-length blowout, rosy cheeks and soft pink lipstick. Give Carrie a notebook and Charlotte a gallery brochure. When I choose a tulle skirt, I look for soft tulle with several layers; stiff net looks costume-y and scratches the legs.
26. Rory And Paris School Newspaper Costume
Rory and Paris come straight out of preppy school basics, and every piece can go back into your wardrobe afterwards. The brunette's Rory look is a navy sweater over a white collared shirt, a plaid skirt, dark tights and brown loafers, straight hair with a side part and minimal makeup, plus a stack of books and a coffee cup. The blonde's Paris is a fitted blazer, a pale blouse, a pleated skirt, knee socks and polished oxfords, hair pulled into a strict ponytail, defined brows and neutral lipstick. Paris gets a clipboard and colour-coded folders. Play it relaxed against wound-tight; how you each stand matters more here than what you wear.
27. Torrance And Isis Cheerleader Costume
Torrance and Isis are rival squads, so their colours should look as though they could never be on the same team. The blonde wears a red, black and white cheer dress, white ankle socks and supportive sneakers, with a high ponytail tied with a red bow, fresh makeup, pink gloss and a few face gems. The brunette wears a green, orange and gold uniform with matching sneakers and a hair ribbon, styled in a high ponytail, braids or long waves, with gold shadow and a glossy neutral lip. Pom-poms and lightweight megaphones suit both. Don't copy a real school's logo; I'd use plain letters or removable star patches instead.
28. Natalie And Alex Secret Agent Costume
Natalie and Alex are the black-and-white secret-agent pair, and stretch fabric is the reason they're fun to wear. The blonde wears a white fitted jumpsuit or a top and trousers, metallic sneakers, tinted sunglasses and a utility belt, with smooth layers and peach lipstick. The brunette wears a black fitted jumpsuit, ankle boots, narrow sunglasses and silver hoops, with a sleek ponytail or long straight hair, sharp liner and a neutral lip. Compact phones, ID cards or a small silver case stand in for weapons. A white jumpsuit shows everything, so I'd get it with some weight to the fabric and check it under a bright light before the night.
29. Daenerys And Missandei Fantasy Costume
Daenerys and Missandei are about movement and braids, not armour. The blonde wears a pale blue wrap dress or long tunic, a silver belt, a grey cape and flat knee-high boots, with a platinum wig if needed, small braids through it and soft makeup. The brunette wears a rust, teal or deep blue maxi with a draped neckline, a metallic belt, arm cuffs and flat sandals, with dark curls in a half-up braided style and warm bronze makeup. A small dragon accessory and a scroll are the props. Platinum wigs tangle quickly once braided; I braid them on a wig head the day before and spray them lightly, so I'm not fighting the fibres on the night.
30. Rose And Blanche Retro Costume
Rose and Blanche are the funniest pair here when you play them up, and they're kind on the feet. The blonde's Rose is a pastel button-front jacket with a matching midi skirt, a pearl necklace and low pumps, plus a short curled blonde wig, rosy cheeks and soft pink lipstick. The brunette's Blanche wears a jewel-tone wrap dress under a flowing printed kimono, gold earrings and metallic kitten heels, with a big shoulder-length blowout, glamorous eyes and berry lipstick. Floral handbags, reading glasses and small cheesecake plates make people laugh before you say a word. The loose shapes mean you can sit, eat and dance in them, which is more than most of this list can say.
31. Rhaenyra And Alicent Royal Costume
Rhaenyra and Alicent need weight in the fabric to look regal, so I'd spend money on the gowns before anything else. The blonde wears a long black or burgundy gown with structured shoulders, a metallic belt and dark flat boots, with a platinum wig in intricate braids and pale, refined makeup. The brunette wears a floor-length emerald gown, gold hair pieces, fine earrings and pointed flats, with long brown hair in a braided half-up style and softly defined eyes. Scrolls, a jewelled goblet with a soft drink, or small decorative crowns make good props. Velvet or a heavy crepe drapes like a royal gown; thin satin puckers at every seam and looks like a costume bag.
32. Sailor Moon And Sailor Mars Costume
Sailor Moon and Sailor Mars share one uniform, and the colour swaps between them are what make each one read. The blonde wears a white bodysuit or fitted top, a blue pleated skirt, a red bow, white gloves, red knee-high boots and a gold tiara, with a long blonde wig in two high buns and trailing pigtails. The brunette wears a white top, a red pleated skirt, a purple bow, white gloves, red heels or boots and a tiara, with long dark hair straight and centre-parted. The buns are the hardest part; I build them around a foam donut pinned firmly to the wig cap, because loose wig hair alone droops by the end of the night. Star compacts or wands are the props.
33. Bubbles And Buttercup Superhero Costume
Bubbles and Buttercup are the same dress in two colours, which makes them one of the simplest sewing jobs on this list. The blonde wears a sleeveless blue A-line dress with a black waistband, white knee socks and black Mary Janes, with two high pigtails tied with blue ribbon, rosy cheeks and blue shadow. The brunette wears the same shape in green with a black belt, white socks and Mary Janes, with short dark hair in a flipped bob or a neat brunette wig and green liner. Light capes or star hair clips are enough. If you sew them, cut both dresses from the same pattern so the shapes match exactly; that sameness is the costume.
34. Princess Peach And Princess Daisy Costume
Peach and Daisy are recognised by colour and puffed sleeves, so get the colours spot on first. The blonde wears a long pink gown with puffed sleeves, white gloves, blue earrings, a small gold crown and pink flats, with smooth curls or a long golden wig and soft pink makeup. The brunette wears a yellow-and-orange gown with the same sleeves, white gloves, green jewellery, a crown and orange flats, with a voluminous shoulder-length style flipped at the ends, warm gold shadow and peach lipstick. A parasol or a plush star suits each. Puffed sleeves collapse if they're unlined; a strip of tulle tacked inside the sleeve cap keeps them full all night.
35. Tinker Bell And Wendy Costume
Tinker Bell and Wendy end the list on a sweet, classic note, and they're easy to wear at a family party. The blonde wears a sleeveless green mini or knee-length dress with a petal-cut skirt, sheer wings, green flats and a small bun, with gold shimmer on the lids, rosy cheeks and a tiny wand. The brunette wears a pale blue ankle-length nightdress with puffed sleeves, a blue ribbon at the waist and ballet flats, with a low ponytail tied in a satin bow and soft, natural makeup, plus a storybook or a plush bear. Wings on elastic straps rub the shoulders after a while, so I stitch a strip of soft felt under each strap before handing them over.
Balancing a Pair So Nobody Looks Like the Sidekick
The most common problem I see with duo costumes isn't a wrong colour. It's that one friend went all in and the other wore a T-shirt and a headband. In photos, the less finished one looks like she tagged along. A few checks fix it.
- Lay both outfits on the bed side by side and count the signature pieces. If one has five and the other has two, add a prop, a piece of jewellery or a hair accessory to the lighter one.
- Agree on one shared element, such as the same shoe colour, the same metal in your jewellery or the same lipstick family. It's a quiet signal that you came together.
- Match the level of makeup. If one face is full glam and the other is bare, the pair stops reading as one idea.
- Take a full-length photo of the two of you in daylight and in a dim room. Dark navy and black can merge into one blob in party lighting, so add a lighter accessory if you lose a silhouette.
- Decide who carries what. Props get put down and lost, so give each person one item that fits in a hand or a bag, not three.
It sounds fussy, but the whole test takes ten minutes. I do it a few days before Halloween, which leaves time to borrow a belt or order a headband instead of panicking the afternoon of the party.
The Pair I'd Hand My Best Friend First
Hair colour gets you started, but on its own it won't explain who you are. Every pair here works because of the signature pieces: the right shade of plaid, a velvet headband, one prop each, and makeup that sits in the same family. Try everything on together a few days before and look at the two of you in one mirror; if one costume looks far more finished than the other, take something off hers or add a detail to yours. Swap heels for flats if you're walking, and build props from light craft materials. I'd choose characters that match your personalities over ones that match your hair, because a pair who enjoy playing their parts always comes across better than a perfect copy.
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