How to Make Clown Costumes

Whether you are dressing up for Halloween or want to entertain kids at a party, dressing as a clown is a simple and inexpensive costume. With clothing items from thrift stores and friends' closets, and some simple makeup, you'll be clowning in no time.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Oversized clothes
• Brightly colored shoes
• Accessories
• Clown makeup
• Clown wig

1. Find oversized clothes. Browse thrift stores and yard sales, or borrow clothes from a friend or family member. Bright colors and wacky (but simple) patterns like dots or stripes work well.

2. Stuff big shirts with pillows and tuck them into the waistband. Hold up big pants with suspenders.

3. Find brightly colored shoes. You can buy a pair of floppy shoes, but unless they are actually clown shoes, even your friend's larger shoes won't look all that zany. It's better to simply wear brightly colored shoes that fit.

4. Find bright and tacky accessories like socks, belts, ties and hair accessories.

5. Apply face makeup. For a traditional look cover your whole face in white paint (including brows), make red circles on your cheeks, create exaggerated lips with red paint, and draw high brows with black paint. Use a rubber red clown nose, or paint one on.
   
   If you want to be more creative, look at images of clown makeup online and use your makeup to reflect the pic.

6. Find a clown wig. A clown wig may be one of the only things you may have to buy at a costume store, but it make a great final touch. Make sure it is colorful and bright, and looks as fake as possible.