How to Make a Showgirl Costume

Peacock feathers are popular showgirl accessories.

Showgirls are known for their over-the-top hair and flashy outfits. They are entertainers who take pride in dazzling crowds with showstopping appeal. Create your own showgirl costume for your next Halloween party or theme-oriented gathering. Many showgirls have an elaborate hairdo and hairpiece that take time and money to create. Piece together your own hairpiece and outfit by purchasing the items at minimal cost from a local retailer. Think big when choosing your outfit!

Things You'll Need

• Long peacock feathers
• Tiara
• Black bodysuit
• Black shiny panty hose
• Red shiny stiletto heels
• Shimmer body lotion
• Feather boa
• Rhinestone jewelry
• Hot glue gun
• Needle and thread
• Glue sticks
• Spray glitter

Instructions

1. Fashion your hair into an accessory. Showgirls are known for elaborate and unique headpieces and showstopping hair. Create an updo that accentuates your eyes and allows for you to wear a headdress comfortably. If your hair is long, then consider a complete updo with cascading tendrils, or pull it tightly to the top of your head into a bun so that your headdress takes center stage.

2. Create your headdress by using a basic tiara as a starting point. The tiara should only have accent rhinestones in the front and have two combs attached to the end of the sidebars. The combs will keep the headdress in place. Using your hot glue gun, glue feathers along the sidebars. Start by dabbing a small amount of hot glue onto the metal -- working from the front accents back -- and pressing the base of the feather onto the glue. Hold for a few seconds and release. Go around both sides until the feathers are completely glued on.

3. Thread your needle to secure the feathers even more. While the glue will keep the feathers in place, the thread will secure them down. Hold the loose end of the thread with your thumb as you wrap the thread around the feather in a crisscross or "X" pattern. When wrapping the feather, be sure to go over the loose end to secure it under the "X" threading. Continue this way until all feathers, on both sides, are securely wrapped to the tiara.

4. Pull the shiny black pantyhose on. Showgirls like to show a little leg, and drawing attention to the leg with a little dazzle is exclusive to showgirls. Shiny panty hose can be purchased at local retailers for around $10, or custom ordered, which is a little more expensive. Black is standard, but try to use a different color for a more bold costume.

5. Put on the bodysuit over the panty hose. The bodysuit will cover the top of the panty hose and also give you a smooth appearance. Bodysuits come in a variety of colors and styles. While a solid bodysuit will do, try to fancy it up with spray glitter or sewing on sequins to give it a more flashy appearance.

6. Slip on your stilettos. Showgirls will always wear a heel for dancing because it elongates the leg and reflects their showstopping appeal. If your outfit is in neutral colors, try a bold color for the shoe -- red, pink and yellow are popular choices. If your outfit is a bold pattern or color, then go with a neutral shoe, such as nude, black or gold, so the attention is on your outfit.

7. Accessorize the outfit with large rhinestone chandelier earrings and rhinestone bracelets to add sparkle and detail to your outfit. Showgirls love to shine, so the more dazzle, the better. Complete the outfit with your feather boa and you're ready to shine.

Tips & Warnings

• Use other accents for headpieces.

• Use caution when working with hot glue guns.

References

• Costumes: How to Make a Showgirl Headdress