Clownin' Around: A Halloween Classic

Answer 1

Clown costumes are a very classic example of the Halloween spirit. Clown costumes can be bought as-is from a Halloween retailer or put together piece by piece with thrift store finds and garments at home. By using leftover items and accessories from past costumes, the clown look can be easy and thrifty. The clown is very versatile, and a costume could be portrayed as goofy, cute, scary or creepy.

Usually, a clown costume consists of a colorful wig, face paint, a red nose, a colorful outfit and oversized shoes. The big red nose that is so iconic for both children and adults can be found inexpensively at a party supply or costume store. A wig can be purchased there as well, but as an alternative, colored ribbons bought at a fabric supply shop could be woven in the hair or temporary spray hair dye could be used. The classic clown costume uses a shorter, Afro style wig, but there is no reason why a clown can't have long rainbow hair.

The clown costume could be a great money saving idea for parents. If a child's costume uses face paint, the leftovers could be used to create a clown face. Generally, the face is painted white with red cheeks, colored lips and emotional eyes. Fake blood would be a must if going for a scary or evil clown look. Drip some near the mouth or paint a snarl over the white base. Old paint clothes, overalls or pajamas can be dyed or painted to create the main garment. The oversized shoes are optional as well; a colorful pair of rain boots worn over the pants would still create a comical effect.

While costume stores will have a variety of clown costumes, there is something special and memorable about creating one from homemade pieces. It can save money and find uses for things that should have long been recycled. Think creatively and colorfully, and a clown costume can be as simple as a whipped cream pie.