A clown is one of the most forgiving costumes I know, because the character lives in three signals: a collar, a set of big buttons and a painted face. Get those right and almost any clothing underneath will read as clown. Below are 35 looks, from the red-nosed circus classic and the black-and-white Pierrot to pastel clowncore, glam party versions and pairs or groups who want to match. Most of them start with pieces you can pull from a closet or a thrift rail. For each one I've noted the clothing, hair, makeup, prop and shoes, and where I'd simplify so you can actually walk, sit and eat in it all night.

Painting a Clown Face That Lasts the Whole Party
Almost every look below leans on makeup, so it's worth getting the routine right once. I always try a new product on the inside of the wrist or behind the ear a day ahead, because a reaction is much easier to handle at home than at a party. Use products made for skin, not craft paint or markers.
- Start on clean, moisturised skin and let the moisturiser sink in for a few minutes, or the base slides around.
- Lay a white or pale base in thin layers with a damp sponge. One heavy coat cracks once you start talking and smiling; two thin ones flex.
- Press loose translucent powder over the base before you draw anything. Colour sits cleanly on a powdered surface and smears on a tacky one.
- Draw the shapes (triangles, tears, brows) with a fine brush or a liquid liner, working from the centre of the face outward so your hand doesn't drag through wet paint.
- Powder again, lightly, and finish with a setting spray if you have one.
Cream paint transfers on a warm night, so I keep a small kit in a pocket: a powder compact, a cotton bud and the liner for touch-ups. Lipstick and red noses are the first to go. To take it all off, massage a cleansing oil or balm over dry skin until the colour breaks up, wipe with a warm cloth, then wash. Scrubbing with soap first just pushes the pigment around and leaves your skin sore the next morning.
1. Classic Circus Clown Costume

This is the version everyone pictures, so it rewards a little thrift shopping. I look for a bright button-up and pants a size or two too big in red, blue or yellow, because the roominess is half the silhouette. Rainbow suspenders, felt buttons the size of a palm and a polka-dot bow tie do the rest. A curly rainbow wig gives the classic outline; teased pigtails with temporary colour spray work if a wig makes you hot. Keep the face simple: a small red nose, round cheeks, high arched brows and a happy mouth. Juggling balls, a pinwheel or balloons give your hands something to do. I'd skip the giant clown shoes and wear striped socks with red sneakers, since floppy shoe covers trip people on stairs.
2. Black And White Pierrot Clown Costume

Pierrot is the quiet clown, and the costume depends on how the fabric moves. A loose white blouse with puffed sleeves, black satin trousers and a big pleated collar set the shape, and a line of black pom-poms down the front says clown without any colour at all. Hair goes in a smooth low bun or under a short black bob wig and a small pointed hat. The face should stay pale and fine: thin black brows, softly lined eyes, a tiny dark lip and one painted tear. White gloves and a light crescent moon make him theatrical. For shoes, ballet flats or lace-up ankle boots. I pick a fabric with real drape here, because a stiff polyester blouse fights the whole mood.
3. Pink Pastel Clown Costume

Pink tulle, satin bows and rosy makeup make this the sweetest clown on the list. I build it on a blush romper or puff-sleeve dress, then add a white ruffled collar and pastel pom-poms, with white tights to keep everything light. Pink platform sneakers give height without heel pain. Hair goes in two curled pigtails with oversized satin bows. On the face, pearly shadow, round pink blush, a small heart nose and white liner around the eyes; a few rhinestones are plenty. A pinwheel, a small balloon bunch or a decorated wand finishes it. Because every piece stays in one pink-and-white story, it holds together in photos, but tulle sheds glitter and fibres onto car seats, so pack a lint roller.
4. Scary Red And Black Clown Costume

You don't need gore to make a clown unsettling. Red and black do most of the work. A split-colour jumpsuit, a striped shirt or a black romper under a red-and-black ruff sets the tone, with mismatched tights and sturdy combat boots below. Tease your own hair or use a messy red wig, but pin it back off your face. For makeup I start with a pale base, then sharp arched brows, long red shapes around the eyes and a dark lip, and I smudge the edges a little so it looks worn rather than glam. A black balloon, a bundle of old tickets or a striped umbrella makes a safe prop. I'd leave out fake wounds and realistic weapons; they push it from eerie into something many hosts won't want.
5. Rainbow Tulle Clown Costume

A full rainbow tulle skirt does most of the talking here, so keep the top plain: a fitted white tee or bodysuit with pom-poms stitched on. Rainbow-striped tights or knee socks and high space buns tied with curled ribbon carry the colour up and down. For the face, a red button nose, round pink cheeks, rainbow shadow and a few stars under each eye, plus a mini party hat or a big bow headband for height. Three soft juggling balls or a pinwheel work as a prop, and white high-tops calm the busy skirt. The trick I use is to repeat every colour at least twice, so the rainbow looks planned instead of random.
6. Glam Sequin Clown Costume

Sequins turn a clown into a party guest. I'd start with a silver or champagne sequin romper with puff sleeves, a structured white ruff and crystal buttons, then sheer tights and metallic ankle boots. Hair should be sleek: a high ponytail, glossy waves or a platinum bob wig. The makeup is graphic but clean, with silver lids, crisp black triangles above and below each eye, a lit-up cheek and a deep red lip, and a few rhinestones tracing the eye shapes. A glitter cane or metallic balloon is enough of a prop. Because the fabric already shines, I hold the palette to silver, white and one accent colour. One practical note: sequins scratch the inner arm, so a thin long-sleeve layer underneath saves your skin by midnight.
7. Vintage Harlequin Clown Costume

The diamond pattern is what makes a harlequin read, and it has to be big enough to see from across a room. A black-and-cream diamond dress, romper or two-piece with full sleeves is the base, with a pleated collar, covered buttons and a fitted belt. Soft finger waves or a short curled wig under a two-point fabric hat keep it old-world. The face wants a matte base, thin brows, small black diamonds around the eyes and a precise red lip. I'd carry a half mask or ribbon wand instead of anything sharp, and wear opaque tights with black Mary Janes. Burgundy, cream and faded gold accessories age the outfit nicely without losing the geometry.
8. Sad Clown Costume

A sad clown proves you don't need bright colour to be expressive. A loose grey or dusty-blue jumpsuit over a soft white blouse, with an oversized ruff and big fabric pom-poms sewn or pinned down the front, gives the slouch the character needs. A short dark wig, a low messy bun or loose curls under a drooping cone hat all suit it. I draw the brows sloping down at the outer ends, add one or two black tears, muted blush and a tiny heart mouth. A wilted fabric flower, an empty frame or a small grey balloon tells the story. Grey socks and plain black lace-ups keep it muted. The posture sells it as much as the paint: shoulders down, chin slightly low.
9. Neon Green Clown Costume

Neon green glows under party lights, which is exactly why I limit it. A black fitted jumpsuit or oversized shirt dress gives a dark canvas; then come neon suspenders, pom-poms, striped tights and a layered ruff. High pigtails get green spray or clip-in extensions. On the face, sharp green shadow, black graphic liner, big blush and a glossy black or deep green lip, with a tiny green nose so it still reads clown. Glow bracelets and a striped pinwheel or bright balloon add fun, and chunky black sneakers or platforms ground the colour. If you stay to green, black and a little white, it looks deliberate. Add a fourth bright and it starts to look like a highlighter exploded.
10. Blue And Silver Clown Costume

Blue and silver push a clown toward frosty and futuristic. A metallic silver romper, a pale blue blouse or a split-colour jumpsuit with exaggerated sleeves works as the base, with a layered blue-and-white collar and reflective pom-poms down the centre. A pale blue bob wig or a sleek ponytail tied with silver ribbon keeps the head polished. For the face I use icy shadow, white graphic liner, silver star accents and a cool pink lip. Carry a silver crescent, a shiny pinwheel or a few blue balloons, and wear white tights with metallic sneakers or low boots. Smooth fabrics and clean lines are what separate this from circus wear. Metallic knits trap heat, so keep everything else light if the night is long.
11. Red Polka Dot Clown Costume

Red polka dots are the friendliest clown print I know, and one of the easiest to find second-hand. Wear a red-and-white spotted dress, or a dotted blouse with red suspender shorts, then add a white ruff, big red buttons and striped knee socks. Bouncy curls, high pigtails or a short red bob wig with a tiny tilted hat all suit it. Paint a round red nose, rosy cheeks, soft arched brows and a smiling lip. Faux daisies, a pinwheel or three soft juggling balls work in the hand, and red lace-up sneakers beat oversized clown shoes. I keep it to one print and solid accessories. It's the one I'd suggest for school events or a daytime family party, since nothing about it is scary.
12. Purple Carnival Clown Costume

Deep purple gives a clown a magical, slightly mysterious carnival feel, and texture is what keeps a single colour interesting. I'd build on a purple velvet dress, romper or loose jumpsuit with puffed sleeves, then add black-and-white striped tights, lavender pom-poms and a layered tulle collar. Curled space buns with purple ribbon or a shoulder-length violet wig suit it. Blend lavender and plum shadow around black graphic triangles, then add strong blush and a dark berry lip. A mini top hat, a ticket roll or a striped umbrella makes a good prop, with black platforms or buckled ankle boots. Velvet, satin and tulle side by side keep it from going flat, and silver jewellery lifts it.
13. Orange Halloween Clown Costume

Orange and black give you Halloween colour without leaning on horror. An orange puff-sleeve blouse with black suspender shorts, or a two-tone jumpsuit, is the base; alternate the pom-poms and add a striped ruff. Pigtails with orange ribbon or a tiny pointed hat over loose waves both work. Use orange shadow, black triangle details, round peach blush and a small painted nose, and maybe a star or crescent by one eye. A smiling pumpkin bucket doubles as a candy carrier, which is handy. Striped black-and-orange tights and sturdy black boots finish it. My one caution: resist adding bats, spiders and skulls on top. The ruff, the pom-poms and the face already carry the costume.
14. Candy Clown Costume

Candy colours make this one sugary and very easy to read. A pastel-striped dress or a pink romper with oversized wrapped-candy appliqués is the base, with a mint ruffled collar, mixed pom-poms and matching striped tights. Curled pigtails take candy clips and pastel ribbon. On the face I do glossy pink cheeks, peppermint swirls around the eyes, a tiny red nose and a shiny pink lip. A giant foam lollipop or a clear container of lightweight fake sweets works as the prop. White platform sneakers keep it comfortable and stop it looking too childish on an adult. Pick three pastels and repeat them in clothes, hair, face and prop; any more and it turns muddy.
15. Flower Clown Costume

Oversized flowers turn the circus clown into a garden character. I start with a green or cream jumpsuit and stitch fabric blossoms around the collar, cuffs and button line, then add a petal skirt or floral suspender shorts for movement. A braided crown, soft curls or two buns pinned with big artificial daisies suit the theme. Paint round rosy cheeks, petal shapes around the eyes, a yellow button nose and a soft coral lip, and carry an oversized fabric flower or a small ribboned watering can. Green tights with floral sneakers or pastel boots finish it. Choose soft-edged silk flowers and stitch them rather than glue them; wired stems poke people in a crowd.
16. Celestial Moon Clown Costume

A celestial clown pairs ruffles with moons and stars. Midnight blue is the base, in a jumpsuit, a satin blouse with shorts or a long-sleeve skater dress, plus a silver pleated collar, moon buttons and star tights. Hair works in a sleek bun or long waves scattered with metallic stars. The makeup is luminous: silver lids, a crescent around one eye, small white dots and a dark blue lip. A light crescent wand or a silver balloon is all the prop it needs, with navy ankle boots or metallic flats. Navy swallows light in photos, so I lean on reflective trims at the cuffs and hem to outline the shape.
17. Sun Clown Costume

The sun clown is the cheerful one. Golden yellow carries it: a romper or wide-leg jumpsuit with puffed sleeves, an orange ruff and round gold buttons. A curly yellow wig, braided pigtails or a high bun ringed with soft fabric rays covers the head. Gold shadow, orange liner, circular peach blush and tiny painted rays around the eyes make the face. Carry a sun wand, a gold pinwheel or a yellow balloon, and wear orange-and-yellow striped socks with white sneakers. I use metallics sparingly here; they catch the light well, but lamé is scratchy and hot. Keep the palette to yellow, orange and white and nobody has to guess.
18. Vintage Porcelain Clown Costume

A porcelain clown should look like it came out of a glass cabinet, and that means matte fabrics and faded colour. A flowing cream dress or loose satin set with lace-trimmed sleeves and a large pleated collar is the base, with pom-poms in faded rose, dusty blue or muted gold. Neat ringlets go under a tall fabric cone hat. I paint a pale base, delicate drawn lashes, round blush, thin brows and a tiny rosebud lip. Fine crack lines are optional; I usually leave them off for a family crowd. A small moon wand, a ribbon hoop or a music box prop, cream tights and vintage-style Mary Janes finish it. Shiny plastic accessories break the heirloom feel faster than anything else.
19. Mime Clown Costume

The mime clown can come straight out of most closets. A striped long-sleeve top, black high-waisted trousers, suspenders and a narrow ruff are the base, with white gloves and a black beret or small bowler. Hair goes in a neat low bun or under the hat. The face is a pale base, thin black brows, defined lashes, a small red lip and one black tear or diamond. Carry a light empty frame and play with silent poses. Black loafers, lace-ups or ballet flats keep it monochrome. That single red lip is the detail I'd never skip; without it, you risk looking like someone in a Breton top on a normal day.
20. Patchwork Clown Costume

Patchwork is the sewist's clown, and it's the best use I know for a scrap bag and old clothes. Start with oversized overalls, a roomy jumpsuit or a loose dress, then stitch or safety-pin mismatched squares of gingham, stripes, dots and solids across it. Big buttons, a handmade ruff and striped socks follow, and messy braids tied with fabric scraps suit it. For makeup, uneven but coordinated eye shapes, rosy cheeks, a painted button nose and colourful freckles. A fabric flower bouquet or a soft patchwork ball works as the prop, and canvas sneakers can wear matching patches on the sides. I repeat three or four colours across the patches on purpose; total chaos just looks like a quilt accident.
21. Denim Clown Costume

Could a clown start with everyday jeans? Absolutely, as long as the accessories build the circus shape. Denim overalls over a striped or polka-dot puff-sleeve shirt are the base, with big red, yellow and blue pom-poms on the bib and a removable ruff. Two high buns with bright ribbon, a small red nose, round cheeks, freckles and simple triangles around the eyes cover hair and face. Beanbags, a pinwheel or balloons give your hands a job, and striped socks with clean high-tops finish it. If you don't want permanent changes, use felt patches attached with safety pins. Denim is tough and warm, so this is the one I'd wear for a long outdoor walk.
22. Doll Clown Costume

The doll clown is about neatness. A puff-sleeve dress with a fitted bodice and full skirt, a contrasting ruff, knee-high socks, oversized bows and two or three big buttons down the front set it up. Perfect curled pigtails or a smooth bob wig with blunt bangs suit the toy look. I paint round blush, drawn lower lashes, soft brows, a button nose and a small heart lip, and I check symmetry in a mirror from arm's length, because a lopsided cheek is far more visible on this character than on a patchwork one. A cardboard wind-up key on the back or a mini toy drum adds the toy cue. Mary Jane flats or low block heels keep the doll shape and your feet happy.
23. Goth Clown Costume

Black lace, big ruffles and silver details make a goth clown that still looks wearable. A black velvet dress, structured romper or wide-leg jumpsuit is the base, then a large black-and-white collar, silver pom-poms, fishnet tights and a fitted belt. Teased pigtails, a high ponytail or a sharp black bob all suit it. The makeup is smoky with graphic diamonds, a cool-toned blush and black-cherry lipstick, and a few silver stars soften it. A black lace parasol or a monochrome balloon works as the prop, with platform boots or sturdy buckled shoes. I keep the face expressive rather than frightening and let the white collar against all that black do the clown signalling.
24. Coquette Clown Costume

Coquette clown is the fashion-forward cousin: lots of bows, soft ruffles and very little colour. A pale pink mini dress, bloomer shorts with a fitted blouse, or a corset-style top over a modest puff-sleeve shirt sits under a white pleated collar, satin pom-poms, lace-trimmed socks and several ribbon bows. Hair goes in soft curls or low pigtails with long pink ribbons. Pearly eyes, thin black clown triangles, rosy blush and a small glossy lip keep it soft. A heart balloon, ribbon wand or tiny bouquet suits it, with ballet flats or low Mary Janes. All those bows can tip into fussy, so I stop at pink, white and red and count the bows before I leave the house.
25. Disco Clown Costume

A disco clown mixes circus details with 1970s shapes and anything that reflects. A silver flared jumpsuit, or metallic bell-bottoms with a bright puff-sleeve top, sets the silhouette, with a holographic ruff, glitter buttons and a wide belt. Big curly hair or a bright rounded wig suits the decade. Sweep silver and blue shadow outward, then add star liner, bright blush and a glossy lip. A mirror-ball bag or metallic pinwheel is a practical prop. Platforms are right for the era, but choose a stable sole or platform sneakers if you plan to dance. Since the fabric is already doing so much, I keep the clown details large and simple in silver, blue and pink.
26. Ringmaster Clown Costume

Half clown and half circus host, the ringmaster version runs on tailoring. A red military-style jacket over black high-waisted shorts, trousers or a flared skirt is the base, with a white ruffled shirt, gold buttons, striped tights and shoulder trim. Polished curls under a mini top hat suit it. The face gets red-and-gold eye accents, defined brows, high round blush and a precise red lip. Carry a light hoop, a ticket roll or a cane with a blunt end, and wear black knee boots or buckled ankle boots. Without a couple of clear clown cues, like oversized buttons and small eye triangles, people will read plain ringmaster, so I never leave those out.
27. Bubblegum Clown Costume

Bubblegum pink and bright blue together have a pop-art punch. A split-colour jumpsuit, a colour-block romper, or a blue suspender skirt over a pink puff-sleeve top is the base, with big pom-poms, a wide ruff and striped tights in the same two colours. High pigtails get one pink and one blue temporary extension. Bold blue lids, glossy pink cheeks, a tiny round nose and graphic white liner make the face. A clear balloon filled with pastel paper circles or a big foam bubble works as a prop, and white platform sneakers with colourful laces finish it. Two dominant shades keep strong contrast organised, which is why I'd resist adding a third.
28. Jester Clown Costume

Split colours and points are what make a jester read. A red-and-black or purple-and-green tunic with matching leggings or loose trousers is the base, with a belted waist, pointed collar and two-point hat. I swap the bells for soft pom-poms, because bells get old fast in a room full of people. Hair goes in sleek braids or tucked curls under the hat. Alternate eye colours, thin diamonds, round blush and a sharp lip build the face. A ribbon wand, a playing-card fan or a soft juggling ball fits in the hand. Pointed shoe covers over flats look great, though ankle boots are easier to walk in. Make sure the tunic and hat repeat the same colour split, or the costume looks unbalanced from behind.
29. Cloud Clown Costume

Fluffy white texture makes the cloud clown light and unusual. A pale blue jumpsuit or dress with white tulle gathered at the shoulders, cuffs and hem is the base, then felt cloud patches, white pom-poms and a soft pleated collar. Airy curls, a high fluffy ponytail or two loose buns dusted with temporary white colour suit it. Paint soft blue eye shapes, pearly highlights, round pink cheeks and small white raindrops under one eye. A cloud wand with blue ribbons or a few white balloons, white tights and pale blue sneakers finish it. Stitch the cloud pieces down rather than gluing them; foam clouds pop off as soon as you sit, and a little silver trim adds shine.
30. Strawberry Clown Costume

A strawberry clown puts fruit details on a familiar circus shape. A red romper or puff-sleeve dress dotted with small yellow seed shapes is the base, plus a green leaf collar, white pom-poms and red-and-white striped tights. Curled pigtails with green bows, or a red bob wig under a leafy headband, top it off. Rosy cheeks, green liner, a small heart nose and seed-like freckles make the face. An oversized fabric strawberry or a red balloon with removable paper leaves is the prop, with green sneakers, red Mary Janes or plain white shoes. Seeds cut from yellow felt peel off a stretchy romper if they're only glued, so I put a few stitches through each or use fabric paint instead.
31. Pop Art Clown Costume

Pop art is all about outlines. A fitted yellow dress, a blue jumpsuit or a red-and-blue colour-block set with big round buttons is the base, plus a crisp white pleated collar and solid tights. A smooth high ponytail or sculpted short wig keeps the head graphic. I outline brows, cheek shapes, nose and lips in clean black, then fill chosen areas with red, yellow or blue, and add small white dots for a comic-print effect. A blank speech-bubble prop or a flat foam star works in the hand, with matching ankle boots or high-tops. Crisp edges matter more than glitter, so I use a liquid liner for the outlines and a cream filler underneath.
32. Pastel Rainbow Clown Costume

A pastel rainbow is the softer answer to primary circus colours. A lavender romper, a mint blouse with a pink skirt, or a loose jumpsuit split into pale blocks sets it up, with a white tulle collar, pastel pom-poms and striped tights in faded rainbow shades. Loose curls with ribbon clips or temporary pastel extensions finish the hair. Use watercolour-style shadow, soft pink blush, a lavender nose and tiny white stars. A pastel pinwheel, balloons or a ribbon wand, plus white sneakers or pale platforms, keeps it airy. I avoid harsh black here and line the eyes in grey or deep lavender, which keeps the whole look light enough for a daytime event.
33. Couple Clown Costume

Couples look best when they share colours rather than wearing twin outfits. One of you can wear a red-and-white puff-sleeve dress with striped tights, the other red suspender trousers with a white ruffled shirt. Give both the same pom-poms, collars and small tilted hats. Pigtails on one and a colourful curly shape or a neat side part on the other keeps you distinct. Repeat the same red nose, round blush and simple eye triangles on both faces; I'd paint them side by side in one mirror so the shapes match. Coordinating pinwheels, or one balloon bunch split between you, plus red sneakers, loafers or ankle boots, finish the pair. Mirrored colour placement is what makes people see a duo.
34. Clown Friend Group Costume

A group of clowns gets stronger when each person owns a colour. Give red, blue, yellow, green or pink to each friend, and let everyone choose their own base: a jumpsuit, a dress, a suspender set, a romper or an oversized suit. What ties you together is the repeat: the same ruff and pom-pom buttons, matched wigs or ribbons in each person's shade, and one shared makeup structure with individual eye colours. Each person carries one safe prop, and shoes stay in white sneakers or black boots. I'd send the group a one-line brief with the shared rules before anyone shops, because the person who skips the collar is the one who breaks the photo.
35. Easy Last-Minute Clown Costume

With a party in a few hours, closet basics can still make a convincing clown. A white button-up with bright trousers, jeans or a coloured skirt is the base. Make a ruff from gathered ribbon, tissue or folded fabric, and pin on big felt circles as buttons. Two buns or pigtails with ribbon handle the hair. Draw small triangles above and below the eyes with eyeliner, add round blush, a red nose and a defined lip. A pinwheel, balloons or soft balls from a party shop, striped socks and everyday sneakers finish it. One consistent palette beats a pricey costume set that doesn't match, every time.
A Gathered Ruff You Can Sew in an Evening
The ruffled collar appears in nearly every look, and a homemade one is lighter and comfier than most packaged ones. Here is how I make a soft gathered ruff without a pattern.
- Measure around your neck at the base and add a few centimetres of ease, so it sits on the collarbones rather than choking you.
- Cut a strip of tulle, organza or a light cotton about two and a half to three times that length and as deep as you want the ruff to stand. Fold tulle double for body.
- Run two rows of long machine stitches along the top edge, or one row of hand running stitch, and pull the threads to gather it to your neck measurement.
- Sew the gathered edge into a folded strip of bias binding or ribbon, leaving the ends long enough to tie, or add a strip of hook-and-loop tape at the back.
- Stack two layers in different colours if the costume uses two shades; it doubles the volume for very little extra work.
Cotton ruffs droop by the end of the night, while tulle holds its shape but can itch, so I put a soft ribbon binding where it touches skin. Pom-poms are just as easy: wrap yarn around a fork or a piece of card, tie the middle tightly, cut the loops and trim. Stitch them on with a few strong stitches through the tie rather than hot glue, which lets go when the fabric flexes.
Wigs, Noses and the Clown Pieces Worth Keeping
Cheap curly clown wigs shed and tangle, so I give them a gentle shake outdoors before wearing and never brush them dry. A wide-tooth comb and a little detangling spray, worked from the ends up, rescues most of them. Keep synthetic wigs away from candles, ovens and hair straighteners, since the fibres frizz or melt with heat.
Foam noses compress in storage, so keep them in a small box rather than squashed in a bag. A ruff can be reused for a jester, a Pierrot or a doll the following year, and pom-poms sewn on with a few stitches snip off easily. Once the night is over, I wash the base clothes before packing them away, since makeup on a collar stains more the longer it sits.
Collar, Buttons and Paint Make the Clown
Every clown here comes back to the same few parts: one clear palette, a theatrical shape, a painted face and a prop that supports a single character. Treat the looks as recipes or borrow pieces from several to make your own. A ruff, pom-pom buttons, graphic eyes, playful hair and one circus prop can turn ordinary clothes into a character. Wear shoes you can stand in for hours, layers you can breathe in and makeup you've tested on your skin first. Rainbow, vintage, monochrome or a little dark, the rule I hold onto is the same: repeat your main colours from head to toe.























