Pennywise is one of those costumes where three people at the same party turn up in the same shop-bought suit, so it pays to think about which version of IT you actually want to be. There's a lot more to the story than the clown: Georgie in his yellow raincoat, the seven kids of the Losers Club in their everyday 1980s clothes, their grown-up selves, and a few side characters fans will spot. Below are 35 looks covering the gray film clown, the brighter 1990 version, easy closet builds, kids' costumes, couples, families and big groups. I've kept the makeup on the playful side, the props light, and I mention where a warm layer will save your October night.
Making Pennywise's Ruff and Pom-Poms at Home
The pleated neck ruff and the three red pom-poms are what make a gray outfit read as Pennywise rather than a mime. Both are easy to make, and a homemade ruff usually looks better than the flat printed collars on cheap suits.
- Cut a long strip of white cotton or polyester, about three times your neck measurement and roughly 15 to 25 cm deep, depending on how big you want it. Fold it in half lengthwise so the folded edge becomes the frilly outer edge.
- Run two rows of long gathering stitches along the raw edge and pull them up until the strip fits your neck with a little ease. A strip of bias tape stitched over the gathers makes a neat neckband.
- Add a hook-and-loop tab or a ribbon tie at the back. I avoid anything that has to go over the head, because it smears the makeup every time.
- For more body, use tulle or a stiffer cotton, or spray the finished ruff with starch. Don't pick paper or craft foam if you'll be outside; damp air flattens both.
- Make the pom-poms from red yarn wound around a fork or a cardboard ring, tied tightly through the middle and trimmed round. Stitch them on rather than gluing, because a hot-glued pom-pom comes off the first time someone hugs you.
Matching cuffs are just shorter versions of the same ruff, gathered to fit loosely over the wrist so you can still slide gloves on underneath.
1. Pennywise Halloween Costume With Gray Clown Suit
For the modern film Pennywise, the shape matters more than anything: a pale gray suit with puffed sleeves, gathered legs, red piping and three fluffy pom-poms down the front. If you can't find a full suit, gray bloomers and a ruffled blouse get you most of the way, with red ribbon fixed on using fabric tape. Add a wide white ruff at the neck and matching cuffs. Orange hair goes back off the forehead, from a short wig or a temporary colour spray. The face is white with shaded eyes, a red nose and thin red lines running from the mouth up toward the brows. Brown or gray lace-up boots keep it practical, and I'd tie the single red balloon to a light stick, because loose string tangles the minute you're outside.
2. Glam Pennywise Halloween Costume With Tulle Skirt
A glam Pennywise keeps the clown details but makes the outfit something you can dance in. A silver-gray fitted top with puffed shoulders or ruffled sleeves sits over a layered gray tulle skirt trimmed with red ribbon, with opaque shorts underneath. White tights and silver or gray ankle boots with a stable heel come next. The orange wavy wig gives you his outline, and a rhinestone clip adds sparkle without changing who you are. Go luminous and pale on the skin, smoky gray on the eyes, with red lipstick and neat red lines above the brows. A pleated ruff and wrist cuffs hold the theatrical shape. I sew the three red pom-poms on rather than gluing them, because tulle doesn't give glue much to grab.
3. Classic Pennywise Halloween Costume From The 1990 Miniseries
The 1990 miniseries clown is a completely different palette, which is exactly why I like it at a party full of gray suits. Look for a bright yellow clown jumpsuit with purple panels, oversized sleeves and orange pom-poms, plus a white ruffled collar. White gloves and roomy clown shoes in a matching shade suit it, but pick flexible soles if you'll be walking or squeezing through a crowd. The wig is a vivid red with volume at both sides and a rounded top. Keep the face white with blue eye accents, dark brows, a round red nose and a cheerful red mouth rather than gore. A bundle of red and yellow balloons tied to a hand weight is the finishing prop, and it's a great pick for retro horror nights and group themes.
4. Easy DIY Pennywise Halloween Costume
You can build a believable Pennywise from thrifted basics in an afternoon. Wear a light gray blouse with puffed sleeves, gray cropped pants, white socks and worn brown ankle boots, then fix red pom-poms on with removable fabric adhesive. The collar can be folded white coffee filters, stiff paper or pleated lace on a ribbon tie; coffee filters are lighter than you'd expect and hold a pleat well. A small orange wig is best, though orange hair spray works if you test it first and protect your clothes. I'd use pale foundation over heavy stage paint for a long night, adding red lipstick, a tiny red nose and slim upward lines. A single red balloon on a stick and a few rubbed, frayed fabric edges age the outfit without real sewing.
5. Women’s Pennywise Halloween Costume With Ruffled Dress
A gray ruffled dress gives you a one-piece base that's easy to wear all evening. Look for a high neckline, puffed sleeves and a knee-length skirt, then add red trim at the cuffs, waist and hem, and sew or pin soft red pom-poms down the bodice. White tights with gray lace-up boots or flat Mary Janes suit the dress. Style an orange bob wig into swept-back waves and keep the forehead clear, because his makeup needs that space. A pale base, soft gray contour, red lips and symmetrical red lines from the mouth past the eyes cover the face. If I had to pick one piece that says Pennywise most, it's the big pleated collar. Finish with a red balloon and a small vintage-style paper ticket tucked into one glove.
6. Men’s Pennywise Halloween Costume With Vintage Clown Details
For a men's version, I lean on vintage tailoring rather than oversized novelty pieces. Gray high-waisted trousers or gathered clown pants go with a matching long-sleeved shirt, with puffed fabric at the shoulders, red piping along the seams and a wide satin sash at the waist. A layered white collar, matching cuffs, gray gloves and lace-up boots carry it head to toe. Style the orange wig high at the temples with a receding centre. White or very pale makeup, muted gray shading around the eyes and clean red facial lines are enough. Skip prosthetic teeth; they make talking and drinking miserable within an hour. Carry one weighted red balloon, or for an indoor party a few faux balloons made from painted paper lanterns.
7. Kids Pennywise Halloween Costume
A kids' Pennywise should be light, easy to see out of and easy to move in. Choose a soft gray jumpsuit with an elastic waist, fabric pom-poms, red ribbon accents and a ruffled collar that comes off when it gets in the way. Skip stiff masks, which narrow a child's view on dark streets. Instead, use a water-based face paint, patch-tested on the wrist first, with a small red nose, rosy lips and short red lines drawn away from the eyes. A comfortable orange wig cap or clip-in pieces suggest the hair without itching. White socks and gray sneakers under removable boot covers, a foam balloon on a short stick, a thermal shirt underneath for cold nights and reflective tape along the red trim make it street-ready.
8. Georgie Halloween Costume With Yellow Raincoat
Georgie is the easiest IT costume to put together, and almost everyone gets it on sight. A bright yellow hooded raincoat goes over a simple gray sweater and dark pants, with red rain boots or waterproof shoes under red boot covers. Leave the hair natural and a bit tousled under the hood. He needs hardly any makeup, which keeps him family-friendly and school-safe. Fold a white paper boat and write S.S. Georgie neatly along one side; if you'll be outside, I wrap it in clear tape, since plain paper goes limp in drizzle. A red balloon adds a second link, but the boat should stay the main prop. Buy the coat a size up so a warm layer fits underneath.
9. Adult Georgie Halloween Costume
On an adult, Georgie becomes one of the quickest last-minute costumes there is. A knee-length yellow rain jacket, a heather-gray sweatshirt, straight black pants and red rain boots are all you need. No red boots? Red socks with black waterproof shoes, or simple covers sewn from red felt, do the job. Wear the hood loosely over slightly messy hair, with light foundation and a little soft shading under the eyes for a film feel, but no graphic effects. I make the adult boat bigger, from white poster board, so it shows up in photos instead of disappearing in your hand. Write the name along the side with black marker, and tie the red balloon to a weighted handle so it doesn't float off indoors.
10. Bill Denbrough Halloween Costume
Young Bill works best with plain, practical 1980s basics. A faded plaid button-down over a plain tee, tan or khaki pants and well-worn canvas sneakers are the core, with a light green or neutral jacket if it's cool. Short brown hair stays natural with a slightly uneven side part; too neat and he looks like a catalogue model. Makeup should be almost invisible, though a few faux freckles help. The folded paper boat is his key prop. A small flashlight, a canvas backpack or a vintage bike helmet adds context without getting in the way. In group photos, I put Bill next to Georgie or in the middle of the Losers, which matches his role as the leader.
11. Beverly Marsh Halloween Costume
Young Beverly pairs practical pieces with a clear late-1980s outline. Try a sleeveless floral or softly patterned dress over fitted shorts, belted at the waist with a brown leather-look belt, or a light blouse with high-waisted denim shorts. Ankle socks and worn brown boots you can actually walk in finish the lower half. The short red bob is what people recognise, so if your hair isn't red I'd spend money on a decent wig before anything else. Keep the makeup to freckles, softly defined lashes and muted rose lips. A small backpack or a vintage-style key chain on the belt adds detail, and a light gray cardigan keeps you warm. Without the props, most of it is wearable long after Halloween.
12. Richie Tozier Halloween Costume
Richie lives or dies by the glasses. Pick oversized black frames with clear lenses, and check you can see properly through them on stairs, since cheap costume lenses can blur. A patterned short-sleeved shirt over a plain tee, cuffed jeans or khaki shorts, striped socks and worn high-tops give you a believable 1980s kid. Dark curly hair goes big, or use a tousled wig. Makeup stays natural, maybe with freckles and flushed cheeks. A small handheld microphone hints at his nonstop jokes without being a pain to carry, and a backpack covered in removable retro pins works too. Practise an animated pose for photos, pointing at the group or pushing up the glasses. He looks best standing next to Eddie or the full Losers Club.
13. Eddie Kaspbrak Halloween Costume
Eddie is the tidy one, so his clothes should look more carefully put together than the rest of the group's. A neatly tucked pastel polo, belted tan shorts, tall white socks and clean white sneakers make the base. Part short brown hair neatly or use a light wig, and keep the face fresh with subtle freckles and pink cheeks. His main prop is a small zippered medicine pouch or compact fanny pack, which I fill with sweets or paper labels only. A toy inhaler made from painted cardboard adds a clue without looking too much like real medication. A watch and a narrow woven belt finish him. It's comfortable for a long party, and he reads far more clearly standing beside a scruffy Richie.
14. Ben Hanscom Halloween Costume
Young Ben needs warm, approachable school clothes. Layer a checked button-down over a solid tee, add relaxed jeans and brown sneakers, and throw on a corduroy jacket or zip hoodie for outdoor plans. Light brown hair gets a soft side part, with natural makeup and gentle freckles if you like. For props, carry a small library book wrapped in a handmade Derry history cover or a folded building sketch, and wear a canvas school bag across the body. Please don't make body size the joke of the costume; I'd build it around his thoughtful nature, his era and his love of local history instead. He pairs naturally with Beverly or the whole Losers Club.
15. Mike Hanlon Halloween Costume
Mike's costume is sturdy workwear that suits his practical, grounded character. Denim overalls or dark jeans, a faded plaid shirt and a weathered canvas jacket make the outfit, with brown work boots or supportive lace-ups for outdoors. Keep short hair natural and makeup minimal. If you want a worn look, I rub a little brown or gray shading into the clothing seams rather than onto the skin. Carry a vintage-style notebook filled with printed Derry maps, local clippings and handwritten notes, plus a canvas satchel for the prop and your own things. Suspenders over a plain shirt are a simpler swap for overalls. Mike is clearest alongside the other six young Losers, each in their own clothes and props.
16. Stanley Uris Halloween Costume
Stanley is the most buttoned-up of the kids. A tidy striped polo or button-down with belted khaki shorts, high white socks and brown loafers or clean sneakers give him an organised, slightly preppy feel that's a notch more formal than Richie or Mike. Short dark curls sit neatly around the forehead, with a clean face and lightly defined brows. A small shower cap tucked into a pocket is a quiet nod for real fans, while a birdwatching guide or a pair of light plastic binoculars is easier for everyone else to read. A wristwatch and canvas backpack finish him. In a group, I stand Stanley between the more colourful characters, so his quiet clothes look deliberate rather than forgotten.
17. Adult Bill Denbrough Halloween Costume
Grown-up Bill is a more polished take on the Losers wardrobe. A muted button-down sits under a dark field jacket, with straight-leg jeans, brown boots, a plain belt and a practical watch. Medium-length brown hair gets a natural side part, and the whole look should be slightly rumpled rather than smart. Light shading under the eyes suggests his serious, reflective mood without turning into horror makeup. Keep a folded paper boat half visible in the jacket pocket, and a small notebook hints that he's a writer. I'd pair him with Georgie's bright yellow raincoat if you're going as a couple or siblings; the contrast makes both characters easier to spot in a busy room.
18. Adult Beverly Marsh Halloween Costume
Adult Beverly looks put-together while keeping small links to her younger self. A rust, burgundy or deep green blouse goes with tailored high-waisted pants and brown ankle boots, plus a fitted coat or long cardigan for outdoor events. Shoulder-length red hair in soft waves is the anchor, so if you need a wig, choose one with a natural parting; shiny fibre gives the game away at close range. Polished makeup with defined lashes, warm blush and muted berry lipstick suits her. Carry a structured handbag with a small vintage postcard or folded note inside, and add a fine pendant and watch. On her own she can look like office wear, so I'd pair her with adult Ben or the full grown-up group, and skip any graphic makeup.
19. Adult Richie Tozier Halloween Costume
Adult Richie mixes stage confidence with casual clothes. A dark patterned button-down, black jeans, a slim jacket and leather sneakers or ankle boots make the base, and the oversized black glasses with clear lenses are still the key accessory. Style dark hair with loose volume and a messy front. Use natural makeup with light contour and brows strong enough to show behind the frames. A wireless-style toy microphone, cue cards or a small notebook of family-friendly one-liners works as the prop, with a vintage watch and a simple ring. As a duo, he plays off adult Eddie's neat business-casual look. I'd choose breathable layers, because the jacket and glasses are the costume and you'll want to keep both on all night.
20. Adult Eddie Kaspbrak Halloween Costume
Grown-up Eddie should look neat and a little uptight. A pale dress shirt with a narrow tie, fitted slacks, polished brown shoes and a light zip-front jacket set the tone. A compact crossbody pouch holds tissues, mints and clearly fictional paper labels. Short brown hair gets a precise side part, with clean natural makeup, faint under-eye shading and groomed brows; thin-framed glasses are optional. A travel-size spray bottle of water labelled as a made-up protective mist is a harmless prop. Pair him with adult Richie for a duo people get straight away. My rule for his props is simple: everything light, nothing glass, and no real medication or medical devices at a crowded party.
21. Adult Ben Hanscom Halloween Costume
Adult Ben suits anyone who wants an IT costume without horror makeup. A dark blue button-down under a fitted jacket, charcoal trousers, brown leather-look boots, a sleek watch and a messenger bag give him a polished architect's look. Short hair goes neat with a little texture at the front, and natural makeup with light contour is all he needs. Carry rolled building plans tied with ribbon, or a small sketchbook of made-up Derry landmarks. For a couple, pair him with adult Beverly in warm jewel tones so the colours link you while her red hair and his plans carry the character. If you're driving to the party or wearing it all night, I'd pick wrinkle-resistant fabrics.
22. Adult Mike Hanlon Halloween Costume
Adult Mike is practical clothing plus a historian's kit. A dark henley, a heavy overshirt, straight jeans and brown lace-up boots form the outfit, with a weathered jacket that has roomy pockets. Keep hair natural and makeup minimal, and rub a little gray or brown into the jacket seams for a lived-in look. His prop is a leather-look notebook filled with Derry maps and newspaper-style pages printed at home, with a crossbody satchel, flashlight and simple watch. I'd write fictional clippings rather than copying real headlines or grim images; it keeps the prop tasteful. In an adult group, Mike can hold the research that ties everyone together, and the layers keep him warm at an outdoor event.
23. Adult Stanley Uris Halloween Costume
Adult Stanley is quiet business-casual. A pale blue shirt, a neutral knit sweater, pressed chinos, brown loafers and a light tailored coat for cool weather are the whole outfit. Keep short curly hair neat and makeup natural with softly defined brows. His prop can be a small leather-look organiser, an old-fashioned key or a folded group photo, and a neatly packed canvas bag fits his orderly personality while holding your essentials. Honestly, on his own he's hard to read, so I'd only wear him with the other adult Losers, each carrying their own token. Keep his palette muted and let Richie's glasses, Beverly's red hair and Mike's notebook be the loud anchors.
24. Pennywise And Georgie Couple Halloween Costume
Pennywise and Georgie are the pairing people name fastest. One of you wears the gray vintage clown suit with a pleated white collar, orange wig, pale makeup, red facial lines and gray boots. The other wears a bright yellow raincoat over gray layers, black pants and red rain boots. Georgie carries a big paper boat, and Pennywise holds one red balloon on a weighted stick. I'd keep both looks free of gore so the pair works at mixed-age parties. Muted gray beside vivid yellow is a strong contrast in photos. If the Georgie wearer wants less bulk, a yellow hooded jacket works. Stand side by side for pictures rather than acting out scary scenes.
25. Pennywise And Beverly Duo Halloween Costume
This duo puts a theatrical clown next to Beverly's casual 1980s wardrobe. Pennywise wears a gray ruffled jumpsuit, orange wig, pale clown makeup, red trim and lace-up boots. Beverly wears a floral sleeveless dress or a blouse with denim shorts, a brown belt, ankle boots and a short red wig. The clown carries a red balloon, while Beverly holds a small canvas backpack or a vintage key chain. Keep her makeup natural and his face design clean and symmetrical. The stiff clown ruffles next to plain everyday clothes are what make the two characters easy to tell apart. It suits friends, siblings or a couple. I'd put both of you in flat shoes for a walking night, and let the red accents echo each other without matching exactly.
26. Bill And Georgie Sibling Halloween Costume
Bill and Georgie make a touching sibling pair with no tricky makeup at all. Bill wears a faded plaid shirt over a neutral tee, tan pants, a light jacket and canvas sneakers; Georgie wears the yellow hooded raincoat, gray sweater, dark trousers and red boots. Both hairstyles stay natural and a little tousled. Each of them carries a paper boat, with Georgie's bigger and named along the side, and Bill can add a flashlight or backpack. Faces stay clean with optional freckles. It's comfortable for kids or adults and handles unpredictable October weather well. For trick-or-treating, I tape the boats in clear tape against rain and add discreet reflective strips to both outfits.
27. Richie And Eddie Duo Halloween Costume
Richie and Eddie are fun together because their clothes tell you their personalities. Richie wears oversized black glasses, a patterned shirt, cuffed jeans, striped socks and high-tops, with messy dark hair. Eddie wears a neatly tucked pastel polo, belted khaki shorts, high white socks and clean sneakers, with a careful side part. Both can have light freckles and natural makeup. Give Richie a toy microphone or joke cards, and Eddie a compact zippered pouch with made-up labels. On a cold night, I swap Eddie's shorts for fitted tan pants and keep the polo and belt showing. For photos, have Richie mid-gesture while Eddie checks his pouch; that little bit of acting tells the story without any props.
28. Ben And Beverly Couple Halloween Costume
Ben and Beverly work as either the young pair or the grown-ups, but pick one era and stick to it; mixing them just confuses people. For the kids, Ben wears a checked shirt, relaxed jeans, canvas shoes and a crossbody book bag, and carries a handmade postcard or library book. Beverly wears a patterned dress or high-waisted denim shorts with brown boots, a short red wig and a vintage key ring. Makeup stays soft. For the adults, Ben moves to a dark tailored jacket with rolled plans, and Beverly to a jewel-toned blouse, trousers and a structured handbag. I keep the couple in shared earth tones, which makes them look connected while her red hair stays the focal point.
29. Kids Losers Club Group Halloween Costume
Seven kids can play the whole young Losers Club in ordinary, comfy clothes. Bill wears plaid with a paper boat; Beverly a dress or denim with a red bob; Richie oversized glasses and a patterned shirt; Eddie a pastel polo and small pouch; Ben a checked shirt, jeans and a book; Mike overalls or workwear with a Derry notebook; and Stanley a striped polo, khakis and toy binoculars. Everyone needs sneakers or flat boots for walking. Keep makeup to freckles and flushed cheeks. I steer parents toward a shared palette but never identical outfits, because seven matching kids just look like a team. For photos, put Bill in the middle with the rest loosely around him like real friends.
30. Adult Losers Club Group Halloween Costume
The grown-up Losers suit a group of friends who'd rather be subtle. Bill wears a field jacket and carries a paper boat. Beverly picks a jewel-toned blouse, tailored pants and shoulder-length red hair. Richie has dark patterns, bold glasses and a toy microphone. Eddie wears a neat shirt, tie and compact pouch, and Ben a fitted jacket with rolled plans. Mike wears layered workwear and holds a Derry research notebook, and Stanley closes the line in a sweater and chinos. I'd keep the whole group in brown, navy, gray and burgundy so you read as a set. Boots, loafers and sneakers keep everyone comfortable, and each person must carry one clear prop, or the group just looks like seven people in normal clothes.
31. Pennywise Halloween Costume Group
A Pennywise group lets each friend play a different version of the clown. One wears the gray ruffled film suit with orange hair, another the bright yellow 1990 jumpsuit and red wig, a third the glam silver top, tulle skirt, white tights and rhinestone collar, and a fourth the thrift-store gray outfit with handmade paper ruffles. Tie the faces together with pale makeup and red accents, then vary the eye shadow, pom-pom placement and hair. Everyone carries a red balloon on a short weighted handle. Pick gray, white, red or brown shoes you can walk in. For the group photo, I line people up from the oldest version to the newest, which makes the idea obvious and shows off each build.
32. Pennywise Georgie And Bill Family Halloween Costume
This three-person family costume uses the three clearest images from the story. The Pennywise wearer has a soft gray jumpsuit, white collar, orange wig, pale makeup, red details and comfortable gray boots. Georgie wears the yellow raincoat, gray sweater, black pants and red waterproof shoes, carrying a paper boat. Bill wears a plaid shirt, neutral pants, canvas sneakers and a light jacket with a second boat in the pocket. Keep makeup gentle and skip masks, especially for a child. A foam balloon is easier than a floating one. I'd hand out roles by who'll be comfortable in them, not by age or gender, and pick washable fabrics with reflective trim for outdoor trick-or-treating.
33. Derry School Kids Group Halloween Costume
When more than seven friends want in, a Derry school group gives everyone a role. Start with the main Losers outfits, then add classmates in 1980s striped tees, denim jackets, varsity-style sweaters, pleated skirts, corduroy pants, backpacks and high-tops. Each extra person gets a fictional Derry school notebook, library card, bike helmet or town map. Hair stays casual: side parts, curls, ponytails and short natural cuts. Makeup is just freckles and rosy cheeks. One person can wear a simplified Pennywise to tie the group to IT, and another Georgie's yellow raincoat. I'd avoid identical clothes, but a shared school-colour palette or matching backpack patches makes the big group look planned.
34. Mrs. Kersh Halloween Costume
Mrs. Kersh is a costume fans will love because almost nobody else picks her. Wear a modest vintage floral dress with long or elbow-length sleeves, a buttoned cardigan, neutral stockings and sensible lace-up shoes, plus a white or gray curled wig set close to the head. For the age makeup, I draw soft smile lines with a brown pencil, blend them out, and add muted blush and a little gray shading; no graphic effects. Carry a light plastic teacup or a small framed photo with made-up imagery, and add a cameo brooch, an apron and an old-fashioned house key. A slightly too-wide smile in photos suggests the character without being frightening. She pairs with adult Beverly or slots into a larger Chapter Two group.
35. Welcome To Derry 1960s Group Halloween Costume
For a change of era, dress a group as Derry friends from the 1960s, the period of the prequel series, which pushes the town's story further back in time and gives you mid-century clothes to play with. Group members wear collared shirts, knit cardigans, plaid skirts, straight trousers, simple dresses, canvas sneakers, loafers and period-style coats. Hair is neat ponytails, short side parts and soft curls, with minimal makeup. Each person carries a schoolbook, flashlight, retro camera or handmade Derry map. One gray vintage clown with orange hair and a red balloon makes the theme clear. I keep the colours slightly muted but avoid anything so dark it disappears at night. It's a good route for a large group that doesn't want to repeat the familiar Losers lineup.
Clown White That Lasts the Night
Nearly every Pennywise look here starts with a white or very pale face, and white is the least forgiving base there is. It shows every crease, every smudge and every place it rubs onto a collar. I'm not a makeup artist, but these everyday habits keep it in place.
- Patch-test any new face paint on the inside of your wrist a day ahead, especially for children.
- Start on clean, moisturised skin and build the white in thin layers with a damp sponge. One thick layer cracks around the mouth within an hour.
- Press translucent setting powder over the white before you draw any red lines. The red then stays crisp instead of turning pink at the edges.
- Put the ruff on after the makeup is set, and dust a little extra powder along the jaw and neck where the collar touches.
- Take it off with an oil cleanser or a makeup-removing balm before you wash, so you aren't scrubbing pigment into your skin at midnight.
Red Balloons, Paper Boats and Other Props in Real Weather
The two props that define this story are both fragile. Helium balloons drift into ceiling fans, pop on hot lights and pull on your wrist outdoors in wind, so I tie them to a short stick or a hand weight, or use a foam or painted paper lantern version indoors. Many venues and schools ask for no helium at all, so check before you buy. Paper boats go soft the moment they meet damp air; wrap them in clear packing tape, or fold one from waterproof paper, and make a spare. For kids, a boat with tape-covered corners is gentler than poster board points. And if you're walking far, pick the prop you can carry in one hand while holding a candy bag in the other.
Start With the Boat or the Balloon
Every good IT costume comes down to recognisable colours, practical clothes, one clear prop and makeup you can stand to wear for hours. The list runs from full Pennywise builds to simple Georgie raincoats, single Losers Club characters, couples, families and big groups, so pick by your budget, your sewing skills, the event and the forecast. Thrifted shirts, handmade collars, paper boats, red balloons and a good wig carry the theme without expensive gear. With kids in the group, I always put clear vision, reflective trim, soft materials and light props first. Keep it playful rather than gory, and even a plain raincoat or an everyday 1980s outfit becomes a costume people remember.
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