The Joker is one of the friendliest characters to adapt, because the palette does most of the work. Purple, green and a hit of yellow or orange read as the Joker from across a room, so you can go tailored or thrifted and still be understood. Women's blazers, fitted suits and dresses turn up in these colours in a wide range of sizes, which leaves the shape up to you. When I style one, I plan it from the shoes up rather than from the wig down, because a costume that pinches by nine o'clock never looks good in the late photos. Below are thirty women's Joker looks, from a version you can pull out of your own wardrobe to a full gown, with notes on how much makeup each one really needs.
Making Clown-White Makeup Last Past Midnight
Every look in this list uses a pale or white base, and the base is what fails first. It creases in the smile lines, slides on a warm dance floor and leaves a ghost on every collar it touches. I work through it in this order.
- Patch-test a day ahead. Put a little of the white and the red on the inside of your wrist and leave it for a few hours. Skip anything that itches or reddens.
- Start on clean, moisturised skin, then give the moisturiser ten minutes to sink in. Paint laid over damp cream slides around.
- Apply the white in thin layers with a damp sponge, pressing rather than wiping. Two thin coats look smoother and crack less than one thick one.
- Set it with translucent powder pressed on with a puff, and do the jaw and hairline twice, since those edges rub against collars.
- Draw the red smile with a lip liner first, then fill with lipstick. Liner holds a clean edge on white; lipstick alone smears into pink.
- Keep paint out of the lash line and the inner rim of the eye. Use ordinary eyeliner or eyeshadow there instead.
To take it off, I massage an oil cleanser or cold cream into dry skin, wipe with a soft cloth, then wash with a gentle face cleanser. Going straight in with soap and water just spreads the white into your brows and hairline. Red pigment can leave a faint pink tint around the mouth until morning, which is normal and fades.
1. Classic Purple Suit Joker Costume
This is the version I'd send most people toward first, because a purple blazer and matching trousers over a green vest and a golden-yellow blouse need no explaining. A thrifted suit is fine if you like a slouchier shape; take the trouser hems up with fabric tape rather than cutting them, so the suit can go back to normal life afterwards. Add a green bob wig or temporary colour, then white makeup, charcoal smoked eyes and red lipstick drawn past the corners. I keep the smile extension short here, a few millimetres, so it reads theatrical rather than gory. Purple gloves, a lapel flower and black lace-up ankle boots finish it, and you can dance or hand out candy in it all night.
2. Red Suit Joker Costume
The red suit is the film look, and the colour contrast is the whole point: a crimson blazer with high-waisted trousers, a mustard vest and a forest-green shirt underneath. Get the mustard right before anything else. A bright lemon yellow makes it look like a different character, while a duller ochre sits correctly against the red. Brush a shoulder-length green wig straight back, or slick your own hair with washable colour wax. The blue diamond shapes above and below the eyes are what people recognise, so I draw those with a sharp eyeliner pencil and fill them in, rather than freehanding them in paint. Brown or black low-heeled boots, a painted smile pin and a vintage pocket square do the rest. Leave some ease in the shoulders; you'll raise your arms more than you expect.
3. Dark Knight Joker Costume
The Dark Knight version depends on things not matching. A long purple overcoat, a green vest, a patterned shirt and dark trousers should look as if they were bought years apart, so thrift for texture: a tweedy vest, a shirt with a small busy print, a coat with some wear at the cuffs. Wear an untidy green shoulder-length wig with a side part and loose bends. This is the one look where messy makeup is correct. I press the pale base on with my fingers, smudge black shadow round the eyes and blur the red past the lip line, then stop, because scars or fake blood push it into territory many parties don't want. Dark leather gloves and brown lace-up boots, plus a plain purple fabric bag for your phone, keys and treats.
4. Comic Book Joker Costume
Comic book Joker is the clean, bright one: a vivid purple blazer, tapered purple trousers, a green shirt and an orange or yellow vest, with a neat green wig that looks inked rather than lived in. Smooth white base, high arched brows, emerald shadow and a crisp red smile. The trick that sells it is the drawn-on outline. Thin black liner along the cheekbones and jaw, plus a line of black fabric chalk down the lapel edges, makes you look printed. I test the chalk on an inside seam first, since it shows more on some purples than others. Purple gloves, a large lapel flower and polished black loafers. Pick this one if you like tidy makeup more than the smudged versions; it suits bright rooms and daytime parties.
5. Black Dress Joker Costume
No suit needed here. A knee-length fit-and-flare black dress becomes the Joker once you add a cropped purple blazer, emerald tights and a bright yellow bow tie. The tights carry more of the character than you'd think, and if green tights are hard to find, opaque green leggings under the hem do the same job. A sleek green bob with a side part, an ivory base, purple smoky eyes, sharp brows and red lipstick shaped into a wider smile. I'd choose block-heel ankle boots over pumps, because the dress is short and the boots give the outfit some weight at the bottom. Purple gloves and a green mini bag with a removable fabric flower keep all three signature colours in view.
6. Glam Joker Costume With Sequin Blazer
A purple sequin blazer does most of the glam work, so keep what's underneath simple: a green satin camisole and black wide-leg trousers. Sequins scratch the inside of the arm, which is the first thing I check before suggesting this one; a lined blazer is far kinder over bare skin than an unlined one. Go for smooth waves in a green wig, or use temporary colour spray and a curling iron on your own hair. Swap heavy white paint for a luminous pale foundation, then jewel purple shadow, precise liner and glossy crimson lips extended only slightly at the corners. Metallic pumps or glitter ankle boots, crystal earrings, satin gloves and a lapel flower. Stop there. A sequin jacket plus big jewellery plus a feathered flower starts to fight itself.
7. Plus Size Purple Joker Costume
For plus size women, I build this look around the jacket's fit before anything else. A long purple blazer, left open, shows the green blouse and mustard vest underneath and makes one long line from shoulder to hip. Wide-leg purple trousers with an elastic or adjustable waist stay comfortable through dinner and dancing. Try the blazer on while reaching forward and lifting your arms, since tight shoulders are the most common complaint with costume tailoring. A full green wig with softly curled ends balances the longer jacket. Pale base, smoky eyes, defined brows and berry-red lips pushed out a touch. Cushioned black platform loafers, purple gloves, and a fabric flower pinned through two layers of the lapel so it doesn't droop. Breathable fabric matters more here than any accessory.
8. Easy Closet Joker Costume
If you have an hour and nothing bought, start here. Black jeans, a green blouse and a purple cardigan or blazer already say Joker, and a yellow scarf at the neck brings in the third colour. Put your hair in a high ponytail and colour only the ends with temporary green, or wear a cheap green bob. Inexpensive wigs shed and tangle, so give yours a gentle pass with a wide-tooth comb and a light mist of water before you leave. Pale foundation, smoky grey shadow and red lipstick nudged out at the corners. Black sneakers or ankle boots, purple gloves and a bright fabric flower. The expression does as much as the clothes, so practise that lopsided grin in the mirror once.
9. DIY Thrift Store Joker Costume
Thrift stores suit the Joker better than costume shops, because his layers are meant to clash. Look for an oversized purple jacket, a patterned green shirt, a yellow vest and relaxed dark trousers, and don't worry when the purples disagree. To age the jacket, scrunch it while damp and let it dry crumpled, or rub fabric chalk along the seams; both come out in the wash. Style a messy green wig with your fingers rather than a brush. Use white cream makeup sparingly, blend charcoal around the eyes and smudge the red past the corners. Secondhand brown boots, purple gloves and a lapel flower. Wash every thrifted piece before you wear it, and patch-test the makeup on the inside of your wrist a day ahead.
10. Joker Costume With Purple Tutu
A layered purple tutu at knee length keeps this playful without making it hard to wear. Under it go black leggings and a fitted green top, with a cropped purple tailcoat over everything, a yellow bow tie and striped purple-and-green suspenders. That's already plenty of pattern, so a short green wig is the right call; long hair on top of tulle and stripes looks crowded. White face makeup, winged liner, purple shadow and a neatly painted red grin. I like black combat boots here because they ground the skirt and handle wet grass at outdoor parties. Fingerless purple gloves and a flower brooch you can unpin. Tulle can turn see-through in flash photos, so pick an opaque tutu or wear fitted shorts underneath.
11. Joker Jester Costume
The jester take mixes comic-villain colours with an old harlequin shape. A purple-and-green diamond tunic dress over opaque black tights, a fitted belt at the waist and a short split-tail jacket for structure. A two-point jester cap sits best over hair pinned flat, or over a short green wig, and I add two bobby pins through the cap band on each side, because those points tip backwards the moment you laugh. Pale base, small purple diamonds round the eyes, curved black brows and red lips. Keep the face symmetrical and it stays friendly for family parties. Black buckle shoes or low ankle boots, and wrist cuffs with soft fabric bells, so you jingle a little rather than clank.
12. Punk Joker Costume
The punk version starts with a purple faux-leather jacket, distressed black jeans and a plain green tank, with a yellow plaid shirt knotted at the waist. Faux leather gets hot fast at an indoor party, so I'd only choose it if you can take the jacket off and still look like the character; here the green tank and plaid shirt carry it on their own. A short green faux-hawk wig, or the sides of a green bob pinned back to build height, plus a pale base, smudged purple shadow, heavy black liner and matte red lips. Purple fingerless gloves and chunky black platforms. Clip light chains to the belt loops rather than heavy ones, which drag the jeans down and snag on chair backs.
13. Vintage Joker Costume
Mid-century tailoring suits the Joker more than you'd guess. A purple swing dress or a skirt suit with a nipped waist and flared hem, a green blouse, a yellow neck scarf and black seamed tights. The seams are the detail people notice up close, and they twist as you walk, so check them in a mirror before heading out. Set a short green wig in pin curls, or use temporary colour on a rolled natural style. Satin pale foundation, thin arched brows, soft green shadow and carefully shaped red lips. Purple gloves, black Mary Janes, a structured green handbag and a fabric flower at the collar. If you'll be standing for hours, get the Mary Janes in a low block heel.
14. Gothic Joker Costume
Deep jewel tones keep the gothic Joker dark without making it gory. A long purple velvet coat over a black high-neck dress with lace sleeves, and dark green tights or fitted trousers underneath for warmth. Velvet crushes wherever you sit and lean, so I hang the coat in a steamy bathroom before the party to lift the pile. A long forest-green wig with loose waves, a light base, smoky plum eyes, crisp liner and deep red lips extended into a slight smile. Black Victorian-style lace-up boots, purple gloves, an emerald choker and a dark fabric rose on the coat. Blend the makeup softly. Hard edges on this one tip it from mysterious into harsh.
15. Steampunk Joker Costume
Steampunk is the most accessory-heavy look here, so weight is my first concern. The clothes are simple enough: a purple tailcoat, a green ruffled blouse, fitted brown trousers and a mustard brocade vest, with a wide utility belt of small pouches that can genuinely hold a lipstick and a phone. A green curly wig goes under a miniature purple top hat trimmed with gears. Hot glue lets go in cold air, so if you'll be outside I'd fix the gears with a strong craft adhesive and let it cure overnight. Pale foundation, smoky brown eyes and a curved red lip. Brown lace-up boots, leather-look gloves, and goggles resting on the hat, never over your eyes, because they narrow your view in a crowded room.
16. Circus Ringmaster Joker Costume
A purple military-style tailcoat with gold trim gives a circus feel without tipping into stage costume. Under it, black high-waisted trousers and a green satin blouse, with a yellow waistcoat to tie the palette together. Gold trim from a fabric shop can go onto a plain coat, and I stitch it at the cuffs and front edges, where glue wears off first. Green hair in a sleek low bun or a wavy shoulder-length wig, an ivory base, purple winged shadow, defined brows and a bold red smile. Black knee-high boots with low heels, white gloves and a mini top hat on a headband. Skip the cane or baton. Your hands will be full of drinks, and the prop ends up on a chair within the hour.
17. Disco Joker Costume
A purple sequin jumpsuit with flared legs gives this one its 1970s swing. If the neckline allows, layer a green satin blouse underneath, and cinch the waist with a wide yellow belt. A jumpsuit means undressing for every bathroom trip, so I check that the zip runs low enough to make that quick. A big green curly wig or brushed-out green-tinted curls, luminous pale makeup, purple shimmer on the lids, long lashes and glossy red lips. Silver platform boots, geometric earrings and a purple flower at the shoulder. Hold back on extra shine; the jumpsuit is already the loudest thing in the room under party lights.
18. Joker Cheerleader Costume
This is the easiest Joker to move in. A modest purple pleated skirt with attached shorts, a green varsity top and a yellow cropped jacket that meets the waistband, with striped purple-and-green knee socks and clean black sneakers. Tie a green wig into a high ponytail with a purple ribbon, or use washable colour on your own ponytail. A high ponytail on a wig needs a firm elastic and several pins, because the weight swings and works it loose. Light base, sharp liner, purple eye accents and red lipstick extended slightly at each corner. Soft purple-and-green pom-poms make the theme obvious in a second. Choose breathable fabric and a skirt that stays put when you jump.
19. Joker School Uniform Costume
For adult parties, a school uniform version stays tidy and age-appropriate as long as the skirt length is sensible. A purple plaid knee-length skirt, a green button-down shirt and a fitted black sweater vest, plus a yellow tie and a structured purple blazer for the colour layering. Opaque tights and black loafers, and I'd add cushioned insoles because new loafers rub at the heel. A green bob with a headband, or temporary colour on a low ponytail. Pale foundation, soft purple shadow, clean winged liner and a small red smile lifted at the corners. A purple backpack and a removable flower. Leave out exaggerated school props; the plaid and blazer already set the theme.
20. Joker Prom Dress Costume
A floor-length purple gown with emerald satin details turns formalwear into a Joker look that surprises people. A fitted bodice and a gently flowing skirt give drama without restricting how you move. Add a yellow sash at the waist, short purple gloves and a green faux-fur wrap if the night is cool. A long green wig in brushed waves, pinned back on one side so you can see. Luminous pale base, smoky purple eyes, defined lashes and glossy crimson lips with softly lifted corners. Black block-heel sandals or glitter flats, emerald earrings and a purple corsage. Set the hem just off the floor, and I pin it with the actual shoes on, not barefoot, because that gap is what stops you tripping on stairs.
21. Joker Pantsuit Costume
A sharply tailored purple pantsuit with ankle-length trousers, worn over a bright green mock-neck, is the simplest Joker to put together. A narrow yellow belt adds the third colour. Slick a short green wig straight back, or use temporary green wax on short hair; wax is quicker, but it does come off on hat bands and car headrests. Satin pale complexion, structured brows, smoky grey liner and a precise red smile. Pointed black flats or low block heels, purple gloves and a fabric flower on the lapel. I suggest this one for workplace parties, since it's easy to sit in and you can tone the face down to just the lips if the office prefers.
22. Joker Skirt Suit Costume
A skirt suit is the softer take on Joker tailoring. A fitted purple blazer and matching knee-length pencil skirt over a green blouse and mustard-yellow vest. I check one thing first: can you climb a step? A back slit or stretch fabric is what makes a pencil skirt walkable. A sleek green lob suits the structured shape. A thin pale base, softly smoked eyes, curved black brows and satin red lips running just past the corners. Purple tights, black heeled loafers, fitted gloves, a bright lapel flower and a small green handbag. No props, and none of the construction a cape or tutu asks for.
23. Joker Corset And Pants Costume
A structured purple corset-style top over a green long-sleeve blouse gives shape without showing much skin. High-waisted black trousers and a purple tailcoat keep the coverage comfortable, and a yellow bow at the neck brings brightness near the face. Wear green waves half-up, held with black clips. Pale foundation, dramatic purple shadow, crisp liner and bold red lips. Black platform boots balance the fitted top half, then purple gloves and a fabric flower at the waist. Pick a flexible fashion corset, not restrictive shapewear. At home, sit down in it, eat something and take a deep breath; if any of those feels wrong, loosen the laces a couple of rows.
24. Joker Cape Costume
A long cape gives a big silhouette for very little styling. Wear a black fitted jumpsuit under a purple cape lined in emerald green, then add a yellow waist belt and purple gloves to break up the dark base. Slick a green wig back so it stays clear of the cape; long synthetic hair rubbing against a cape collar knots within an hour. Pale makeup, dark smoky eyes, sharp brows and a clean red smile. Black pointed ankle boots and a large fabric flower at the cape closure. Hem the cape above the ground and sew wrist loops inside the front edges, so you can lift it through doorways and crowds instead of dragging it.
25. Joker Hoodie Costume
For cold trick-or-treating or a casual get-together, this is the one I'd reach for. A purple zip-up hoodie over a green shirt and yellow vest, with black cargo pants or joggers that have secure pockets. A short green wig fits under the hood, while a long one bunches and pushes the hood off. You can also colour just the visible front of your hair with washable product. Keep the makeup simple: pale foundation, smudged grey shadow and extended red lips. Black high-tops give warmth and support for a long walk. Purple gloves and a soft fabric flower pinned to the hoodie. The colours still read as the Joker under a street light, and you'll stay warm for hours.
26. Joker Overalls Costume
Purple denim overalls give a playful, homemade feel. Wear them over a green-and-black striped long-sleeve shirt, with a removable yellow bow at the neck and a purple fabric flower pinned to one strap. Roll the hems just above sturdy black lace-up boots. A messy green ponytail wig suits the casual shape, along with pale makeup, purple shadow and smudged red lips. Purple work gloves add warmth outdoors. For the green patches I'd use safety pins or a few loose tacking stitches rather than glue, so the overalls go back to everyday wear in November. Plenty of pockets for your phone, keys and wrapped treats, too.
27. Joker Mini Dress With Tights Costume
A long-sleeve purple blazer dress gives coverage and structure, so the mini length stays comfortable. Wear it over opaque green tights or fitted leggings, and break up the purple with a yellow waistcoat panel or a wide belt. A chin-length green wig with flipped ends keeps it playful. Pale base, strong brows, smoky black liner and red lips extended slightly. Black platform loafers are much easier to walk in than narrow heels and keep the proportions grounded. Purple gloves and a large lapel flower. I always suggest fitted shorts under a short dress at a costume party; there's a lot of sitting on floors and climbing into cars.
28. Joker Winter Costume
Cold weather doesn't have to hide the costume. A long purple wool coat over a green turtleneck, a yellow sweater vest and fleece-lined black trousers keeps every colour visible even when you're buttoned up. A green knit beanie can stand in for a full wig, or let green waves show under a purple hat. White makeup rubs onto a turtleneck and scarf, so I use a light base and press translucent powder over it, especially along the jaw. Waterproof black liner, rich red lips, insulated purple gloves, striped socks and weather-resistant boots. Pin the flower high on the coat where it stays seen, and wear inner layers you can peel off once you're indoors.
29. Pastel Joker Costume
Pastels keep the Joker's palette but soften it. A lavender pantsuit over a mint-green blouse, with a pale yellow vest or waist belt. Choose a light green wig with smooth waves instead of deep emerald. An ivory base, lilac shadow, mint liner, pink-red lipstick and gently raised smile corners. White ankle boots brighten the lower half, with lavender gloves, pearl-style earrings and a soft lapel flower. Pastel tailoring only looks intentional when it's pressed and fits well; creased lavender looks like pyjamas. This suits anyone who would rather be cute than creepy.
30. Black And White Joker Costume
With the colour taken out, the Joker relies on pattern, shape and makeup. A black-and-white striped blazer, black trousers and a white ruffled shirt, with a grey fitted vest and a black bow tie. A silver-grey wig with one green streak is the clue that ties it back to the character, and I make that streak generous so it shows in photos. White face makeup, charcoal shadow and black brows, with deep red lips as the only strong colour. Spectator shoes, black gloves and a white fabric flower edged in grey. It's a clever choice for a costume contest, and guests still get it the moment they see the smile.
Green Hair Without a Week of Green Hair
Most women I dress for this character don't want to dye, and you don't need to. There are three honest routes, and each one has a catch.
Temporary colour spray
Fast and cheap, and it shows well on blonde or light hair. On dark hair it barely registers, so I'd only use it on the ends or a front section. It rubs onto collars and pillowcases, flakes once dry and leaves hair stiff. Spray it before you dress, outdoors or over a towel, and let it dry fully before the blazer goes on.
Coloured hair wax
Better for short or slicked-back styles like the red suit and pantsuit looks. It stays put and washes out with shampoo, but it leaves green on hat bands, hoods and car headrests.
A synthetic wig
The most convincing, and the only real route to long green waves. Pin your own hair flat under a wig cap, then push four or five bobby pins through the wig's inner edge into the cap. Cheap wigs shed and tangle at the nape, so comb yours through with a wide-tooth comb before wearing and spritz it with water and a little fabric softener if it feels coarse. Keep synthetic fibre away from oven doors, candles and hot curling irons; it frizzes or melts rather than curling.
Your Purples Won't Match, and That's Fine
Finding a purple jacket and trousers in exactly the same shade is the hardest part of most of these looks. I buy the biggest piece first, usually the jacket, carry it with me and choose everything else next to it in daylight, because shop lighting makes reddish and bluish purples look alike. If they still don't match, push them further apart on purpose. A plum coat with a lilac shirt looks chosen; two almost identical purples look like a mistake. Dyeing works on cotton, wool or linen with ordinary fabric dye, but most costume suits are polyester, which needs a special dye for synthetics and very hot water. For one night out, I'd rather thrift than dye.
Purple, Green and One Good Grin
A good women's Joker doesn't copy one outfit exactly. It puts purple, green and yellow in the right places, keeps the makeup at a level that suits the party, and lets you move. The purple suit is the classic, and the dresses, jumpsuits, tutus, overalls and winter layers give you other routes depending on the event. Patch-test face products a few days before, pin the wig properly and wear shoes you can stand in all night. Small things like gloves, a lapel flower, a coloured vest and an arched brow hold the look together. If time is short, start with the closet version; the gown or the steampunk build can wait for a party that deserves the effort.
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