Camilla Cream is one of my favourite book-week characters to dress, because the whole costume comes down to stripes, a white layer, wavy dark hair with pink bows and a lima bean. That means you can build her from pajamas and socks the night before, or sew something more finished if you have the time. Some versions below use face paint and some use none at all, which matters for kids who hate the feel of it. I've included dresses, overalls and soft sensory-friendly sets, plus looks for teachers, siblings, couples and whole families. She works for book parades, classroom days and Halloween alike.
Painting Even Face Stripes on a Wriggly Child
Many of the versions below use painted stripes, and they look best when the bands are straight and evenly spaced. Here's how I do it at the kitchen table before school.
- Use proper cosmetic face paint, never craft acrylic or permanent marker. Patch-test each colour on the inside of the wrist the day before and skip any that leaves the skin red.
- Start with clean, dry, moisturised skin, and let the moisturiser sink in for a few minutes so the paint doesn't slide.
- Use a flat brush about the width of a finger. Load it well, then pull one colour across the forehead in a single stroke rather than dabbing.
- Work from the top down in rainbow order, rinsing the brush between colours. Leave a thin gap of bare skin between bands, or let them touch if you want the solid look from the book cover.
- Stop each band short of the eye area, and keep the brush away from the lips and nostrils.
- Press a light dusting of translucent setting powder over the finished paint with a soft brush. It cuts down on smudging and keeps colour off a white collar.
- Pack a small cleansing wipe in the school bag in case a stripe gets rubbed or a child decides they're done with it halfway through the morning.
To take it off, use a gentle cleanser or a little baby oil on cotton pads, then a warm wash. Red and blue can leave a faint tint for a few hours, which fades by itself.
1. Classic Bad Case Of Stripes Pajama Costume
This is the version most kids picture: Camilla in bed, striped from head to toe. A fitted rainbow-striped long-sleeve shirt goes under a white camisole, with loose red or pink pajama pants and bright knee socks carrying the stripes down to the floor. Fuzzy slippers give the just-woken-up look. Short waves or a dark wavy bob wig with two small pink bows handle the hair. Paint neat horizontal stripes across cheeks, forehead and neck with water-based face paint, leaving the eyes clear. A copy of the book or a light bowl labelled "lima beans" tells everyone who she is at the parade.
2. No Face Paint Bad Case Of Stripes Costume
For the child who refuses face paint, the stripes have to sit on the clothes right up to the neck. A striped mock-neck shirt does that, with matching rainbow leggings underneath a plain white sleeveless dress that copies Camilla's simple nightwear. Striped gloves cover the hands, and rainbow socks with white slip-on sneakers finish the feet. Wear natural hair in loose waves, or a short black wig with pink ribbon clips. A striped fabric headband adds colour near the face. For the prop, cover an empty oatmeal canister in printed paper as a lima bean can; it weighs almost nothing and is fine for school.
3. DIY Striped Sleeve Bad Case Of Stripes Costume
I love this trick because it costs two pairs of socks. Cut the feet off one pair of rainbow knee socks and stitch the tubes around the armholes of a white tank top, and you have striped sleeves. Knit socks stretch, so ease them in rather than pulling them tight while you sew. The second pair goes on the legs with relaxed pajama pants and cushioned slippers. For the waves, braid slightly damp hair at bedtime and loosen it with your fingers in the morning. Add pink bows and a few washable face stripes, blended with a cosmetic sponge. A cardboard book prop painted in rainbow bands keeps the outfit light.
4. Rainbow Dress Bad Case Of Stripes Costume
A rainbow-striped dress gives a tidier Camilla for a school photo day. Pick one that hits the knee, then layer a white pinafore on top so colour still shows at the arms, neckline and hem. Bright striped tights and white Mary Janes give it a storybook finish. A short wavy bob wig with pink bows is the outline everyone knows from the cover. Paint narrow rainbow bands on the face and any bare neck with skin-safe costume makeup, spacing them evenly; uneven gaps are what make painted stripes look messy. A small felt lima-bean purse on a crossbody strap keeps her hands free.
5. Tutu Bad Case Of Stripes Costume
A tutu can easily turn this into a generic rainbow outfit, so keep the white camisole over a long-sleeve rainbow shirt; that white layer is what says Camilla. The layered rainbow tutu goes over fitted striped leggings. White high-tops are better than slippers for a day of walking, dancing and school activities. Wavy hair, with a pink bow on each side. For face paint, three or four bright stripes are plenty. Rainbow wrist warmers carry the pattern onto the hands. A small plush lima bean, or a green felt bean tied to a ribbon wand, gives her something soft to wave.
6. Overalls Bad Case Of Stripes Costume
Overalls are what I suggest for the kid who'll be running around at recess, because the straps keep everything in place all day. Rainbow leggings and a matching fitted shirt go under short white or pale pink overalls. Pin removable felt lima beans or a little book patch on the bib pocket. Striped crew socks and white Velcro sneakers keep her moving. For the hair, use a dark wavy wig, pink barrettes or natural curls. Paint only a few horizontal stripes on forehead and cheeks. Tuck a light toy spoon in the pocket and carry a small green bowl of felt beans.
7. School Uniform Bad Case Of Stripes Costume
Camilla's trouble starts on her first day back at school, so a school-uniform version tells the story well. A rainbow-striped long-sleeve top and tights go under a navy pleated skirt and a white button-front cardigan, left partly open so the colour shows. Black or navy Mary Janes and a structured backpack make the school setting obvious. Wear a dark wavy bob with pink ribbon clips, and paint tidy bands across forehead, cheeks and chin. A handmade "Camilla" name badge removes any doubt. A green felt lima bean on the backpack zipper nods to her learning to like what she likes.
8. Teacher Bad Case Of Stripes Costume
Teachers spend the whole day in this costume, so I build it on real work clothes. A white sleeveless sweater or tunic over a rainbow-striped turtleneck gives the colour, with black ankle pants, striped socks and supportive white sneakers or loafers. Hair goes in soft waves with two pink clips, or under a short bob wig. Paint a few stripes on just one side of the face and neck; it reads clearly and you're not touching up all day. Striped fingerless gloves keep your hands free for markers and papers. Carry the book and pin a green felt lima bean brooch on the tunic.
9. Sensory Friendly Bad Case Of Stripes Costume
For a child who struggles with textures, I strip the costume back to what they already wear comfortably. No face paint, no wig, no tight collar, no scratchy trim. A soft cotton rainbow pajama set with flat seams goes under a tag-free white T-shirt, with cushioned striped socks and the shoes they already know. Two pink clips can suggest the hair, and they go too if they bother her. A striped scarf can sit loosely on the shoulders, or just be carried. A laminated lima bean picture on a soft lanyard is the prop. Every extra piece should come off in seconds if the room gets warm, crowded or loud.
10. Last Minute Bad Case Of Stripes Costume
Found out about the book parade at bedtime? Pull the brightest striped shirt in the house and pair it with leggings, pajama pants or jeans. A plain white tank over the top gives the layered Camilla outline. Mismatched rainbow socks are fine if you don't have a striped pair. Slippers work indoors; clean sneakers for walking outside. Braid her hair before bed for waves, then tie pink ribbons on two small sections in the morning. Washable eyeliner or cosmetic crayons draw three thin stripes per cheek in a couple of minutes. A hand-drawn lima bean label on a rinsed food tub is the prop.
11. Thrift Store Bad Case Of Stripes Costume
Thrift shops are full of stripes, and here the mismatch helps, since Camilla's stripes are chaotic anyway. Look for a striped long-sleeve shirt, loose pajama bottoms, a white tank and comfortable slippers, all in her size. Cut the feet off colourful secondhand tights for leg warmers if you can't find rainbow socks. Wave the hair and tie it with cheap pink ribbon from the craft aisle. Use washable face paint sparingly on cheeks and forehead. Sew or glue green felt lima beans and rainbow scraps onto a reused tote, which also carries the book, a water bottle and whatever she takes off.
12. Full Face Paint Bad Case Of Stripes Costume
Full face paint is the most striking version and the one that needs the most care. Keep the clothes simple: white camisole, loose red pajama pants, striped arm warmers and rainbow knee socks, with slippers or sneakers depending on the day. Patch-test each colour on the inside of the wrist the day before. Use a damp sponge for the base colour and a narrow flat brush for clean horizontal bands across forehead, cheeks, chin and neck, keeping well away from eyes and lips. Dark wavy hair and pink bows frame it. Carry a green bowl of felt beans. Take the paint off with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water, never scrubbing.
13. Makeup Free Bad Case Of Stripes Costume
This version gets the full rainbow on with zero makeup. A rainbow-striped hooded bodysuit, or a matching shirt and leggings, goes under a white sleeveless tunic; pull the hood up only if she likes it, and it frames her face in stripes. Pink clips in natural hair and striped gloves complete the colour. White sneakers hold up better than slippers on a long school day. A rainbow visor or soft fabric headband brings stripes up to the forehead. A green felt lima bean tote is the prop. I'd choose this for sensitive skin, rushed mornings or any school that bans face paint.
14. Cold Weather Bad Case Of Stripes Costume
An outdoor parade in late October needs a warmer Camilla, and the trick is to make the warm layers part of the stripes. A thermal rainbow-striped shirt goes under a white fleece vest, with lined rainbow leggings and a loose red skirt or shorts. Striped leg warmers, thick socks and white ankle boots keep legs warm. A pink knit hat sits over a short dark wig or natural waves. A soft rainbow scarf tucked into the vest replaces the painted neck. Paint a few cheek stripes if it's not too cold, or skip them. Thin gloves under striped fingerless gloves keep fingers warm, and the book rides in a green bean-shaped crossbody bag.
15. Warm Weather Bad Case Of Stripes Costume
Face paint sweats off in a hot classroom, so for warm weather I keep the paint small and the fabric light. A rainbow short-sleeve shirt and bike shorts go under a loose white cotton sundress. Striped ankle socks and canvas sneakers replace the slippers. Low wavy pigtails with pink ribbons keep hair off the neck and still suggest Camilla. A few lines of water-based cosmetic crayon on the cheeks and forehead are enough. A green felt bean on a wrist strap makes an easy prop, and a rainbow backpack holds a water bottle.
16. Rainy Day Bad Case Of Stripes Costume
A clear raincoat is the best rainy-day costume trick I know: the costume stays dry and every stripe still shows. Underneath, a white tank goes over a rainbow-striped shirt and leggings. Waterproof white boots with striped socks peeking out over the tops handle the puddles. Pin the waves up or tuck them under a pink rain hat with ribbon bows. Keep the makeup minimal, and use waterproof costume makeup, since wet paint runs onto collars. A rainbow umbrella with green felt lima beans looped around its edge makes the prop, and the beans come off for drying.
17. Book Parade Bad Case Of Stripes Costume
At a book parade, kids walk a long way and wave a lot, so I make this one hands-free. Camilla's base is a striped long-sleeve unitard, or a shirt and leggings, under a white shift dress, with sturdy white sneakers. A dark wavy bob with pink bows and evenly spaced face stripes do the rest. The star piece is a big book cover cut from lightweight foam board, with shoulder straps so it's worn like a backpack rather than carried. A removable green lima bean goes on the front. Classmates can read exactly which book she came from.
18. Lima Bean Bad Case Of Stripes Costume
The lima bean is the heart of the story, so this version makes it big. Cut two bean shapes from green felt, sew them together with a little fiberfill inside, and add a soft shoulder strap. Stuff it lightly; an overstuffed felt bean goes lumpy and looks more like a pickle. A small "lima bean" label helps if the shape isn't clear. Wear rainbow-striped leggings, a fitted striped top and a simple white pinafore, with white sneakers and striped fingerless gloves. Loose dark waves with small pink bows, and stripes painted on one side of the face, keep it comfortable.
19. Book Cover Bad Case Of Stripes Costume
A wearable book cover makes Camilla much easier to spot in a parade line. Start with a rainbow-striped shirt, matching leggings and a white sleeveless dress, plus pink bows, loose dark waves, striped gloves and white shoes. Cut two equal rectangles from light cardboard or foam board, decorate them like a bright picture-book cover, and join them over the shoulders with wide ribbon straps. Stop the panels above the knee so she can walk and sit. Round every corner and tape the cut edges, because cardboard corners catch other kids in a crowd. Keep face paint light under the big prop, and add a green felt bean to the front.
20. Adult Glam Bad Case Of Stripes Costume
Grown-ups can wear Camilla in a more polished way and still keep it fun for kids. A fitted rainbow-striped midi dress goes under a cropped white vest or sleeveless blazer. Opaque striped tights and white block-heel ankle boots are smart and still walkable. Set a dark bob wig into glossy waves and pin small pink velvet bows at each side. For the face, draw narrow, even stripes with metallic-free cosmetic colours. A green structured handbag with a removable lima bean charm is a neat nod to the story, and striped wrist gloves add more colour if you want it. It suits teachers, librarians and adult book parties.
21. Teen Casual Bad Case Of Stripes Costume
Teens usually want a Camilla that doesn't look like a little kid's costume, and casual clothes get them there. A fitted rainbow-striped tee goes under high-waisted white denim overalls. Striped knee socks and clean platform sneakers keep it current. Add a cropped white cardigan on a cool day. Loose waves with two small pink clips at the front handle the hair. Skip full-face paint and draw slim rainbow lines along the cheekbones with skin-safe cosmetic pencils. A green shoulder bag with a handmade lima bean patch holds the book. It looks deliberate enough to wear for a whole school day.
22. Toddler Bad Case Of Stripes Costume
Toddlers pull off anything that itches, so I keep their Camilla to two soft layers. A cotton rainbow-striped pajama set is the base, with a loose white sleeveless romper on top. Non-slip sneakers or familiar shoes are safer than big costume slippers. No wig; one comfortable pink bow in natural hair, and it comes out if it bothers them. Face paint can be two small stripes per cheek, or none at all with a striped fabric bib instead. Sew on every decoration so little hands can't pull it off. A large plush lima bean makes a cuddly prop. Leave out gloves, trailing fabric and tiny accessories.
23. Baby Bad Case Of Stripes Costume
For a baby, a soft rainbow-striped footed sleeper is the whole base and does away with shoes. A white cotton bodysuit or sleeveless bubble romper over it suggests Camilla's white nightwear. A stretchy pink bow headband can nod to the hair, but it comes off for naps or any time no one is watching. No face paint, wigs, buttons or loose decorations on a baby. Instead, stripe a soft white bib with sewn-on ribbon or washable fabric markers. A plush lima bean sits next to the baby as a photo prop rather than being attached.
24. Parent And Child Bad Case Of Stripes Costume
This pairing works best for little ones who feel braver with a grown-up beside them. The child is Camilla: rainbow-striped pajamas, white camisole, pink hair bows, soft shoes and a few painted stripes. The parent plays the worried adult in a pastel cardigan, simple blouse, ankle-length skirt or trousers and comfortable loafers, with a name badge and a green bowl of felt lima beans. Matching pink accessories tie the two outfits together without making them identical. The parent carries the book, which leaves the child's hands free for waving.
25. Sibling Bad Case Of Stripes Costume
Two siblings can play Camilla before and after the stripes appear, which means two different outfits and one clear story. The first wears ordinary pajamas, a white tank, pink hair bows and plain slippers, holding a small bowl of lima beans. The second wears a rainbow-striped shirt and leggings under a matching white tank, with striped socks, white sneakers, face stripes and wavy hair. Keep the pajama colours and pink ribbons the same on both kids so people connect them. Matching copies of the book or green bean patches finish it.
26. Couple Bad Case Of Stripes Costume
A couple can play Camilla and the doctor who's baffled by her stripes, which gets a laugh from any adult who knows the book. Camilla wears the rainbow shirt and leggings, a white sleeveless dress, pink bows, face stripes and white shoes. The doctor wears pastel scrubs under a white lab coat, comfortable sneakers and a light toy stethoscope; real medical gear is heavy and just confuses the joke. A clipboard covered in stripe doodles is the doctor's prop, and Camilla carries a green felt lima bean. Pick doctor socks in one of the rainbow colours to link the two.
27. Family Bad Case Of Stripes Costume
A family can play the whole cast: Camilla, her parents and a walking lima bean. Camilla wears the classic rainbow base, white camisole, wavy hair, pink bows, face paint and slippers. Two adults wear neat pastel clothes with cardigans, trousers or skirts and practical shoes, carrying the storybook and a green bowl. One more child or adult becomes the lima bean in a lightly padded green tunic over leggings and sneakers. Keep that bean costume light with the face open, or it gets hot fast. Striped socks or scarves on everyone tie the group together.
28. Teacher Team Bad Case Of Stripes Costume
Teacher teams look best when each person wears a different rainbow-striped shirt under a different white layer: a vest, a tunic, an apron, a sleeveless dress. Everyone keeps to black pants or leggings and supportive white sneakers, so the group still matches. Pink bows or ribbon clips go on everyone, and each teacher paints just one or two colours on the cheeks, so the full rainbow only appears when you stand together. Split the props: one carries the book, one the green bowl of felt beans, one a clipboard covered in stripes. It stays easy to teach in all day.
29. Rainbow Progression Bad Case Of Stripes Group Costume
This group idea shows the stripes spreading, and it only works if people line up in order. Person one wears plain pajamas and holds the lima beans. Person two adds striped socks and a few face lines. Person three wears a rainbow shirt under a white tank, and person four is fully striped in leggings, sleeves, gloves and bright face paint. Everyone shares the wavy hair, pink bows and white shoes so you all read as Camilla. Numbered cards or book pages, carried rather than pinned to clothes, help onlookers follow the order.
30. Before And After Bad Case Of Stripes Costume
Two people can do before and after with very little effort. "Before" wears a plain nightgown or pajamas, pink bows, natural makeup and slippers, with a worried face and a small green lima bean purse hinting at her secret. "After" wears a rainbow-striped shirt and leggings under a matching white camisole, with striped gloves, colourful cheek makeup, wavy dark hair and white sneakers. Use the same pajama colours and hair accessories on both so they clearly read as one character. Identical copies of the book add one more link, and nobody needs full-body paint.
31. Transformation Trio Bad Case Of Stripes Costume
The trio adds an ending the duo leaves out: Camilla after she's stopped hiding what she likes. The first person wears ordinary pajamas with pink bows and untouched lima beans. The second wears a white dress over striped sleeves and tights, with face paint and colourful sneakers. The third wears everyday clothes in their favourite colours and proudly carries a green bowl. Give all three similar waves or matching pink clips. Small cards reading "before," "stripes" and "confident" are optional. It suits friends, siblings, librarians or teachers who like the story's message.
32. Fuzzy Slipper Bad Case Of Stripes Costume
Slippers are where this cosy version can go wrong. Big fuzzy ones slide off on school hallways, so look for a pair with non-slip soles and a back or strap that holds the heel. Loose pink pajama pants, a fitted rainbow-striped shirt and a white cotton camisole make the bedroom scene, with thick striped socks underneath. Dark hair in tousled waves gets a pink ribbon bow on each side. Paint stripes across cheeks and forehead, or use cosmetic pencils for a lighter touch. A small pillow trimmed with rainbow ribbon and a felt lima bean doubles as a cushion at story time.
33. Sporty Bad Case Of Stripes Costume
Sports clothes are the easiest base for a kid who'll be playing games at the party, since they're made for moving. A rainbow-striped athletic top and leggings go under a white tennis dress or exercise tank. Striped wrist sweatbands and white running shoes finish it. Pull dark hair into a wavy ponytail with a pink ribbon to keep it off the face. Draw a few narrow rainbow stripes on each cheek with skin-safe pencils; sweat smudges heavy paint on active kids. A green drawstring backpack with felt lima beans keeps her hands free, with the book inside until photo time.
34. Dance Friendly Bad Case Of Stripes Costume
For a dance performance, I check every piece against one test: can she spin, jump and land without anything shifting? A rainbow-striped leotard or fitted long-sleeve shirt and stretchy leggings make the base. A light white skater dress moves freely and stays off the floor. White dance sneakers and striped ankle socks go on the feet. Skip the wig; a low wavy ponytail with two pink ribbons stays put. Keep face stripes small, use transfer-resistant costume makeup and stay clear of the eyes. A green felt lima bean sewn to a soft belt is the hands-free prop. Run the routine in the full costume at home first.
35. Adaptive Bad Case Of Stripes Costume
An adaptive Camilla starts with how the wearer gets dressed. A front-opening rainbow-striped shirt with soft leggings or pants suited to their mobility is the base, with a white magnetic-closure vest or open-back tunic layered over it. Shoes, braces and foot coverings should be the ones they already trust. If they use a wheelchair, walker or other aid, decorate it with removable rainbow ribbon and big green felt lima beans, keeping brakes, controls and sightlines completely clear. A light book image can attach to the front of the device. Pink bow clips and optional cheek stripes finish the character; makeup can be skipped entirely.
No Striped Clothes in the House? Make Your Own
Rainbow-striped clothing sells out fast in book-week season. When I can't find the right top, I put the stripes onto a plain white long-sleeve shirt or leggings myself.
Fabric paint with tape lines
Slide a piece of cardboard inside the shirt so paint can't soak through. Run strips of masking tape across the shirt, leaving bands of fabric showing, and paint those bands with fabric paint in rainbow order. Peel the tape while the paint is still a little wet for a crisp edge, let it dry fully, then heat-set it with an iron as the paint's label tells you. Cotton takes paint much better than polyester.
Ribbon or felt strips
Grosgrain ribbon or strips of felt sewn across a shirt give bold stripes with no drying time. Stitch along both edges of each strip, since a strip held by one row of stitching flips up and twists in the wash. On stretchy leggings, I use a zigzag stitch so the stitching gives when the child bends.
Fabric markers
For a very young child, fabric markers on a white tee are the quickest route. Draw the lines with a ruler, colour them in, and wash the shirt inside out in cold water. They fade faster than paint, but they're more than enough for one parade.
Stripes, a White Layer and One Lima Bean
Every Camilla on this list comes back to the same few signals: rainbow stripes, a white outer layer, wavy dark hair with pink bows, comfortable shoes and a lima bean or book prop. Get those right and the rest is up to the wearer. You don't need full-face paint or a bought costume; striped pajamas, leggings, socks and a thrifted white tank can do it in an evening. Match the version to the child, the weather and the event, so a sensory-friendly set for one kid, a waterproof one for a rainy parade and a fully painted one for the child who can't wait to be striped. The story is about being yourself, and the costume can be too.
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