Clown Standards

• There are some items that are signature pieces of a clown costume, such as oversized shoes, baggy pants, a colorful tie and face paint. The trick to making it all work is to pick very colorful prints to pair together.
  
  Baggy pants and brightly colored scarves are great staples for clowns. Both can be found at local thrift stores, especially if you're searching for retro-stripes and plaids. Select pants that have bold, busy prints and are at least three to four sizes larger than you need. Use suspenders to hold them in place. Scarves can be inserted in pockets, tied around the neck or tied together and stuffed inside a jacket or shirt.
  
  No clown is official without face paint. Red lipstick can be used to create a round red nose and overextended to form a wide smile. White pencil or a hardening face mask can be used to design the "surprised" eyes and wide outer mouth. Black eyeliner or face paint can be used to outline the face and draw in teardrops or other facial expressions.
  
  

Clown Variations

• There are several common variations to the clown. Deciding on the mood or overall attitude of the clown will help set the tone for the costume and in selecting accessories and props. Supplies can be found inexpensively at a local flea market, consignment shop or even dollar stores.
  
  Alternatives to the traditional happy clown is the evil or "bad" clown. When drawing out this dastardly face in makeup, blood teardrops and frowning faces make this look. A silly clown may have an upside-down bow around the neck, while a rodeo clown may wear a cowboy hat and chew on straw.
  
  

Fun Accessories

• Accessories can emphasize your custom clown costume. Items such as brooms wrapped in bright tissue paper and plastic flowers tucked in pockets are vibrant additions.
  
  Wigs can be spray-painted red, yellow or multicolors. A floppy hat or mismatched colored shoelaces and multihued gloves are great ways to amp up the standard clown attire. Bow ties with polka dots or stripes top off the look.
  
  Items lying around the house make terrific frills and can be used to act out the character. Umbrellas, whistles and water guns make excellent clown props.