Whether you know how to sew or not, browsing pattern books is a great way to get inspired when it comes to making a costume. You'll see that many homemade costumes are built with the same basic pieces: Tunics, dresses, jumpsuits and leggings. You can create an unlimited number of great disguises if you gather these costume starters and make them your own with makeup, props and accessories.
The Long White Tunic Dress
This costume starter lets you dress up as a Roman, Egyptian or Greek woman. If you aren't sewing your tunic from scratch, you can drape a white bedsheet around your body and safety-pin it in place for a similar look. Depending on your pinning skills, women might want to wear a slip underneath for modesty. Take a look at sewing patterns for a little inspiration, to see how the tunic anchors a number of costumes. Try Simplicity.com, or McCallPatterns.com for more ideas.
Add a golden laurel wreath in your hair and a gold necklace, and you are Aphrodite, Greek goddess of love. With a beaded collar, golden snake armlet and thick black eyeliner, you are Cleopatra. For a humorous take on a Roman toga costume, drape a bright turquoise shawl over your shoulders while holding up a torch---you're now the opening credit of any Columbia Pictures film. You can also turn this dress into the wedding gown for a Bride of Frankenstein oufit---look for a black-and-white streaked wig, powder your face until it's ghostly pale, and paint your lips with black lipstick.
The Little Black Dress
A staple in any woman's closet, this gem can be dressed up a number of ways for a simple homemade costume. A sleeveless sheath can turn you into Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's, with the addition of a few pearl necklaces, cigarette holder, and a jeweled comb or clip for your updo. Add a feather boa, fishnets and sequined headband to become a 1920s gangster moll. To play a grieving widow, add black gloves, hose, sunglasses, and a veiled hat---don't forget, you can spray-paint a white or raffia-colored hat if you find one that's the right size and shape.
The Black Jumpsuit
Whether it's a jumpsuit or a close-fitting black top and pants, this basic costume works for men or women. Women can turn a jumpsuit into a cat costume by adding painted-on whiskers, and a headband with upturned cat ears. Both men and women can use an all-black ensemble to masquerade as cat burglars---just add a dark-colored cap and a black eye mask. Add white face-paint and a black beret to pose as a French mime. Don a black beret, slim sunglasses and fingerless gloves to become a toe-tapping '50s-era beatnik.
The Neutral Tunic and Leggings
Most historical costumes for men begin with a brown, black or linen-colored tunic and coordinating leggings. If you don't sew, visit a specialized dance-clothing retailer for close-fitting leggings and pair them with a rumpled, oversize white tee. Add a soft felt cap, flat boots and a day's worth of stubble to become a medieval peasant. Wear a golden crown and metallic lame cape to become King Arthur, or one of his Knights of the Round Table. It's easy to turn a basic men's costume into something more eye-catching with the right accessories: Peasants can carry a shovel, scythe or hoe, while a king or knight would carry a sword and/or shield.
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