How to Make a Harlequin Halloween Costume

Harlequin—a centuries-old character from improvisational European theater—is known for clownish behavior, acrobatics, and brightly colored clothes and has gone on to inspire several comic books, movies, and television shows. If someone you know resonates with Harlequin's jovial spirit, our modern take on the diamond-clad character's outfit makes a fun costume for kids.

This costume is very easy to make and requires little work on your part beyond basic sewing. To start, you'll need an ordinary white button-down shirt, white tights, white ballet shoes, and dance shorts for under the costume. The most important part of the costume—multi-colored diamonds—is achieved by ironing on satin shapes in varying sizes. The diamonds should be applied to the shirt and hand-sewn bustle.

Of course, no Harlequin costume would be complete without face paint. While you can take some liberties with this part of the outfit, we've provided a template to help you achieve the look pictured here. Finish off the costume with a fun hairstyle that complements the eccentric outfit and tie some ribbons to the ballet shoes for good measure.