Select a leotard to be the base for the costume. Choose a leotard with a low back and a low-cut front, if possible. A bright color is also a characteristic of a samba costume.
Attach fringe along the bottom of the leotard by sewing it on or using fabric glue. The fringe should hang between mid-thigh and your knee and should cover you all the way around. Choose bright colors that complement or match the leotard.
Dress in the leotard and have an assistant help you to measure criss-crossing lines across the cutout area of the chest of the costume and the back of the costume.
Cut strands of sequins to match the measurements to criss-cross your exposed chest and back in the costume.
Glue or sew the strands of sequins in place at the edges of the leotard chest area and back area so they criss-cross your chest and back.
Glue more strands of sequins around arm bands to be worn around your wrists. The sequins should cover the bands completely. Pin a strip of the sequins around your neck as a choker as well.
Glue rhinestones, beads or sequins in a pattern, or random scattering, on the leotard itself to add a touch of sparkle.
Add a pair of ballroom shoes, which are heeled shoes, to complete the ensemble.