Find some oversized clothes. Baggy clothing is the foundation of any clown costume. Borrow clothing from friends and family or visit a local thrift store. Find trousers that are several sizes too big and use braces to hold them up. Pad your oversized shirt and pants with pillows or cushions to give your costume an over-the-top, jolly feel. Just remember, the brighter the better, so keep an eye out for clothes that are colorful or have an unusual pattern.
Invest in a pair of clown shoes. Pick up a cheap pair of shoes, several sizes too big, from a local store. Decorate the shoes to look like clown shoes by painting a pair of canvas shoes or boots in bright colors. Alternatively, purchase a pair of bowling shoes, as their design will suit your clown outfit perfectly.
Choose your accessories. Look for patterned socks, bows, ties, belts, flowers, horns and anything else you like. Make your outfit as colorful and outrageous as possible; let your imagination run wild.
Wear a large wig or hat. The same rules apply; you are looking for the biggest and brightest you can find. Alternatively, you may also opt for a bald-headed wig, which can be just as entertaining.
Apply face make-up. Simply apply a base coat of white face paint for the background, and then paint the cheeks and nose red. Paint around the lips to make them seem larger than they are and draw on high-pointed eyebrows. Ask a friend or family member to help you with this stage.