Dress in a simple, flowing dress. Cleopatra is often depicted wearing a drapey, white dress that highlights her curves and cleavage, to maximize her seductive powers. The dress should be ankle-length and unadorned, in a solid color. In addition to white, soft pinks or gold may be used.
Wear a pair of sandals--the more minimal, the better. Gladiator sandals are a good choice, as are flip-flops. If you have absolutely no other options, and you will be somewhere where it would be safe, you could choose to go barefoot as you represent the free-spirited Egyptian queen.
Accessorize your outfit using brightly colored, Egyptian-style jewelry. An ornate collar or neckpiece, or a heavy necklace in turquoise, coral, and gold could suffice in a homemade costume. Wrap a gold sash around the waist, to further enhance your seductive Cleopatra style. Adorn your wrists with heavy gold bangles.
Recreate a Cleopatra bob style with bangs, or wear a wig. Use a temporary black hair dye, and straighten your hair to silky perfection. Or, for something a little different, try Elizabeth Taylor's Cleopatra hairstyle, with beaded cornrows.
Apply heavy makeup. Sultry eyes with thick cat eyeliner are crucial to a homemade Cleopatra costume. Add heavy colorful or smoky eye shadow over the entire eyelid, or for an extreme look, all the way up to the eyebrow. Wear a nude lipstick, or go all-out with a dark red lipstick, to complete your homemade Cleopatra costume.