DIY Black Swan Halloween Costume

Natalie Portman starred in the intriguing psychological thriller, Black Swan , which was released in theaters this past winter. She played the star ballerina in Swan Lake -- a part that literally consumed her character's life. Want to become a beautiful, but evil, swan for just one night? The costumes can be pretty expensive to buy, but they are moderately easy to put together yourself, with the help of a few essential items. Make your own black swan Halloween costume using these tips.

Things you will need:

~black leotard
~tutu (or black tulle)
~sheer, black tights
~ballet slippers (or black flats)
~black ostrich feathers
~ballerina tiara
~red colored contacts (optional)
~makeup

Instructions:

1. Dress in your sheer tights and a leotard. Buy or make your own tutu to wear over the leotard. Follow these instructions to make a no-sew ballerina skirt. Make sure to adjust the measurements to your size, and you will want to either use all black, or alternating black and white, strips of tulle for your tutu. Strategically tie black ribbon at random intervals around the skirt. Ballerina slippers or plain black flats will complete the outfit part of your costume.

2. Attach black feathers to your costume. Glue them to the top of your leotard or to your tutu. You also have the option of making a set of wings using large pieces of cardboard (or tagboard) and lots of feathers. Don't make them too heavy, though, and make sure to figure out a harness system, or a way to attach them to your leotard.

3. Pull your hair into a tight, stylish bun. For those of you with shorter locks, slick them back with hair gel, or pin your hair back as much as you can. A ballerina tiara is optional; if you prefer, you can pin a few black ostrich feathers to your updo instead.

4. Apply white foundation makeup to your entire face. Don't go too much lighter than your natural skin tone, or you will look silly. For people with darker skin, just go a couple shades lighter. Wear red contacts to get an evil gleam in your eye. Liberally apply dark, sparkly makeup around your eyes, winging it out past the outside corners, and line them with black eyeliner. Finish up with a heavy coat of mascara.

To make the non-evil, white swan Halloween costume, substitute everything black with white and apply pretty, colored makeup around your eyes.

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