How I Created My Own Cleopatra Costume

The Cleopatra Costumes that I have found available at the local vintage costume stores, and new at department stores have left me wanting more. The material was cheap and thin. The accents were already falling off while the costume was hanging on the rack. The cut was unflattering, no matter what size you are. So I brainstormed and I believe I have come up with a Cleopatra Costume that is ten fold more flattering and therefore more relevant to who she really was.

First: I found a white dress that was actually made in my size. Not the Small-Medium-or Large options available on the ready-made costume rack. The dress that suited me was a strapless white summer dress. This is the foundation for a sexy costume, wearing something that actually fits and was made to move with you, something you might wear to a non-costume party.

Second: I knew the key to making it obvious who I was emulating was accessories, accessories, accessories. So I went on a gold hunt. Ransacking consignment shops for costume jewelry was fun, but I also came away with a few "gaudy" pieces that turned my dress into a costume. I found a belt with gold rings looped into each other, leaving a chain hanging down. I hung this loosely at my waist. Then I found a gold medallion necklace that I hope was never worn as anything but a Cleopatra costume, and I added a few faux gold bangle bracelets to each wrist. I was lucky (tacky) enough to already own a pair of golden sandals that matched perfectly to finish off the outfit.

Third: Make up and Hair. I started with a bronzer because I am pale, you do not need to do this if your already tan. No Cleopatra costume would be complete without those dark dramatic eyes. Applying Cleopatra eye make up was easier than I expected. I just applied a base to my eyelid, and lined the waterline top and bottom with dark kohl, be sure to extend the line out about a quarter inch on the top and bottom leaving a small gap between them. Then I used a bold blue green that came in a pallet I had on hand, and accented with a gold shade I bought for the occasion, and a few coats of mascara. I finished it up with red lips to go with the black wig that I bought online for under twenty bucks, and viola I had a Cleopatra costume that I could move around in and feel sexy.

Cleopatra was one of the first women to become a sex symbol world wide so if your going to dress as her you have walk the walk of a woman who is happy in her body and knows how to wrap a man around her finger. Don't worry about what size you are, find a dress that fits, jewelry you love, and Dance like an Egyptian.