Over the last few years, many different aesthetic cores have emerged, including the fun and whimsical clowncore aesthetic. It has gained immense popularity over recent years, as many people enjoy its fun, experimental approach to fashion that blurs traditional gender boundaries

The clowncore aesthetic takes inspiration from as you may have guessed, clowns. Including their exaggerated silhouettes, bright colors and patterns, and vibrant makeup and hair. It is an eccentric, maximalist style where more is better.

This style has been seen everywhere from the streets to high fashion designers and celebrities. Many clowncore wearers love that their theatrical, playful look brings joy to themselves and to others they meet. 

Clowncore aesthetic ranges from dressing completely as a clown with oversized shoes to a red nose to incorporating components of a clown with a more modern look that is still theatrical and fun. 

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Dramatic Face Makeup 

Dramatic Face Makeup

When you imagine a clown, you probably remember their boldface makeup and specific makeup styles. Clowncore aesthetic brings these same colorful, unique designs to day-to-day life.  

Some people paint just their eyes and nose in clown-style makeup, while others paint their faces white, and create an exaggerated appearance.

Learn how to dress like a makeup artist here.

Contrasting Patterns and Colors 

Contrasting Patterns and Colors

Clowns and clowncore aesthetics are not subtle. The more contrasting patterns and colors you can incorporate into your look, the better. Clashing pieces create a bold look, that is often surprising and creates whimsy and play to your outfit.

Add these patterned pants to your clowncore outfit.

Dark Clowncore

Dark Clowncore

With the rise of clowncore, a subtype of dark clowncore also emerged. Dark Clowncore is a more sinister, unsettling portrayal of clowns and circuses, taking inspiration from clowns seen in horror movies. 

Dark clowncore is characterized by sinister makeup, grungy oversized clothes, and macabre themes. Colors are also less vibrant, and elements of gore are often incorporated. 

Find more macabre looks here.

Soft Clowncore 

Soft Clowncore

Soft clowncore is another subtheme of clowncore. This theme is similar to traditional clowns but employs softer, pastel colors instead of vibrant ones. Soft clowncore is more childlike and dreamlike, adding a romantic element to this aesthetic. 

Check out these pastel-colored outfits.

Simple Base 

Simple Base

Many clowncore outfits start with a simple base, such as white shorts and a shirt, or a white slip dress. This neutral base creates a clean canvas to add your eccentric, colorful clowncore pieces and accessories. It also adds additional layers for modesty and comfort. 

Learn how to keep your whites white here.

Exaggerated Silhouette 

Exaggerated Silhouette

A main feature of the clowncore aesthetic that attracts a variety of people is the gender-neutral, exaggerated silhouette. Clowns wear oversized clothes that create a more robust silhouette. They also choose clothes with exaggerated portions such as oversized collars and flared waistlines.

Get inspired with these oversized outfits.

Ruffles 

Ruffles

When it comes to clowncore, the more ruffles you can incorporate into your outfit, the better. Ruffles can be found in a white, ruffled blouse that many traditional clown characters wear. They can also be found in skirts, dresses, and even accessories like ruffled hair scrunchies. 

Find more places to wear your ruffles here.

Quirky Accessories 

Quirky Accessories

To add whimsy, have fun playing with a variety of accessories. Clowncore accessories include unusual charms, colorful beads, sparkles, and pom poms. Consider accessories with clown-related themes such as balloons, stars, and striped tents. 

Add these hair accessories.

Colorful Wigs 

Colorful Wigs

Just like with the rest of the clowncore aesthetic, the larger and more vibrant your wig, the better. Choose one in bright colors like neon blue, pink, and green. Wear it in an oversized hairstyle with lots of volume. Consider adding hair accessories as well to fit in with the maximalist theme of clowncore.

Discover other aesthetics that use a wig.

Vibrant Colors 

Vibrant Colors

Just like with patterns, wearing bold, vibrant colors is a great way to exaggerate your look.  

If you don’t want to incorporate other elements of clowncore, such as oversized clothes, and quirky accessories, combining a variety of vibrant colors such as neons, and royal blues, is a subtle way to add clowncore to your look.

Check out these vibrant-colored items.

Checkered Print 

Checkered Print

Checkered or harlequin print is a popular print choice, seen in traditional and modern clownwear. Harlequin print consists of repeating patterns of contrasting diamonds, creating a jester-like look. It is a great way to add a variety of colors and a pattern to your clowncore outfit. 

Find more bold patterns and prints here.

Circus Tights 

Circus Tights

Circus tights consist of bold, colorful contrasting patterns that are often worn under a skirt, dress, or even shorts. If you can’t find mismatched legs, bright-colored, or patterned tights, hosiery, or even leggings work great.

Try out these ethical hosiery brands.

Oversized Shoes 

Oversized Shoes

Clown shoes are characterized by being oversized, large, and in bright colors. Wearing a pair is a fantastic addition to your clowncore look.  

However, if you don’t want to wear actual clown shoes, there are many modern-day options including platform shoes, shoes with long pointed toes, and regular shoes in bright colors.

Save these shoe brands for later.

Party or Jester Hats

Party or Jester Hats

Different clown characters have worn a variety of hats, including top hats, party hats, and jester hats. Depending on what you own, and how extravagant you want to look, adding a bright hat over bright hair creates contrast and intrigue and is a great accessory. 

Try out these different hat styles.

Suspenders or Overalls 

Suspenders or Overalls

Suspenders and overalls are commonly seen with clowns holding their oversized pants up. They are also a great opportunity to add more color to your look. Suspenders and overalls also work as a canvas to add pins, stickers, and additional accessories.  

Check out other aesthetic themes to wear your suspenders in.

Rainbow Everything 

Rainbow Everything

One color is just not enough for clowns. Instead, many clowns and clowncore aesthetic outfits utilize rainbow patterns to add vibrancy to their look. Add a touch of rainbow with accessories, or suspenders, or go full out with rainbow hair, makeup, and clothes. 

Find more flamboyant outfits here.



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About the Author: Shelby Bonner


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