The jester is a popular costume idea among children and adults.
The jester gained popularity during the medieval times as an attendant of the European Royal Court. Royal Courts hired jesters to not only entertain, but to give political advice. Since then, jesters have become a popular costume choice. Although the typical jester's costume consists of a two-pronged hat and pointed shoes, you can reinterpret the character in several ways, making the jester costume more unique.
The Traditional Jester
The traditional jester costume requires the traditional jester hat. This hat may be the most recognizable part of the costume and usually has two or three points sprouting from its top. Bells are attached to the ends of these points. Also, jesters are dressed in brightly colored patchwork one-piece jumpsuits, such as bright green or pink. The jester also wears elf-like shoes with bells on the tips of each shoe. Accessories are also an important component for the jester costume. Because the jester was an entertainer, you could carry around three bowling pins for juggling or a lute.
The Lady Jester
The lady jester costume is similar to the traditional jester costume. The lady jester, however, could wear a patchwork dress instead of a one-piece jumpsuit. The bottom of the dress should have triangular cutouts. The points on the bottom of the dress may also have bells glued to them, like the tips of the hat and shoes. Wear brightly colored tights under the dress to add more color to the outfit. The lady jester can also wear high heels instead of elf-like shoes to add more feminine detail to the look.
The Evil Jester
Although historically jesters were known to make people happy and laugh, popular culture often portrays jesters as evil characters. An evil jester costume is similar to the traditional jester costume, except for the color scheme. You should use blacks and reds instead of brighter colors. Also, you may paint your face in evil clown paint or wear a black face mask to make you seem more mysterious or evil. Adding an accessory like a fake bloody knife or a skull cane is a nice finishing touch to make your evil jester costume seem more authentic.
