DIY Family Themed Costume: The Greatest Showman

Does your family enjoy themed costumes? Did you love The Greatest Showman? Ours sure did so much so that last year we decided to make it our costume theme. I prefer to DIY when possible, although it’s not always the cheaper or faster option. You’ll need to weigh it out but I think you’ll get a more authentic original look. Here is how I put our costumes together...

My daughter, Naliya chose to be Anne Wheeler, the African-American trapeze artist. I picked a leotard from Amazon, used lace, and detailed spools of ribbon to embellish the ensamble. I attempted to closely mimic the look of the costume while short on time and within budget. Added a few crystals and ta-da we have a costume! I did everything with the glue gun because I don’t see all that great. Fuseable webbing is also another favorite seeing alternative. Although the weather turned out to be great, she wore a nude long sleeve body suit underneath which I bedazzled a bit.

When we added the hair, makeup and shoes all of the details really came together nicely. She loved wearing a pink wig all day at school, for sure. I ended up spending less than if I would have purchased a custom made ETSY costume.

My son Aarlen, decided to be The Tattooed Man, Captain Constentenous. We went with a version where the character was more clothed because I didn’t want to fill his whole body with temporary tattoos or put in all that work honestly, plus I didn’t want to send my kid in just Speedo shorts and a cape to school.

I added a few temporary tattoos on his hands, purchased tattoo sleeves off of Amazon and then used a waterproof eyeliner pencil by Urban Decay to draw tattoos on his face. Which FYI that eyeliner is amazing, yes it was sent to me for review however, it really is great. The drawn on tattoos lasted all day and only came off with makeup remover.

His shirt was a thrifted long sleeve button down that I cut, then folded and ironed into place; another no-sew hack that lasts temporarily. Unfortunately he forgot to switch into his boots while at school but other than that I think it turned out pretty great. The suspenders, short sleeve button-up and mustache brought it home.

My little nugget, Nerina I dressed as the Bearded Lady. Because seriously, what is cuter than a baby with a beard. I DIY’d her floral head band, dress and beard off of Amazon. The beard was a package of 3, my son used one for his costume as well. Surprisingly she left hers on for a good amount of time. I made her a little shawl with an old purple scarf I had.

For my costume I chose to be The Greatest Showman himself, PT Barnum. I ordered the 3pc best set and top hat from Amazon. I borrowed my mother’s leather gloves as well as her red trench coat. It turned out to be a beautiful warm day, I was so hot but didn’t take off the coat since it was a big part of the costume.