Dressing up as Bonnie and Clyde, the notorious outlaws from the 1930s, has become a popular costume choice for couples. Whether for Halloween, a themed party, or any costume event, the iconic look of these two criminals is both stylish and steeped in history. With a combination of vintage fashion, gangster flair, and a sense of adventure, a Bonnie and Clyde costume can easily stand out at any gathering.
In this article, we’ll dive into how you can create the perfect Bonnie and Clyde costumes, offer some background on who they were, and provide you with tips to nail their look. We’ll also discuss accessories and alternatives to ensure your Bonnie and Clyde costume is as authentic and stylish as possible.
Who Were Bonnie and Clyde?
Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were two of the most infamous criminals during the Great Depression era in the United States. Together, they formed a criminal couple that was involved in numerous bank robberies, thefts, and even murders from 1931 to 1934. They became famous not only for their criminal activities but also for their love story and glamorous public image, which was amplified by photographs of the couple posing with guns and cigars.
Though their lives ended in a violent ambush in 1934, Bonnie and Clyde left a lasting legacy, inspiring movies, songs, and even fashion trends. Their style, especially Bonnie’s, reflected the fashion of the 1930s, blending glamour with a rugged outlaw aesthetic. Today, their look is an enduring symbol of rebellion and romance.
Bonnie and Clyde Costume: The Essentials
When dressing as Bonnie and Clyde, the key to pulling off the look is to capture their vintage style with an emphasis on their recognizable gangster outfits. Here’s a breakdown of the essential elements for both Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow costumes:
Bonnie Parker Costume
Bonnie Parker’s style is iconic, featuring classic 1930s fashion with a touch of gangster edginess. Here are the essential pieces you’ll need to create her look:
1. The Beret
One of the most recognizable pieces of Bonnie Parker’s wardrobe is the beret. In many photos, she is seen sporting this stylish hat, which was a popular fashion item for women in the 1930s. A simple black or brown beret will do the trick.
2. A Vintage Skirt and Sweater
Bonnie often wore skirts paired with fitted sweaters. To recreate this look, opt for a knee-length, slim-fitting skirt in neutral tones like beige, brown, or gray. Pair the skirt with a close-fitting sweater, preferably with long sleeves and in earthy colors. This combination will give you that quintessential 1930s feminine look.
3. The Scarf
In many of her famous photos, Bonnie wears a scarf tied around her neck. A small silk scarf or bandana in a muted color or pattern will add that extra detail to the costume. Make sure to tie it around your neck in a stylish knot to complete the vintage look.
4. Heeled Shoes
For footwear, Bonnie is often depicted in low-heeled shoes or classic pumps. Look for shoes with a slight heel that reflect the 1930s style. Black or brown leather pumps or T-strap shoes are ideal for this costume.
5. Accessorize with a Cigarette
Though not required, adding a fake cigarette (no smoking required!) can help you channel Bonnie’s rebellious spirit, as she is often shown holding a cigarette in photographs.
6. The Gun
Bonnie was often seen in photos holding a gun, as they were notorious criminals. For costume purposes, you can opt for a plastic or toy version of a 1930s-style pistol to add some flair to your Bonnie costume.
Clyde Barrow Costume
Clyde Barrow’s style is classic gangster fashion, complete with a sharp suit and a fedora. Here’s how you can recreate his look:
1. A Pinstripe Suit
Clyde Barrow was often seen in pinstripe suits, which were typical of the gangster era. Look for a double-breasted pinstripe suit in dark colors like black, navy, or gray. The pinstripe pattern will give you that authentic 1930s gangster style.
If you can’t find a pinstripe suit, any vintage-style suit will work as long as it’s in a dark color and has a tailored fit.
2. A Dress Shirt and Tie
Pair your suit with a classic dress shirt and tie. Clyde was known for wearing traditional ties or bow ties with his suits. Opt for a simple, solid-colored tie or one with subtle stripes to maintain that vintage gangster aesthetic.
3. The Fedora Hat
No Clyde Barrow costume is complete without the iconic fedora hat. A black or dark-colored fedora with a wide brim is a must-have accessory for this look. Make sure the hat fits well and adds a touch of mystery to your gangster ensemble.
4. Dress Shoes
For footwear, Clyde Barrow would have worn polished dress shoes, likely in black or brown. Look for a pair of leather Oxfords or brogues to complete the outfit. Make sure they are well-polished to reflect that sharp, criminal style.
5. Suspenders
Though not always visible, suspenders were a common accessory for men in the 1930s. If your suit jacket is open or removed, a pair of suspenders adds a nice touch of authenticity to the costume.
6. The Gun
As with Bonnie, Clyde is often depicted with guns in their famous photos. A toy or replica tommy gun or pistol can add that final gangster element to your Clyde Barrow costume.
Where to Find Bonnie and Clyde Costume Items
To create an authentic Bonnie and Clyde costume, you can find the necessary pieces in a variety of places, from vintage shops to online retailers. Here are some suggestions on where to find these items:
- Vintage Clothing Stores: If you want to go for truly authentic 1930s attire, check out local vintage clothing stores or second-hand shops. You might be able to find genuine vintage items that will give your costume extra authenticity.
- Costume Shops: Many costume shops will carry gangster-themed costumes that you can modify for a Bonnie and Clyde look. You can often find items like fedoras, pinstripe suits, and toy guns.
- Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy offer a wide selection of costume pieces, including berets, fedoras, vintage-style skirts, and suits. You can also find replica guns, fake cigarettes, and other accessories to complete the look.
Bonnie and Clyde Costume for Couples
One of the best parts about dressing as Bonnie and Clyde is that it’s the perfect couples’ costume. If you’re attending a party or event with a partner, coordinating your costumes as the infamous duo is both stylish and fun.
Here are some tips for pulling off the ultimate Bonnie and Clyde couples’ costume:
- Coordinate Colors: While Bonnie and Clyde didn’t necessarily match their outfits, you can add a modern twist by coordinating the colors of your costumes. For example, if Clyde is wearing a gray pinstripe suit, Bonnie can wear a gray skirt and sweater to complement his look.
- Strike a Pose: To really capture the spirit of Bonnie and Clyde, make sure to practice some poses inspired by their famous photographs. Whether it’s Bonnie leaning on Clyde’s shoulder or both of you holding toy guns, these poses will make your costumes stand out.
- Commit to the Attitude: Channel the rebellious and adventurous attitude of Bonnie and Clyde throughout the night. Whether it’s cracking jokes, using old-fashioned slang, or playfully staying in character, committing to the personas will make your costumes even more memorable.
Accessories to Complete Your Bonnie and Clyde Costume
To take your costume to the next level, here are some additional accessories you can add to your Bonnie and Clyde look:
For Bonnie:
- Vintage handbag: Carry a small, vintage-style handbag to add a feminine touch to your outfit.
- Pearl necklace: A simple string of pearls can give Bonnie’s look a more glamorous, 1930s feel.
- Red lipstick: Classic red lips were a staple of 1930s beauty, so be sure to wear a bold red lipstick to complete the look.
For Clyde:
- Pocket watch: Add a vintage pocket watch to your suit for an extra touch of sophistication.
- Fake money: Carrying around a stack of fake money can be a fun way to reference the couple’s criminal history.
Historical Significance of Bonnie and Clyde’s Fashion
While Bonnie and Clyde are remembered primarily for their criminal exploits, their fashion choices have left a lasting impression on popular culture. During the Great Depression, the couple’s stylish and photogenic appearance contrasted sharply with the hardships faced by many Americans. The media’s portrayal of them as glamorous, rebellious figures helped solidify their status as folk heroes, even though they were notorious criminals.
Bonnie Parker’s fashion sense, in particular, has been celebrated over the years. Her combination of berets, skirts, and sweaters has inspired numerous fashion trends and continues to be a popular costume choice for women. Clyde Barrow’s sharp suits and fedora have also influenced the classic gangster look that is often seen in movies and television.
Conclusion
The Bonnie and Clyde costume is a timeless choice for anyone looking to embody the spirit of rebellion and adventure. Whether you’re dressing up for Halloween or attending a 1930s-themed event, the iconic style of Bonnie and Clyde is easy to recreate with a few key pieces and accessories.
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