How to Channel Your Inner Harley Quinn: Complete Costume Guide

Harley Quinn, the unpredictable and wildly popular character from DC Comics, has become an iconic figure in pop culture. With her chaotic energy, colorful wardrobe, and fierce personality, Harley is a perfect choice for cosplay. Whether you’re aiming for her classic jester look or her modern *Suicide Squad* style, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create the ultimate Harley Quinn costume. From makeup tips to DIY outfits, here’s how to transform into Gotham’s most mischievous antihero.

Costume Components Outfit Overview

Outfit Overview

Harley Quinn’s costume has evolved over time, giving cosplayers different options to choose from. The two most popular versions are her classic jester look from *Batman: The Animated Series* and her more modern style from *Suicide Squad* and *Birds of Prey*. Each version captures Harley’s boldness and chaotic nature, so pick the one that speaks to you most!

Classic Jester Harley Quinn

Jumpsuit: The classic Harley Quinn outfit features a red-and-black jester jumpsuit with alternating colored sections and diamond patterns. This full-body suit is tight-fitting, with a jester hat complete with pom-poms.

DIY Tips: You can purchase a pre-made Harley Quinn jumpsuit online or make your own by using a red and black bodysuit. To recreate the diamond pattern, use fabric paint or sew red and black diamonds onto the opposite colored sections.

Shoes: Pair the jumpsuit with black or red boots to match.

Suicide Squad Harley Quinn

1. Shirt: Harley’s iconic "Daddy’s Lil Monster" shirt from *Suicide Squad* is a white baseball-style shirt with red sleeves and frayed edges. This top is one of the most recognizable parts of the costume.
2. Jacket: Her shiny red and blue bomber jacket with gold accents adds to her rebellious style.
3. Shorts: Metallic red and blue shorts are paired with fishnet tights for a punky, edgy look.
4. Shoes: White heeled sneakers or boots with red and blue accents complete the outfit.

Birds of Prey Harley Quinn

1. Shirt: In Birds of Prey, Harley goes for a more eclectic style, often wearing bright-colored crop tops (pink, yellow, etc.) paired with high-waisted shorts or overalls.
2. Jacket: A standout piece from this film is her fringed jacket made of colorful streamers or shredded material, giving off a chaotic, fun vibe.
3. Shoes: Harley’s shoes in *Birds of Prey* vary but are often bold boots or sneakers in bright colors or metallic finishes.

Accessories

Harley’s Mallet or Bat

Harley Quinn is rarely seen without her weapon of choice. Whether you opt for her giant mallet or baseball bat, a prop weapon is essential to the costume.

1. Mallet: For the classic Harley look, you’ll need a large wooden mallet. It’s oversized and often decorated with red and black details.
2. Baseball Bat: In *Suicide Squad* and *Birds of Prey*, Harley swaps the mallet for a baseball bat adorned with graffiti and writing.

DIY Tips: You can make a lightweight mallet or bat using foam, cardboard, and paint. For the mallet, create a cylinder from foam or cardboard, attach it to a stick, and paint it with red and black designs. For the bat, find a plain wooden or plastic bat and decorate it with graffiti-style writing.

Gloves

1. Classic Harley: Harley’s classic look features alternating black and red gloves, matching her jester suit.
2. Modern Harley: In her modern versions, Harley often wears fingerless gloves or leather wristbands to add to her punk-rock aesthetic.

Jewelry and Belts

1. Necklaces and Chokers:Harley Quinn’s gold "Puddin" choker is iconic, referring to her relationship with the Joker. This is a must-have accessory for the *Suicide Squad* version of Harley.
2. Belts: Gold or studded belts add a rebellious, edgy look to her modern outfits.

Face and Makeup

Classic Harley Quinn Makeup

1. White Face: Apply a white foundation or face paint all over your face to get that pale, clownish complexion.
2. Black Mask: Use black face paint or eyeliner to draw on a mask over your eyes. Alternatively, you can use a black mask template or purchase a pre-made mask.
3. Red and Black Lips: Use bright red lipstick to complete the look, adding a small black accent for contrast if you like.

Suicide Squad Harley Quinn Makeup

1. White Foundation: Lighten your face with a pale foundation, but don’t go as white as the classic Harley look.
2. Smudged Eyeshadow:Use blue eyeshadow on one eye and pink on the other, smudging both down your cheeks to give that chaotic, lived-in feel. You want the makeup to look a little messy—Harley’s been through a lot!
3. Tattoos: Harley has several tattoos in *Suicide Squad*, the most notable being the small black heart under her right eye and the word "Rotten" written across her jawline. Use an eyeliner pencil or temporary tattoos to recreate these designs.
4. Red Lips: Apply bright red lipstick to complete her rebellious, edgy look.

Birds of Prey Harley Quinn Makeup

1. Colorful Eyeshadow:For *Birds of Prey*, Harley’s makeup is more playful and colorful. Use bright pinks, blues, and yellows to create a bold, messy look around your eyes.
2. Playful Details: You can add small doodles, hearts, or stars to your face with eyeliner for a punk-inspired touch.

Hair and Wigs

Classic Harley Quinn Hair

• Jester Hood: In her classic look, Harley wears a red-and-black jester hood with pom-poms on the ends. The hood complements her jumpsuit perfectly.

DIY Tips: You can sew your own jester hood using red and black fabric, or buy one online to complete the classic Harley look.Suicide Squad Harley Quinn Hair

1. Blonde Pigtails:Harley’s blonde hair is styled in pigtails, with the ends dyed pink on one side and blue on the other.
2. Wigs or Hair Dye: You can buy a wig that’s pre-styled in Harley’s signature pigtails, or use temporary hair dye to color the ends of your own hair. Use a curling iron to add a little wave to the pigtails.

DIY Tips: If you’re styling your hair, tie it into high pigtails, curl the ends, and apply temporary spray-on hair color to achieve the blue and pink tips.Birds of Prey Harley Quinn Hair

• Short, Messy Look: In *Birds of Prey*, Harley’s hair is shorter, with choppy layers and more chaotic, uneven styling. The tips are still brightly colored but with a more carefree, messy appearance.

DIY Tips:You can style a wig by cutting layers unevenly or use temporary dye to color the tips of your own hair for this version.

Cosplay Contacts

Adding colored contacts can give your Harley Quinn cosplay an extra touch of authenticity:

1. Classic Harley Quinn:Blue or gray contacts match the character’s look in *Batman: The Animated Series*.
2. Modern Harley Quinn: Bright blue contacts can enhance the vibrancy of her recent depictions in *Suicide Squad* and *Birds of Prey*.

Contacts Tips: Always choose contacts that are safe for cosplay use and ensure they are comfortable for long wear. Practice wearing them beforehand to make sure you’re comfortable putting them in and taking them out.

Props

Mallet or Bat

Harley Quinn’s mallet or bat is the perfect finishing touch for your costume:

1. Mallet:Use foam or cardboard to create a lightweight, oversized mallet that you can carry around comfortably.
2. Baseball Bat: Find a plain bat and customize it with graffiti or writing to match Harley’s *Suicide Squad* and *Birds of Prey* style.

Harley’s Tattoos (Temporary)

Harley has several iconic tattoos that can be replicated with temporary tattoos or makeup. You can find pre-made temporary tattoos online or use eyeliner to draw on the "Rotten" tattoo and heart on your face.

Puddin Choker

The "Puddin" choker, a tribute to Harley’s relationship with the Joker, is a signature accessory for her *Suicide Squad* look.

Poses and Characterization

Embodying Harley Quinn’s Personality

Harley Quinn’s playful, chaotic personality is as important as the costume itself. Practice embodying her wild, unpredictable nature with exaggerated gestures and poses.

1. Key Poses: Swing your bat or mallet, strike wide stances, and throw in a mischievous grin. Harley’s energy is infectious, so have fun with it!
2. Voice and Attitude: Harley’s voice is high-pitched and often playful or taunting. Try incorporating some of her famous catchphrases like, "Puddin!" or "You’re in so much trouble now!"

Buying vs. DIY

Pre-made Cosplay

There are many pre-made Harley Quinn costumes available online, especially for the SuicideSquad and Birds of Prey versions. You can purchase these to save time, then add your own touches with makeup, props, and accessories.

DIY Costume Options

For those who prefer to create their own Harley Quinn costume, here’s how:

1. Jumpsuit: Sew or buy a red-and-black bodysuit, then add diamond-shaped patterns to recreate her classic look.
2. Shirt and Shorts:Customize a white and red shirt and metallic shorts to match her *Suicide Squad* appearance.
3. Accessories: Make your own mallet or bat using lightweight materials.

Final Tips for a Successful Cosplay

Comfort and Practicality:Make sure your costume is comfortable, especially if you’ll be wearing it for long periods at conventions or events.

Makeup Touch-ups:Carry some extra makeup, especially for Harley’s smudged eyeshadow, to keep your look fresh throughout the day.

Whether you’re cosplaying Harley Quinn in her classic jester suit or embracing her modern, punk-rock vibe, focus on the key elements: the outfit, makeup, hair, and chaotic personality. Harley is all about having fun, so let your creativity shine as you bring this iconic character to life. It’s time to embrace your inner villain and show Gotham who’s boss—Harley Quinn style!