Early last year, rising pop sensation Chappell Roan made her NPR Tiny Desk debut. She wore a poofy, prom-inspired dress, and tiara, but it was her makeup that was most memorable—blanched white foundation and bright blue eyes, sharply redrawn eyebrows—all framed by a halo of fiery red hair. The resemblance to another pop culture icon was unmistakable: Ronald McDonald.

Later that spring, Dazed ran an article on the rise of clown cosplay. It came six months after perpetual trendsetter Sydney Carlson dressed as a sexy, sad clown for Halloween, and girls began to post makeup tutorials en masse for smudge red cheeks and eyes defined by diamonds. Their take was that, like always, self-expression was reflecting the socio-political landscape. At the time, Joe Biden was becoming an increasingly unreliable presidential candidate, while Trump, a once unlikely candidate, gained traction. There was an ongoing Ukraine-Russia War, and continued tension in Israel Palestine, while the rise of AI not only threatened jobs but 60 percent of employers reported terminating newly hired Gen Z employees for lack of professionalism. The writer's argument was, the absurder things get, the absurder we dress. 

Well, it seems that was just the tip of the iceberg. Between the wildfires in Los Angeles, snowstorms in Louisiana, and Elon Musk—a Dr. Evil-type who has no business being anywhere near the White House—now a political fixture, everything now seems even more ridiculous. Throughout history, the clown aesthetic has served as a satirical exaggeration of high society’s beauty standards—stark white skin to signal a life of leisure indoors, bright blush as a symbol of health, and other exaggerated features. This over-the-top facade gave jesters a shield of absurdity, allowing them to comment on power structures without consequence. 

In embracing clown culture now, we’re announcing we’re not comfortable just sitting pretty, and quiet, anymore. We’re witnessing a departure from clean girl aesthetic and a return to dramatic makeup. Outfits, seemingly, are also getting more outrageous. I say this as someone who, to a casual dinner last week, wore a Cruella-inspired fur coat over a purple paisley 70s wrap dress, and thigh high velvet boots (blue eyeshadow to match, of course). 

If you are also interested in clowning around, let us guide you through the circus with a few essentials to pull off the look this spring. After all, when the world already feels like a joke, why not be a part of the punchline?  

A TECHNICOLOR EYESHADOW PALETTE

Goes without saying that now is the time to play. Don’t stop until you’ve worked your way through all the colors of the rainbow. 

COLOUR POP — FADE INTO HUE, RAINBOW POWDER PALETTE

EXCITING HOSIERY 

Bright white, blue or red tights, diamond, over-the-knee socks, the options are endless. 

WOLFORD SATIN TOUCH DOT TIGHTS

HAIR ACCESSORIES 

Did someone say ribbons? Add bows to baby braids for a look that is surprisingly understated, but still *clown.* 

MINI SATIN BOWS

A SHOW-STOPPING 70s SUMMER DRESS 

Think: vintage Diane Von Furstenberg. That feels right.

DVF WEST COCKTAIL DRESS

VICTORIAN-INSPIRED UNDERGARMENTS

Going out for the night? It has to be a corset and bloomers. 

OUTCAST LUCINE CORSET SET

THE SILLIEST PHONE CASE

Coming to town soon…

@beatricehazlehurst