These two characters are infamous for their love of crime, but they also have an undeniable appeal that has secured them a place in film history, and at the top of the couple’s costume options.
If you are looking for the perfect Bonnie and Clyde couple’s outfit to give you the wow factor at your next social event, you are in the right place – read on for some great ideas!
Who Were Bonnie And Clyde?
Bonnie and Clyde are American criminals who were notorious for their carefree life of crime in the 1930s and 1940s. The pair first met when Clyde was arrested for stealing cars and Bonnie was working as a waitress.
They fell in love and decided to commit crimes together – and the rest, as the story goes, was history.
The couple became so infamous that Hollywood produced a successful movie about them named, aptly, Bonnie and Clyde (1967), and this is a popular adaptation that draws millions of fans from across the world to this day.
The movie starred Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway as the iconic duo and won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture – and also helped to introduce the dastardly duo to a new generation of fans.
What Makes Them So Popular?
There are several reasons why Bonnie and Clyde are such a popular couple – and a key factor has to be undeniable sex appeal.
Despite their deeds, there is no denying that the pair had plenty of chemistry; their relationship was passionate and romantic, and they both loved each other very much.
This passion is what drew people to them, and it’s something that we can all relate to.
As humans, we are often drawn to the darkness in stories, and the criminal endeavors of Bonnie and Clyde are seen by many as being very exciting and daring.
The duo committed many crimes during their time together, which included bank robberies, carjacking, murder, and even kidnapping. But despite being caught by police multiple times, they always managed to escape with ease.
Their ability to elude capture was incredible, and this added to their mystique.
In addition, many fans saw their fast-paced, dramatic lifestyle as aspirational and fun, and they inspired countless copycats.
Many people wanted to live as Bonnie and Clyde did, and this led to the birth of the “B&C lifestyle” – a term used to describe the free-spirited way of living that these two outlaws created.
How To Dress Like Bonnie and Clyde
When it comes to dressing up like Bonnie and Clyde, the key thing to remember is that you don’t need to look exactly like a real-life couple.
You can still enjoy yourself if you dress up as the characters from the 1967 movie, or you can go for a more modern approach and choose to wear outfits inspired by the couple.
Either way, you will find that the costumes below are incredibly easy to put together and will help you create a stunning ensemble that looks amazing.
Bonnie and Clyde Costumes: How To Get Started
When it comes to selecting an outfit for your costume party, the best option is to start off simple and work your way up.
Choose a classic black suit for the main part of your costume, then add accessories to make it pop. For example, you could wear a fedora hat, sunglasses, a trench coat, a bandana tied around your neck, and a gun belt.
These items will help you stand out from the crowd and give you a unique style.
If you want to get really creative, you can also use some vintage clothing to complete your look. If you have access to old clothes, you can easily transform them into something completely different.
Just take a look at our guide on how to turn old jeans into a stylish skirt!
Bonnie and Clyde Outfit Ideas
For those looking for a little inspiration, here are some ideas for how to dress like Bonnie and Clyde.
Simple Bonnie Outfit Ideas
If you are the Bonnie in your pair, here are a few must-try ideas to bring your costume to life, and add a touch of authenticity:
Any wannabe Bonnie Parker needs to invest in a classic skirt and sweater combo; these are perfect for any casual occasion and will bring Bonnie’s more relaxed look to life.
Pair a quality wool sweater with a knee or ankle-length skirt, and decide whether you would like to opt for darker shades, a la the real Bonnie Parker, or lighter colors as portrayed in the film version – both will be equally effective.
Pair with classic Mary Jane shoes or boots, and finish off with cute ankle socks to bring the look to life.
No Bonnie costume would be complete without the inclusion of the famous beret, and this is a must if you’re going for a more authentic look. Opt for a soft pink color, such as blush or rose, and ensure that it’s not too big.
Add a matching scarf, and you’ll instantly look like the real deal.
The iconic bandanna was worn by many women during the 1920s and 1930s, and it’s one of the most recognizable fashion trends of all time.
This accessory will help you achieve the same effect as the original Bonnie, who wore hers around her neck, and has the added bonus of being super cute!
Play With Classic Makeup
Though the film version of the couple’s escapades was created in the 60s, the original events occurred through the 20s and 30s, and this gives you plenty of freedom when it comes to playing with makeup.
Try experimenting with bold lips, dark eye shadows, and bright eyeshadow palettes. The key thing to remember is to bring your outfit and your makeup together to create a cohesive look.
One of the most important aspects of your Bonnie Parker costume is perhaps her signature accessory: the toy pistol. It’s no secret that the couple were heavily armed, so this is a key element of the look.
You can either go for a replica of the actual weapon used in the movie or opt for a smaller handgun. Always use toy or replica weapons, and never point these directly at someone.
Classic Clyde Barrow Outfit Ideas
If you are the party playing Clyde, then never fear: we have a host of tips for you too! To create your perfect Clyde Barrow outfit, check out the following inspiration:
The base of every Clyde Barrow costume is the traditional pinstripe suit jacket and dress pants, which really help to bring together that 20s and 30s vibe – and they’re easy to find online.
For an extra bit of flair, try adding a bow tie, pocket square, or even suspenders to give your ensemble some extra oomph.
All types of tweeds are back in style, and there are plenty of options available online. These suits are great for creating a more laid-back look but still offer a nod to the era.
If you want to add a little edge to your outfit, try opting for a tweed suit with a contrasting pattern, or a solid-colored suit with a tweed vest.
Perhaps the most distinctive element of Clyde’s classic look, the wide-brimmed fedora or newsboy cap, is a great way to replicate his trademark headwear.
The hat should be worn low on the forehead, and it should cover the ears completely. If you don’t own a fedora, opt for a similar flat cap instead.
Another essential piece of clothing for the Clyde Barrow costume, the tweed vest, is a versatile option that works well with any type of outfit.
A plain black vest is also a good choice, especially if you want to keep things simple, or use an item that has the versatility to be used time and again.
Another staple of the classic Clyde Barrow outfit, the pair of black trousers, is another item that can easily be found online. They should fit snugly around the waist, and ideally, they should be tucked into the tops of the shoes.
A white shirt is another must-have for any Clyde Barrow costume. This will work as a nice contrast against the darker colors of the rest of the outfit.
As seen in the infamous movie discussed above, Clyde wore wingtip dress shoes throughout much of his life, and he is typically pictured with these to finish off his most iconic outfits.
In order to achieve this look, you’ll need to purchase a pair of dress shoes that have a slight heel, and try to make sure that these are either black or dark brown – and don’t forget to polish them to a high shine!
Another essential accessory is, of course, Clyde’s classic Tommy gun. This was his chosen weapon for crime sprees, so make sure you get your hands on a toy or replica before you start planning your Clyde Barrow costume.
You can buy toy guns from many different sources, including Amazon.
As above, always opt for replicas or guns that are made out of plastic, rather than metal.
Final Thoughts
The classic look of Bonnie and Clyde has retained its popularity through the ages, and it’s easy to see why.
It’s a fun and flamboyant look that’s perfect for dressing up during Halloween, or for another costumed event, and it’s likely to stand the test of time.
So, next time you and your partner are looking for the perfect couple’s costume, why not give Clyde and Bonnie a go?
Have you ever thought that you were born in the wrong generation? That you would have suited the 80s better? The 70s, 50s, or even the 30s?
Then welcome to my website, where you’ll fit right in. Hi, my name is Willa Price and I am a self-confessed fashion lover.
I specialize in vintage fashion at a designer label, and it is my dream job. I spend my days reinventing old pieces and reworking them into modern fashion trends.
Please, enjoy my website as you take a step back in time to relive the fashion evolution that we are still moving through now.
