I've been thinking about what is the minimum requirement to be considered a clown. In my mind the accessories are nose, wig, makeup, and costume. Everything else is a prop. But it seems like those 4 are the basics. But does wearing a clown nose make one a clown? Do you need 2 accessories? Just wondering what others think

You can paint a nose, including just adding red to the tip or bottom.

You can tease or just use your natural hair (I do this).

Costuming should be your base. A clown has exaggerated clothing to show for the further seats.

Makeup depends on your character, whether Whiteface, Auguste, tramp/hobo or Harlequin.

I'd start with a character, then develop your idea and dress from there.

Too many just grab a bunch of mismatched shit and wing it.

The best clowns (both professional and sex workers/fetishists) have a character in mind and go from there.

-Blitz

Wearing a round red nose is the simplest way to signal that you intend to be a clown, but without some makeup on, you'd still look like "a person wearing a clown nose," and not really "a clown." Colorful, fun hair is always nice, as are colorful, fun costumes, but you can still clown without them. I have a particular fondness for white gloves and big clown shoes, but they are equal parts clown and cartoon.

Tbh, you don't Need any of these to be a clown as long as you're very physically expressive and funny, but if you have access to more clown accessories, I see no reason not to wear them.

Thanks for the responses. I appreciate the advice of starting with the character and going from there. I was thinking along Nugat's idea of just putting a nose on doesn't make the clown, and I get the character aspect. I guess my thought comes from the dares/bets. If you said loser has to dress as a clown, what would you expect them to do?

If it's a "Loser has to" costume, then focus on what's most embarrasing. Think about a characterized version of yourself, and what that character would least enjoy being stuck wearing. If you're macho, dress like a girl. If you're active, wear something cumbersome that slows you down. Add makeup to look sillier, and exagerating those aspects without looking messy/smeared.

For a dare or bet (something relatively simple and not a huge commitment lifestyle-wise), you could just get a jumpsuit from a party store with a big red nose, rainbow wig, and clown shoes. Then give them a white face with a red mouth.

After that, they need to take at least one pie in the face (but preferably more (

So, I havta' admit, clowns always kinda' scared me when I was little... They always looked somewhat 'manic'....

Livin' in L.A., I go out occasionally to the local bars here, but I never see guys/girls dressed up as 'clowns'....
You see a lot of things, but no 'clowns'.....

Is this somethin' you only do in 'private'...???

Though I havta' admit, I wouldn't mind a clown smackin' my leather-clad ass with a couple of thick, gooey and creamy pies...., among other places.......