A mime is one of the few costumes where the clothes are simple and the face does the heavy lifting. Black and white, a beret, white gloves and graphic makeup are the whole vocabulary, and once you have those, you can push the look almost anywhere: glam, vintage, a single colour accent, warm-weather or cold-weather, maternity, or a version polite enough for the office. I'd plan for comfort from the start, with clothes that stretch when you pose, a hat that's pinned rather than perched, and shoes you can stand in all night. Skin-safe face paint gives the classic effect, but strong eyeliner and red lipstick carry it if you'd rather keep makeup light. Here are 30 head-to-toe looks for women, each with hair, makeup and a prop.
Whiteface Without the Cracks or the Mess
White face makeup is the part people worry about, and most problems come from putting on too much at once. A thick layer cracks around the mouth within an hour and transfers onto everything you touch. Thin layers, built up slowly, hold far better.
- Patch-test the paint on the inside of your wrist or elbow the day before, especially if your skin is sensitive.
- Start with clean, moisturised skin and let the moisturiser sink in for a few minutes.
- Apply white cream or water-activated paint with a damp makeup sponge, pressing rather than wiping, in two thin coats.
- Press translucent or white setting powder over the white with a puff, then dust off the excess.
- Draw the black details last with a liquid or gel liner, which stays sharper than black paint on a brush.
- Leave a small gap around the hairline and jaw if you'll wear a collar, so the paint doesn't rub off onto it.
To take it off, massage an oil-based cleanser or makeup remover over dry skin first, then wash with your usual cleanser. Scrubbing with water alone smears white across the face and leaves a gray film in the brows.
Why Stripe Width Matters
Not every striped top reads as mime. The classic is a fitted boatneck with even horizontal stripes of medium width, roughly as wide as a finger. Very thin pinstripes blur into gray from a few feet away, and very wide bands start to look like a prisoner or a referee. If you're shopping, hold the top at arm's length and squint; if you can still count the stripes, it'll work.
1. Classic Striped Mime Costume With Black Pants
This is the version everyone pictures, and it's mostly about getting the stripes right. A fitted black-and-white striped shirt with comfortable black pants is the base; cropped trousers look sharper, while leggings or straight jeans mean you can build it from your closet tonight. Add black suspenders, a black beret, white cotton gloves and black ballet flats. Hair goes in a low bun under the beret, or leave a few smooth waves at the face. For the makeup, I use a thin white base, darkened brows, black-lined eyes and red lipstick. A lightweight black frame is the best prop here, because posing as if you're stuck inside a picture gets a laugh without a word.
2. Suspender Skirt Mime Costume With Striped Top
A suspender skirt keeps the classic look playful. Layer a knee-length or midi suspender skirt over a striped long-sleeve shirt, and pick one with a gentle flare, since a pencil skirt stops you crouching or doing the lean-on-a-wall pose. Opaque black tights, white gloves, a red neck scarf and low-heeled black ankle boots go with it, plus a beret over a smooth ponytail. Go lighter on the white makeup here and spend the effort on curved black brows, precise liner and a small red heart in the centre of the lips. A collapsible umbrella or light walking cane is enough theatre without crowding the outfit.
3. Red Suspender Mime Costume With Cropped Pants
Red suspenders are the quickest way to add colour without losing the mime. Wear them over a fitted striped top with high-waisted cropped black pants, and repeat the red once, in a bow tie or short scarf, keeping everything else neutral. A colour that shows up exactly twice looks intentional; three or four times and it starts to look accidental. White gloves and black lace-ups keep it crisp. Style a sleek bun or tucked-under waves beneath a black beret. The makeup is a light white base, black liner, long lashes and red lips, with one small black teardrop under an eye. A cardboard sign with a playful message works as a prop, or just commit to the silent gestures.
4. Striped Mime Dress Costume With White Gloves
A striped dress is the one-piece answer, and it saves you fussing with tucked-in shirts all night. Look for black-and-white stripes at the knee or mid-calf; fit-and-flare reads classic and lets you move, while a straight T-shirt dress feels more modern. Cinch it with a slim black belt, then add white gloves, black tights, a beret and sturdy Mary Janes. Hair can go in a low side bun or simply tucked behind the ears. Keep the face clean with an even white base, strong black lashes, thin arched brows and a small red lip. A red scarf and a light black frame to hold around your face finish it, and the frame earns its place in every photo.
5. Black Overalls Mime Costume With Striped Shirt
Overalls are the mime I'd send to an outdoor party or anywhere with a lot of running around. Full-length or cropped black overalls go over a soft striped crewneck, with the cuffs rolled once and black canvas sneakers below. Add a red bandana at the neck, white gloves and a black beret tilted to one side. Two low braids, a ponytail or a simple bun all stay put under the hat. Put the white paint only on the centre of the face rather than edge to edge, which looks deliberate and leaves less to smear onto the bib. Black liner, round cheek details and bright red lipstick give plenty of contrast. A faux flower or an empty striped gift box makes a cheerful prop.
6. White Jumpsuit Mime Costume With Black Accessories
Flip the usual balance with a white jumpsuit and black accessories. Check that the jumpsuit is properly opaque before buying; white fabric that looks fine in a shop can turn sheer under a photo flash. A loose cut with wide legs or tapered ankles works, belted in black, with a black neck scarf, short black gloves and comfortable black loafers. A small black bowler is a fun change from the beret. Hair in a smooth low twist keeps the lines graphic. Pale face makeup, dramatic black liner, defined brows and a black or deep red lip finish the face. Big black buttons can be safety-pinned down the front for the evening, and a light black parasol or simple frame is the prop.
7. Glam Mime Costume With Sequin Pants
Sequin pants turn the silent performer into a party look. Choose relaxed or straight-leg sequins, because skinny sequin pants scratch the inner leg after an hour of walking. Pair them with a simple striped top, red velvet suspenders, white gloves, black platform loafers and a neatly shaped beret. A sleek ponytail or glossy shoulder-length waves suit the shine. Rather than covering the whole face, blend pearly white makeup around the eyes and upper cheeks, then add graphic black liner, silver shimmer, defined lashes and a rich red lip. A few small crystals at the outer corners of the eyes catch the light; use a lash or face-safe adhesive for those, never craft glue. Carry a metallic silver frame or a glitter-trimmed faux flower.
8. Vintage Silent Film Mime Costume With Wide-Leg Trousers
The silent-film version swaps stripes for tailoring. Wear high-waisted wide-leg black trousers and a white blouse with a rounded collar, then a fitted black vest, a slim bow tie, white gloves and two-tone lace-up shoes. A small bowler sets the era, and finger waves or a tucked faux bob push it further. Keep everything grayscale except a subtle berry lip, since old film read in shades of gray. Pale matte makeup, smoky gray shadow, sharply defined brows and a beauty mark give the face plenty of expression. A small black title card with a family-friendly line is a clever prop. I'd pick this one if stripes just aren't your thing.
9. Paris Street Mime Costume With Red Scarf
The street-performer mime is simple and easy to wear for hours. A striped boatneck top with ankle-length black cigarette pants does most of it. Wrap a bright red scarf close at the neck and add a black beret, white gloves and flat black loafers, plus a small crossbody pouch for your phone and keys. Style your hair in a soft bob, a low ponytail or loose waves behind the ears. A sheer white base looks better here than an opaque mask, with black winged liner, rounded brows and red lipstick matched to the scarf. I hold the scarf up to the lipstick in daylight before deciding, since two reds that clash are obvious from across a room. A faux flower or tiny artist's frame makes the prop.
10. Tulle Skirt Mime Costume With Striped Bodysuit
A black tulle skirt adds bounce. Pick one that's lined and knee-length; unlined tulle is scratchy against tights and floor-length tulle catches on every chair leg. Pair it with a fitted striped bodysuit, which stays tucked far better than a shirt does under that much volume. Red suspenders, opaque tights, white gloves and ankle-strap flats follow, and a small red beret can stand in for the black one to pick up the suspenders. A tidy bun or high ponytail balances the skirt. Soft white makeup, black lashes, tiny heart-shaped cheek details and a neat red lip suit it. Carry a light heart-shaped frame or a black-and-white pinwheel.
11. Modern Monochrome Mime Costume With Culottes
Black culottes with a fitted white mock-neck give a cleaner, modern mime. Without a cropped striped vest or black suspenders it could just be an outfit, so don't skip that layer. White gloves, a structured beret, striped socks and black-and-white sneakers carry the theme down to the feet. Slick the hair into a low ponytail, or try a short straight wig for a sharper, editorial shape. Match the makeup's restraint: a light white base, rectangular black liner, precise brows, a narrow black or red lip and one vertical line under each eye in place of teardrops. A large empty acrylic frame is a striking prop, though it's heavier than it looks, so I'd choose a thin one if you'll carry it all night.
12. Plus Size Mime Costume With Belted Midi Skirt
A belted midi skirt gives a plus-size mime a defined, comfortable shape. Choose a softly pleated black skirt with an elastic or adjustable waist, and tuck in a breathable striped top. Horizontal stripes worry some people, but a fitted stripe with a defined waist looks graphic, not wide; it's the loose, boxy stripe that adds bulk. A wide red belt and matching scarf bring the colour. White gloves, a black beret, opaque tights and cushioned ankle boots or supportive flats round it out. Style a low bun, braids or soft curls that sit comfortably under the hat. Use a thin layer of white paint and set it well with powder to cut transfer, then add expressive black brows, winged liner and red lipstick. A light folding frame is an easy prop.
13. Maternity Mime Costume With Stretch Overalls
Soft black maternity overalls leave plenty of room through the bump and still read instantly as a mime once you add stripes underneath. A stretchy black-and-white striped shirt with three-quarter sleeves keeps you from overheating. Add a red scarf, white gloves, a soft beret and supportive black sneakers or cushioned flats. Keep props small, such as a faux flower or mini frame, since your hands will be busy enough. A low ponytail, loose braid or easy bun works. Skin can be more sensitive in pregnancy, so I'd skip heavy face paint and use pale foundation, black liner, mascara and red lipstick for the effect, patch-testing anything new. Avoid tight belts and stiff pieces, and it's comfortable for sitting or gentle walking.
14. Modest Mime Costume With Long Black Skirt
A long black A-line skirt gives full coverage and keeps the mime's bold shape. Pair it with a loose striped top that has full sleeves and a higher neckline, tucked in or with a sleeveless black vest over it. White gloves, a red neck scarf, a black beret and closed-toe ankle boots finish the clothing. Hair goes in a low bun, a braid or a secure wrap under the hat; a beret also sits neatly over a fitted underscarf. Makeup is a pale base, black eye accents, curved brows and a muted red lip. Check the hem in your actual shoes: it should clear the floor by a couple of inches, because a long skirt plus stairs is how most costume trips happen. A small black parasol or empty frame is the prop.
15. Blazer Mime Costume With Tailored Trousers
Need a mime that's acceptable at an office party? A striped shirt under a fitted black blazer with matching tailored trousers looks smart first and costume second. Push the blazer sleeves up slightly so the white glove cuffs show, and add a slim red bow tie, black loafers and a compact beret. A low ponytail or smooth bun keeps it tidy. Full whiteface usually isn't welcome at a desk, so I'd use pale foundation, precise black liner, defined brows and classic red lipstick instead. A small blank notepad is the best prop for work: you can stay silent and still answer people in writing. Afterwards, every piece goes straight back into your wardrobe.
16. Last-Minute Mime Costume With Closet Basics
Striped shirt, black jeans, black shoes: that's already most of a mime. Tuck the shirt neatly and add any red scarf, ribbon or suspenders you own. No beret? A plain black beanie or small brimmed hat will pass. White winter gloves are fine stand-ins for costume gloves, and flats, loafers or sneakers all work. Pull your hair into a low bun and use the makeup you already have: pale foundation blended over the face, bold black liner, dark brows and red lipstick. For an instant prop, cut the centre out of a clean cardboard panel and paint the frame black. Paint it first and let it dry fully, because damp black paint on cardboard ends up on your white gloves.
17. DIY Painted Stripe Mime Costume With Black Leggings
No striped shirt in the house? Make one with removable black fabric tape on a plain white long-sleeve tee. Measure and mark the stripe spacing with chalk before taping, front, back and sleeves, because stripes that drift uphill across the chest are the giveaway of a homemade shirt. Pair it with black leggings, red suspenders, white gloves and black lace-up sneakers, plus a thrifted beret or a round hat cut from black felt. Two low pigtails keep it playful. Pale makeup, exaggerated black lashes, round cheek outlines and a red cupid's-bow lip suit the DIY spirit, as does a handmade faux flower or light cardboard frame. Test the tape on a hidden spot first so it peels off cleanly afterwards.
18. Sporty Mime Costume With Joggers And Sneakers
If you'll be walking most of the night, build the mime on black joggers and supportive sneakers. A relaxed striped sweatshirt or long-sleeve tee goes on top, with red suspenders worn loosely. White fingerless gloves are a smart swap, since full cotton gloves make it nearly impossible to use a phone. Add a soft black beret and striped crew socks, and put your hair in a secure braid or high ponytail. Keep the makeup light: white shadow, graphic black liner, defined brows and a transfer-resistant red lip. A foam picture frame or small striped drawstring bag makes a practical prop. It stays clearly a mime and doesn't cost you any comfort.
19. Winter Mime Costume With Striped Sweater
Cold nights call for warmth hidden inside the costume. Start with a thick striped sweater and fleece-lined black pants or a long wool-blend skirt, then a fitted black coat you can leave open enough to show the stripes. Thermal layers underneath beat bulky pieces on top, which flatten the stripes into a blur. White knit gloves, a red scarf, a wool beret and flat black boots carry the look outside. Tuck your hair into a low bun or side braid. Cold air and wind dry out face paint, so I prep the skin with moisturiser, then use a pale base that resists moisture, black liner and deep red lipstick. A light black umbrella doubles as a prop and a rain plan for outdoor events.
20. Summer Mime Costume With Striped Shorts
Heat is the enemy of whiteface, so the summer version keeps fabric and makeup minimal. Tuck a striped short-sleeve top into high-waisted black shorts with a comfortable inseam, and add lightweight red suspenders, thin white gloves, a breathable beret and black canvas sneakers. Striped ankle socks add a graphic note without warmth. A high bun or braided ponytail keeps hair off your neck. Put white makeup only around the eyes and cheeks, then use waterproof black liner and a transfer-resistant red lip. A small black folding fan is a prop that also cools you down. Wear sunscreen on bare skin for a daytime event, and let it sink in before any makeup goes on top.
21. Gothic Velvet Mime Costume With Lace Collar
Black velvet makes a gothic mime that stays elegant rather than scary. Wear a knee-length velvet dress with a white lace collar, or a lace-collar blouse under a sleeveless black dress. Velvet picks up lint and white powder easily, so keep a lint roller nearby and powder your face before you dress, not after. Add black-and-white striped tights, short white gloves, platform Mary Janes and a structured beret. Smooth dark waves or a low braided bun suit it. The makeup is a matte pale base, smoky black eyes, slim downward lines under the eyes and deep berry lipstick, with nothing distressed or graphic. Carry a black rose, a closed decorative fan or an ornate empty frame, and finish with silver buttons and a small cameo-style brooch.
22. Pastel Pink Mime Costume With Tulle Skirt
Pastels turn the mime sweet. Pair a white-and-pink striped top with a soft pink tulle skirt and white tights, then add black suspenders, a pink beret, white gloves and black ballet flats. Don't drop the black pieces. Without them, pink tulle and white tights drift toward a ballet outfit, and nobody guesses mime. A smooth bun, soft curls or two low pigtails all work. Pearly white eye makeup, fluttery black lashes, rosy cheeks and a small pink heart-shaped lip finish the face. Carry a pastel frame, a white faux flower or a pink-and-black pinwheel. It's bright and cheerful, and suits a daytime party.
23. Red And Black Mime Costume With Striped Tights
Here red becomes the main accent. Wear a fitted black dress over a black-and-white striped top, then add bold red suspenders or a wide red waist belt and repeat the red in the beret and ankle boots. Striped tights and white gloves tie it back to the mime palette. Style a sleek ponytail or neat vintage waves. A soft white base, black winged liner, sharply curved brows and glossy red lipstick make the face, with tiny red and black diamonds near one eye. I draw diamonds like that with a liquid liner and a strip of tape as a stencil edge, which gets crisp lines in seconds. Carry a red faux rose or a rectangular black frame, and keep the palette to red, black and white so it doesn't get busy.
24. Blue Accent Mime Costume With Black Culottes
Deep blue is a fresh change from red. Wear a black-and-white striped mock-neck with cropped black culottes, then royal blue suspenders and a matching scarf. White gloves, a black beret, striped socks and blue lace-ups or black loafers follow, with a low braid tied in blue ribbon. Keep the makeup classic: a pale base, strong black liner, dark brows and a small blue-and-red lip design. Because the accent colour is unexpected, the stripes and gloves have to stay exactly as people expect, or the theme gets lost. Carry a light blue frame or an oversized faux flower. A plain, light background suits it in photos, since the blue gets lost against busy party decorations.
25. Rainbow Mime Costume With Colorful Suspenders
Rainbow suspenders add cheer to a black-and-white base. Start with a striped shirt and black trousers or a flared midi skirt, then mismatched bright socks, white gloves, a black beret and black sneakers with rainbow laces. Tie several narrow ribbons into a low ponytail or bun; I find that reads better than a colourful wig, which pulls focus from the face. Pale makeup, black liner and small rainbow lines under one eye keep it playful, with a neat red lip for the classic finish. Carry a rainbow-edged cardboard frame or a bunch of light faux flowers. Keep the main clothes monochrome so the colour stays in small doses. It's a happy, family-friendly pick for a daytime community event.
26. Harlequin Mime Costume With Diamond Print Pants
Harlequin and mime are close cousins, and this one borrows from both. Pair black-and-white diamond-print pants with a fitted black top, then a crisp white ruffled collar, short white gloves, a black beret and low black ankle boots. One controlled pop of red, in suspenders or a slim belt, is plenty. Pull hair into a high bun or smooth it under the beret. Divide the makeup into soft graphic sections with a pale base and black liner, keeping the shapes symmetrical, and add small diamonds under the eyes and red lipstick. Symmetry is the hard part; I sketch both sides lightly with a brow pencil before committing with liquid liner. Carry a pinwheel or a diamond-shaped frame, and skip oversized clown pieces so it stays stylish.
27. Pierrot-Inspired Mime Costume With White Tunic
A flowing white tunic gives a Pierrot-style mime with a softer, stage-like feel. Choose a long-sleeve tunic or loose knee-length dress, and sew or pin three large black fabric pompoms or buttons down the front. Add a soft black ruffled collar, black leggings, white gloves and flat black shoes, with a small fitted black cap or beret over a smooth low bun. An even pale base, thin black brows, softly lined eyes and a single black teardrop give the face its melancholy, with a muted rose lip for gentle colour. Carry a white faux flower or a narrow black frame. As with any white costume, check the fabric is opaque and the cut relaxed, so you can move without worrying.
28. Steampunk Mime Costume With Striped Vest
Steampunk gives the mime a mechanical twist. A striped vest goes over a white puff-sleeve blouse, with high-waisted black trousers, suspenders, a wide utility belt and brown or black lace-up boots. White gloves and a small black top hat trimmed with a few bronze-coloured gears finish the clothes. Plastic craft gears are far lighter than metal ones and stick to a felt hat with a little fabric glue, so the hat doesn't tip forward. Wear a low braided updo under the hat. Pale makeup, smoky liner, defined brows and dark red lipstick make the face, with a few delicate gears drawn near one temple. A decorative pocket watch, compact parasol or empty frame is a safe prop. Fewer accessories carry this one better than more.
29. Porcelain Mime Costume With Bow Dress
A black dress with a big white bow collar makes a porcelain-doll mime. Choose an A-line with long sleeves, and add white tights, short gloves and black Mary Jane flats, topped with a tiny black beret or round pillbox hat. Smooth curls, a tucked bob or a low bun tied with black ribbon all suit it. The makeup is decorative rather than eerie: a light matte base, rounded black liner, fine drawn lower lashes, rosy circular cheeks and a carefully shaped red lip. Leave out cracked-porcelain effects if children will be around, since they turn the doll creepy fast. Carry a small white parasol, a faux flower or an oval frame.
30. Ringmaster Mime Costume With Cropped Jacket
To finish, a ringmaster mime. Wear a cropped red tailcoat-style jacket over a striped fitted top and high-waisted black trousers, with gold-tone buttons, white gloves, a small black top hat and comfortable black riding-style boots. A slim bow tie keeps the neckline crisp without fighting the jacket. Style a polished ponytail or low chignon. Classic mime makeup works here: a pale base, strong black liner, arched brows, deep red lipstick and one clean vertical line under each eye. Instead of a whip or cane, carry a striped hoop or a lightweight presentation frame, which suits the silent act better. A tailcoat that's too long hides the stripes, so I'd keep the jacket cropped at the waist in front.
Three Silent Moves to Practise at Home
A mime costume comes alive when you do one or two classic bits, and you don't need any training to pull off the basics. A few minutes in front of a mirror is enough.
The Invisible Wall
Hold one flat palm up as if pressing glass, then stop the hand dead, with a tiny jolt, as it touches. Keep that hand perfectly still while you move the other one beside it. The stillness is what sells the wall; a hand that drifts makes it disappear.
Pulling the Rope
Close both fists one above the other and pull, then reach the lower hand above the upper one and pull again. Lean your weight back as you go. It reads clearly in a crowded room and works well for a group photo.
Walking Into the Wind
Lean forward, hold your beret with one gloved hand, and take slow, heavy steps on the spot. It's easy in flat shoes and gets a laugh every time. White gloves help all three moves, since bright hands against a dark top are what people's eyes follow.
Stripes, Gloves and a Painted Face
A good mime costume keeps the black-and-white details sharp while letting you stay comfortable for the whole event. Stripes, gloves, expressive makeup and a structured hat do the work, and skirts, overalls, jumpsuits, tailored trousers or a single colour accent make each version your own. Wear supportive shoes, pin your hat, and patch-test any face paint a day before. If full whiteface feels like too much, pale foundation and graphic eye makeup get you most of the way. Classic or glam, vintage or last-minute, the silent act is half the fun, so practise the invisible wall once in the mirror before you go.
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