Hunger Games Costumes

This is a very easy costume to put together as you probably have many of the components in your wardrobe before we even start.

The pants that Katniss wears in the movies were based on a Levi Strauss 1870s pattern and are a brown striped jean, but you could wear a pair of plain brown or even olive colored jeans and still be unmistakably Katniss Everdeen.

The next important part of the costume is the old leather jacket that Katniss wears to go hunting with.   With this jacket costume designer Judianna Makovsky actually deviated from the book - in the book Katniss' jacket was oversized and a hand-me-down of her fathers, in the movie it was a fitted leather jacket.   Makovsky says that this was so that Katniss could move her arms easily in order to actually use a bow and arrow.  

You can search through thrift shops or wardrobes of older male members of your family for an oversized leather (or leather look) jacket or you could just buy a fitted jacket that you can use in your everyday life as well as when you're in costume.

Underneath her jacket Katniss is wearing a crew necked thermal shirt with buttons - this was also handed down from her father and you could look in a thrift shop for one, although I like the henley style shirts as you can also incorporate them into your wardrobe once you've worn the costume.

Footwear is another important aspect of Katniss' wardrobe - this girl is practical, no pretty stilettos just plain boots which allow her to easily traverse the land in order to hunt her prey!

Of course you need to accessorize this outfit a little so that no one is in any doubt about who you're trying to be and luckily you can do that by buying a replica bow from the movie which I've also found for you opposite.

Next you have to give yourself a side braid or if you want to be even more authentic try a Dutch braid (instructions are in the Katniss Everdeen's Hunger Games Costumes article below).  

There are more costume ideas for Katniss from her 'uniform' at the training center to what she actually wore during the actual Hunger Games and let's not forget Katniss in a dress!   You can check those costumes all out at the article below.

I've had problems finding the outfit that Effie wore, the closest I've come to finding one online is the Dynasty inspired costume opposite although the skirt is black which is a shame.   Searching on ebay for "vintage 80s pencil skirts" in either hot pink or fuschia brings up a few really good skirt options, but the whole package is a little elusive at the time of writing.

I would personally try and raid wardrobes of members of your family who were pretty fashionable in the 80s and see what they've got lurking in the back or alternatively look around your local thrift shops.

The wig that Effie Trinket wore is a little easier to find as it was in a flapper syle like the blonde wig opposite and then of course you'll need to add a hot pink flower to the hair and I've found that for you too. 

Next comes the footwear and Effie Trinket wore lace up black boots in a Victorian style like the pair opposite, the only difference is that they had a much higher heel.  

One of the ideas behind Effie Trinket's wardrobe is that she could hardly walk because she really was the consumate fashion victim.   This also explains part of her psyche and why she hates her job representing District 12 because she wants to be on the winning side aka District 1.........little does she realise how things are going to turn out.   Everything about Effie is about looks and appearances which takes us nicely to her make-up.

Watching the movie I hadn't even read who was playing who and it took me a little while to realize that it was Elizabeth Banks behind all that make up - her face was so pale with almost drag queen like cosmetics added to it.

Now to the video and before you watch it you will need a few supplies in order to follow along and re-create Effie's face on yourself and they are -

• Concealer
• Paperself Deer Butterfly Eyelashes
• NYX White Eyeshadow Base
• NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Hot Pink
• Coastal Scents 88 Original Palatte
• Elf Wet Gloss Clear Lash & Brow Mascara
• Mac Clear Multi-purpose Gloss
• Covergirl Lipsticks - Spellbound & Divine