Harley Quinn is one of the villains from the Batman comics and animated series. She is a little bit insane and in love with the Joker. She also cares for Poison Ivy deeply. You can cosplay Harley Quinn by getting the look, adopting some of her behaviors, and learning more about how she thinks.
Steps
Part 1
Part 1 of 3:
Dressing Like Harley Quinn
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Go blonde. This villain is a Goldilocks, so if you're going to copy her style, you'll need to go blonde. Depending on which version of Harley you want to recreate, you may also want to add some other colors. In some iterations, such as in the film Suicide Squad, she has blonde hair with pink and blue pigtails. [1] X Research source
- When her hair is showing, it's usually in pigtails.
- In other instances, Harley has joker-style hair. When her outfit is a black and red joker costume, then her hair is often black and red, too. Her hair will be split down the middle with one side being red and the other black, usually opposite the colors on her outfit. In other words, if her right shoulder is in black, then the hair above it will be red, while the left shoulder is red and the hair above is black. [2] X Research source
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Get her makeup right. Once again, you'll need to choose which Harley Quinn you're going to go with, as her makeup varies depending on what iteration you're looking at. You can choose between classic Harley Quinn, or one of the more updated versions, such as the Suicide Squad Harley, though almost all of them start with making your face look paler. [3] X Research source
- Classic Harley has a pale face, dark red lips, and a black mask.
- If you want to go for a simpler version, skip the black mask, and go for dark eyeliner and eye shadow instead.
- For Suicide Squad, you'll start with a pale face, then you can add eye shadow to match your hair. For example, if your left pigtail is blue, add blue eye shadow on that side. Add pink eye shadow on the other side. You can add a little black heart on one cheek, if you'd like. Add a pink-red lipstick, and you're done.
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Choose an outfit. You have a few options when choosing to dress like Harley Quinn. You can go all out with a red and black jester's outfit. On the other hand, you could take a line out of the 2016 movie's book and go for a red and white baseball tee, short half red and half blue shorts, fishnet stockings, boots, and a fancy black belt. Don't forget to add some black gloves either way you go. [4] X Research source
- She also sometimes wears a red jester's hat. [5] X Research source
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Pick one of her weapons. Harley has a penchant for strange weapons. While you shouldn't wield an actual weapon, you can carry a convincing fake version. Since Harley's weapons are strange anyway, a fake one will probably be more convincing than the real thing. [6] X Research source
- Some of Harley's weapons include a giant mallet, a baseball bat, and a gun that shoots a cork.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:
Behaving Like Harley Quinn
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Work on your gymnastic skills. Harley Quinn is a superb gymnast, so if you want to move like her, try working on your own skills. While you don't want to attempt anything too crazy, particularly if you've never done any acrobatics, learning something simple like a cartwheel can help you be more convincing as Harley. [7] X Research source
- A cartwheel involves standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and then flipping yourself to the side. Start by working on mats or somewhere with a soft landing place. Have someone spot you the first couple of times you try it. [8] X Research source
- If you really want to up your acrobatic game, consider finding a local gymnastic gym to learn some new skills.
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Don't be afraid to crack a joke. One of Harley's defining traits is a sense of humor that is hard to kill. Even in the most serious situations, she's not afraid to crack a joke. To be like Harley, try to use humor to diffuse situations, especially if they seem a little too serious. [9] X Research source
- In fact, much like Marvel's Deadpool, she tends to poke fun at other characters in the D.C. universe.
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Act a little over-the-top. Harley is known for her outrageous personality. In fact, some have described it as "cartoonish." To be in line with this character, you've got to be willing to act a little silly, maybe even a little crazy. Harley certainly would. [10] X Research source
- For instance, in "Super Power Beat Down: Joker & Harley Quinn VS Deadpool & Domino (#1.16)," Deadpool says, "Hey, cutie! Time to die!" Harley responds with, "Wait! Want to see a movie?" and then proceeds to use her cleavage to try to get out of the situation.
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Think psychotic cheerleader. DC actually describes Harley as "bubbly and psychotic," which is a somewhat odd combination when you take it at face value. However, it's her bubbly personality in conjunction with her villainous acts that sells the psychotic part of her personality. So play up the girly side a bit (think giggly), but don't be afraid to throw a seriously scary look at times. [11] X Research source
- For instance, one quote from Harley in Suicide Squad is "What was that? I should kill everyone and escape? Sorry, it's the voices. Haha, I'm kidding! That's not what they really said."
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:
Adopting Harley Quinn's Mindset
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Study psychology. While Harley Quinn plays a villain (most of the time) in the DC universe, she actually started as a psychiatrist. Therefore, to get started on your journey to acting like Harley Quinn, make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the mind. [12] X Research source
- If you don't know where to get started, try checking out a book from your local library.
- Another option is to take a free online course from a place like Coursera or Princeton's online free courses.
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Develop your analytical skills. As a psychologist, Harley started out trying to figure out the Joker before becoming his sidekick. While you probably shouldn't join the dark side, Harley's analytical skills are an important part of her character that you can emulate. [13] X Research source
- One way to develop analytical skills is to think about books as you're reading them. Try to figure out what's going to happen next, or try to figure out what the book would be like if it was written from another character's viewpoint.
- Focusing on your math studies can also help, as math helps you build solid analytical skills. If you're not in school, consider picking up a book to learn some new math or checking out online tutorials.
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Give into your passions. While you don't want to go over the deep end like Harley does, she's not afraid to be passionate. She throws herself into the things she loves. Just be a little cautious, as this trait is what lead her to be obsessed with the Joker, and eventually drew her to the dark side. [14] X Research source
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Don't be afraid to change your mind. While classically, Harley was a villain and a sidekick to the Joker, she's become a more ambivalent, almost good character in recent years. In fact, she often tries to help people, even if her attempts fail. Therefore, to be like Harley, don't be afraid to turn away from bad decisions. [15] X Research sourceAdvertisement
Community Q&A
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QuestionHow can I copy her way of speaking and laughing?Emily MatzkeCommunity AnswerTry watching videos of Harley talking and laughing, and try to imitate what you hear. Maybe watch some videos on the basics of voice-acting as well. Ask friends or family members to help you by listening to your voice and hers, and giving you tips on how you can improve.
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QuestionWhat if I can't find her clothes or weapons?Community AnswerSkip the weapons, and just wear a white long-sleeved shirt and some red or blue shorts!
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QuestionWhat type of psychologist was Harley Quinn?Emily MatzkeCommunity AnswerHarley Quinn was a psychiatrist at Arkham Asylum, meaning she helped diagnose, prevent, study, and treat mental disorders of the patients.
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Tips
- Remember, Harley's character has been redone a few times. Check out all of her appearances in the comics and on screen to figure her out.Thanks
- If you don’t have Harley’s hair color, you could buy a wig at a costume shop or online. You could even style it into Harley’s iconic and famous pigtails.Thanks
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References
- ↑ http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/margot-robbies-harley-quinn-movie-894486
- ↑ http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/margot-robbies-harley-quinn-movie-894486
- ↑ http://www.seventeen.com/beauty/makeup-skincare/how-to/g2559/harley-quinn-makeup-tutorials/ ?
- ↑ http://www.halloweencostumes.com/blog/p-723-harley-quinn-suicide-squad-makeup-and-cosplay.aspx
- ↑ http://comicvine.gamespot.com/harley-quinn/4005-1696/
- ↑ http://www.drillsandskills.com/article/10
- ↑ http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Harley-Quinn-6-Things-You-Need-Know-About-Suicide-Squad-Character-108987.html
- ↑ http://www.drillsandskills.com/article/10
- ↑ http://screenrant.com/suicide-squad-movie-harley-quinn/
- ↑ http://screenrant.com/suicide-squad-movie-harley-quinn/
- ↑ http://www.dccomics.com/characters/harley-quinn
- ↑ http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Harley-Quinn-6-Things-You-Need-Know-About-Suicide-Squad-Character-108987.html
- ↑ http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Harley-Quinn-6-Things-You-Need-Know-About-Suicide-Squad-Character-108987.html
- ↑ https://girloncomicbookworld.com/2014/12/30/harley-quinn-psychology-character-analysis/
- ↑ http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Harley-Quinn-6-Things-You-Need-Know-About-Suicide-Squad-Character-108987.html
About this article
Article Summary
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Before you cosplay as Harley Quinn, find a blonde wig or consider dying your own hair so you can style it into pigtails with coloured ends. Then, create a classic look on your face by wearing pale makeup and using dark lipstick and eyeliner. You can dress like Harley Quinn by wearing a baseball tee, shorts, fishnet stockings, and some boots. Don’t forget to accessorize with Harley’s signature black gloves! Finally, pick a classic Harley weapon like a fake baseball bat or a giant mallet. For more tips, like how to copy Harley’s cartoonish personality, keep reading!
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Reader Success Stories
- "I've been in gymnastics for years and almost have a tuck and I got a hand-me-down cosume. I've been doing studies on the brain and still have an old baseball bat and I have the right attitude and I love this!" ..." more
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"I've been in gymnastics for years and almost have a tuck and I got a hand-me-down cosume. I've been doing studies on the brain and still have an old baseball bat and I have the right attitude and I love this!"
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"This really helped me to act and be just like Harley. I also have joined a gymnastics group to learn some more skills like her, which has really helped. I can already do flips and cartwheels!"
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"The whole thing did help me, because I wanted to be like Harley Quinn. She's the reason why I watched Suicide Squad, and it was awesome, so thank you for making this article."
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"I love Harley Quinn, and I wanted to be just like her. I am so exited to start trying these things, because it will definitely make pure Harley Quinn."
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"This helped me a lot! Now I am famous for cosplaying on Tik Tok and this is now my personality! Also using this personality got me a job. Thanks!"
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