A Costome From Your Closet

THE PLAN: Have you ever noticed how clownish some designer fashions look? Well, we have. And on this day before Halloween we present an ensemble as the designer intended it--and our own seasonal interpretation.

THE DESIGNERS: Italy’s Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana are the natural choices for this Halloween trick. Their fall collection for the Complice label is circus-themed. They dressed their models as lion tamers, trapeze artists and clowns, using the ready-to-wear clothes from their real-life collection. This is fashion with a sense of humor. But for all the fun, the clothes minus the Halloween accessories are definitely meant for everyday wear.

FOR EVERY DAY: A red and green patchwork plaid jacket has big, floppy lapels and gold buttons, but it only suggests a clown’s suit. It doesn’t shout “circus.” A royal-blue striped vest is worn with a white blouse, whose lace cuffs aren’t quite as exaggerated as a ring master’s ruffles. Red and green plaid stretch pants finish the outfit. Everyday accessories include short brown silk boots with pointed toes by Philippe Model and a bottle-green floppy brimmed hat that Los Angeles milliner Eric Berg refers to as his “Scarecrow a-go-go” hat.

FOR FRIGHT NIGHT: Start with the outfit described above and add accessories from costume shops. Look for red rubber noses, makeup, curly red wigs, and net and sequin ruffs to pump up the costume effect. Add suede patchwork bowling shoes to get the complete clown look. Accessories should run about $65.

WHERE TO GET IT: The Complice Collection is available at Shauna Stein in the Beverly Center. Eric Berg’s hat collection is at Saks Fifth Avenue, Beverly Hills.

The Halloween accessories pictured here are from Junk for Joy in Burbank.