What does Buffalo Bill wear in the dance scene?

He wears an open, colorful floral silk kimono, a feathered blonde wig, nipple jewelry, and heavy makeup including blue eyeshadow and red lipstick.

How do I make the 'Precious in a bucket' prop?

Place a small white plush toy dog inside a gray or black plastic bucket, and tie a piece of thick utility rope to the handle.

Is this costume suitable for cold weather?

Since the look relies on a thin kimono and nude-colored base layers, wear thermal nude leggings and a long-sleeve nude top underneath for warmth.

AI-generated example

Buffalo Bill Costume

Recreate the chilling, iconic dance scene from Silence of the Lambs.

This guide focuses on Jame Gumb, the infamous antagonist 'Buffalo Bill' from the 1991 psychological horror film The Silence of the Lambs. A popular choice for horror fans, this costume recreates the infamous 'Goodbye Horses' dance scene. The look centers around a colorful floral kimono, a feathered blonde wig, and his captive poodle, Precious.

Difficulty: Medium
Time: ~45 min
Budget: $40–85

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Buffalo Bill costume — Example look · AI-generated

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What you need for a Buffalo Bill costume

Short on time? Buy it ready-made

Spirit Halloween sells the complete Buffalo Bill costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.

Shop Buffalo Bill at Spirit ↗

Floral silk kimono
A lightweight, colorful silk or satin kimono robe with a floral or oriental pattern, worn completely open.
Amazon
Nude bodysuit
A skin-toned or nude-colored full-body morphsuit or tight top and leggings to mimic the film's look.
DIY: Use skin-toned tight clothing or a nude tank top and leggings.
Amazon
Feathered blonde wig
A shoulder-length, feathered dirty blonde wig styled in a late-1980s fashion.
Amazon
Plush white poodle
A small, white plush toy poodle to represent his beloved dog, Precious.
Amazon
Plastic bucket and rope
A small plastic utility bucket with a length of utility rope tied to the handle.
DIY: Use any small household bucket and a piece of clothesline rope.
Amazon
Cosmetics
Bright blue eyeshadow and red lipstick to recreate his mirror makeup.
Amazon

Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Buffalo Bill costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗

How to put it together

1
Put on the nude bodysuit or skin-toned base garments.
2
Apply the makeup, focusing on heavy blue eyeshadow on the lids and bold red lipstick.
3
Style and put on the feathered blonde wig, securing it with a wig cap.
4
Drape the floral kimono over your shoulders, leaving it completely open in the front.
5
Place the plush white poodle inside the plastic bucket and tie the rope to the handle.
6
Carry the bucket prop and practice your best 'Goodbye Horses' dance steps.

Makeup & hair

Apply vibrant blue eyeshadow across the eyelids up to the brow bone, followed by messy red lipstick. Wear a shoulder-length, feathered dirty blonde wig parted down the middle.

Buffalo Bill for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: Pair with Hannibal Lecter in a straitjacket and muzzle mask, or Clarice Starling in her FBI trainee gear.
group: Create a Silence of the Lambs group with Clarice Starling, Hannibal Lecter, and a victim holding a bottle of lotion.
kids: Not recommended for children due to the mature themes of the character.
Plus size: Opt for an oversized, flowing silk kimono for a comfortable, adjustable fit.
pet: Dress a small white dog as 'Precious' with a tiny toy bucket nearby.

Tips

Keep the kimono open to capture the film's specific silhouette, using double-sided tape to secure the nude bodysuit if needed.
Carry a small bottle of lotion as an extra, instantly recognizable prop for photos.
Play 'Goodbye Horses' on your phone to set the mood and get into character.

Buffalo Bill costume FAQ

What does Buffalo Bill wear in the dance scene?: He wears an open, colorful floral silk kimono, a feathered blonde wig, nipple jewelry, and heavy makeup including blue eyeshadow and red lipstick.
How do I make the 'Precious in a bucket' prop?: Place a small white plush toy dog inside a gray or black plastic bucket, and tie a piece of thick utility rope to the handle.
Is this costume suitable for cold weather?: Since the look relies on a thin kimono and nude-colored base layers, wear thermal nude leggings and a long-sleeve nude top underneath for warmth.

Did you know? Actor Ted Levine improvised the famous dance scene, which was not originally detailed in the shooting script in that exact manner.