Most princess costumes are won or lost on three things: the colour of the gown, the hair and one prop. Get those right and a thrifted prom dress reads as royalty from across a room; get them wrong and even an expensive gown just looks like a formal dress. Below are thirty princesses, from the famous character gowns to fairy-tale and invented royalty, and for each one I've written out the dress, hair, makeup, prop and shoes I'd actually put together. Nearly all of them start from secondhand formalwear, ribbon, tulle and craft gems, and I've flagged where a layer or a lower shoe will save you at an outdoor party.
Turning a Thrifted Prom Dress Into a Royal Gown
Almost every princess below begins life as a secondhand prom, bridesmaid or formal dress, and the shopping matters more than the crafting. I check three things on the hanger. First the colour in daylight, because shop lighting turns lilac into blue and gold into beige. Second the bodice: it should fit, or be slightly big, since taking a bodice in with a few hand stitches at the side seams is easy and letting one out usually isn't. Third the skirt length. A floor-length skirt that drags will be torn and filthy by the end of the night.
- Too long? Turn the hem up with iron-on hemming tape. It holds for a night or two and comes out cleanly if you want the dress back.
- Not enough volume? A gathered tulle petticoat underneath does more than any trim on top. You don't need a hoop.
- Wrong sleeves? Strapless dresses take tulle cap sleeves or puff sleeves pinned or tacked to the bodice edge from the inside.
- Too plain? Add trim last. I pin ribbon, gold braid or leaf panels in place and look in a mirror before stitching anything down.
Hot glue is tempting for trim, but it goes brittle in cold air and pops off satin as soon as you move. A few running stitches by hand, or a fabric glue left to cure overnight, lasts the evening.
1. Cinderella Princess Costume
Cinderella is all about that pale, slightly icy blue, so I hold any thrifted prom or bridesmaid dress up in daylight before buying; under shop lights a lot of lilac passes for blue. Look for a fitted bodice and a full skirt, then add sheer gathered tulle cap sleeves and a blue ribbon choker. A smooth high bun with a sparkly headband, or a neatly pinned blonde wig, keeps the head clean and classic. Soft blue shadow, rosy blush and pink lipstick are enough. Clear flats, silver ballet shoes or a low block heel give you the glass slipper without the limp, and a small silver pumpkin ornament or glitter wand, drop earrings and long white gloves finish her.
2. Belle Yellow Princess Costume
Belle's ballroom gown depends on its gathered, draped skirt more than on the exact shade of gold. Start with a golden-yellow gown with a fitted top and a wide skirt, then pull up swags of the skirt with small hidden safety pins or ribbon loops sewn on the inside; I pin from the wrong side so nothing glints in photos. Brown hair goes half up in loose curls with a yellow ribbon or gold clip. Warm neutral shadow, peach blush and a soft rose lip suit the yellow. Add elbow gloves, pearl earrings and gold flats, and carry an artificial red rose under a clear plastic dome or in a little lantern. For a packed party, a fitted yellow formal dress gives you the colour with a lot less skirt to manage.
3. Snow White Princess Costume
Snow White reads from the colours alone, which makes her one of the easiest princesses to build from separates. A royal-blue fitted top with a high white collar and short puffed sleeves trimmed in red ribbon goes over a full yellow midi or maxi skirt, with a short red cape falling just past the waist. The collar is where cheap versions fail: it flops. I back it with fusible interfacing or a strip of stiff felt so it stands up all night. Short black vintage curls or a chin-length wig and a red bow headband do the rest, with rosy cheeks, defined lashes and red lipstick. A polished artificial apple in a small basket, yellow flats and white tights for cold evenings round her out.
4. Aurora Pink Princess Costume
Aurora is mostly a pink off-the-shoulder gown with a pointed waist and a full skirt, so the dress does the heavy lifting. A pink formal dress becomes hers once you add a wide white collar cut from satin, felt or thin foam; foam holds its curve best, but it can rub, so I edge the underside with soft fabric. Long blonde curls with the front pieces rolled back, or a golden wig set the same way, sit under a simple gold crown. Rosy shadow, a luminous blush and berry-pink lipstick fit the pastel. Carry a single artificial rose or a painted cardboard spinning-wheel ornament, wear pink flats or gold ballet shoes, and add a matching cape for warmth that keeps the silhouette.
5. Ariel Mermaid Princess Costume
A real tail is the first thing I talk people out of for Ariel, because you can't climb a step in one. Instead, pair a fitted purple top with a shimmering green maxi skirt that flares at the hem, in sequins or metallic fabric, and add a sheer green overskirt so it moves like water. The red hair is non-negotiable; if you won't dye, a vivid wig is the honest answer, and I brush synthetic red wigs with a wide-tooth comb and a little detangler before wearing, because they tangle fast. Sea-green shadow, coral lipstick and a touch of shimmer suit her, plus pearl clips and shell earrings. Carry a faux seashell purse or a lightweight silver fork, and hide nude flats or green ankle boots under the skirt.
6. Jasmine Princess Costume
Jasmine works as a two-piece that stays comfortable and covered. I'd wear a cropped or full-length draped turquoise top over a fitted camisole, loose harem pants with a high waistband, and a sheer turquoise wrap around the hips or shoulders if you want more coverage. Her hair is the giveaway: a long low ponytail sectioned with blue bands every few inches, either your own hair or a full black wig, plus a turquoise headband with a centred jewel. Gold eyeliner, defined lashes, warm blush and rose lipstick are plenty. Big gold earrings, a statement necklace and gold cuffs give the royal finish, a small decorative lamp is the prop, and pointed gold flats keep you walking all evening.
7. Tiana Green Princess Costume
Tiana's gown is about the leaf petals at the waist, and those are worth getting right. Start from a light green or yellow-green gown with a fitted bodice and layered skirt, and cut pale green leaf panels for the waist and neckline; I cut them from a non-fraying fabric like felt or crepe-backed satin so the points stay crisp without hemming. A removable tulle overskirt adds volume without weight. Dark hair goes up in a polished high bun with a leaf tiara or floral comb on one side. Green-gold shadow, warm blush and berry lipstick suit her, with pearl earrings and pale gloves if you like. Carry an artificial water lily or a frog purse, and wear light green flats or gold block heels.
8. Rapunzel Purple Princess Costume
Rapunzel is a braid costume first and a dress second. A lavender dress with a lace-up bodice, puffed sleeves and an ankle- or floor-length skirt gets pink ribbon trim down the sleeves and front. The extra-long golden braid, threaded with small pink, purple and white flowers, is what people recognise, and a full long wig gets heavy and hot within an hour; I'd clip a separate braided hairpiece under your own hair instead so the weight sits on the back of the head. Lavender shadow, peach blush, dotted freckles and rosy lipstick keep her cheerful. A painted foam frying pan or a floral lantern, purple flats or brown ankle boots, and a little chameleon on the shoulder finish it.
9. Elsa Ice Princess Costume
Elsa lives or dies on how the cape moves. Begin with a pale blue fitted dress or jumpsuit under a glittery sheer overskirt, then attach a long translucent cape scattered with silver snowflakes, sequins or fabric paint; I attach the cape at the shoulder seams rather than the neck, because a neck-tied cape pulls the dress backwards. A loose side braid in platinum blonde with a few face-framing pieces, cool silver shadow, defined liner, pink blush and berry lipstick set the frosty palette. Swap a crown for crystal earrings and a snowflake clip. Carry a clear acrylic snowflake or silver wand, wear silver flats or white boots, and dust a little skin-safe shimmer over the shoulders, knowing it will travel.
10. Anna Adventure Princess Costume
Anna's adventure outfit is the princess I recommend for a cold night, because it's built from layers. Wear a black fitted vest with painted floral motifs over a long-sleeve light blue blouse, then a full royal-blue skirt, a magenta cape and dark tights. Two auburn braids with a clip-in white streak make her recognisable; the streak goes in at the front, just off-centre. Freckles, pink cheeks, soft liner and rosy lipstick keep the makeup natural. A small satchel, faux sunflower or rolled paper map is the prop. I'd always choose sturdy black ankle boots over princess shoes here, add dark gloves and a cape clasp, and peel off the cape when you come indoors.
11. Moana Island Princess Costume
For Moana, comfort and coverage come first, and the separates make both easy. A red patterned bandeau-style top goes over a fitted neutral camisole, with a cream midi skirt and a woven or printed overskirt tied at the waist. Her hair should look loose and windswept rather than styled, so I scrunch long dark waves with a little texture spray and tuck a tropical flower behind one ear. Bronze shadow, warm blush and a natural lip fit the sun-kissed look, plus a turquoise pendant and woven bracelets. A spiral-patterned stone carved from painted foam, or a small paddle-shaped sign with no sharp edges, is the prop. Brown sandals or woven flats, and a red shawl for when the evening cools, finish her.
12. Merida Scottish Princess Costume
Merida is really about the hair: enormous copper curls, then a deep teal gown. Choose a long-sleeve dress with a fitted bodice, full skirt and gold trim at the neck and cuffs, and add a brown belt with a small fabric pouch, which is genuinely useful for a phone. Unless your own curls are already that volume, a voluminous wig is the realistic route, and I shake it out and pick the curls apart with my fingers rather than brushing, which turns them into frizz. Keep makeup minimal with defined brows, soft freckles, peach blush and a natural lip. Skip the bow and carry a tartan shoulder wrap or a carved-look wooden cup, wear brown lace-up boots, and add a dark green hooded cape for warmth.
13. Princess Peach Costume
Peach reads from her accessories as much as the gown. Start with a bright pink dress with puffed sleeves, a fitted waist and a full skirt, and add darker pink panels at the hips or hem for depth. Long blonde curled ends or a smooth centre-parted wig go under a tall gold crown set with coloured gems; a tall crown tips easily, so I anchor it with two bobby pins crossed through the base on each side. Soft pink shadow, dramatic lashes, rosy blush and glossy pink lips suit her. The blue round earrings and long white gloves are what make people say her name. Carry a star wand or pink parasol, wear pink heels or ballet flats, and use a hoop-free petticoat for volume you can still sit in.
14. Princess Zelda Costume
Zelda is a layering build rather than a single gown. Start with a long white or cream dress with a fitted bodice and slightly flared skirt, then put a purple sleeveless tabard over it and paint gold trim and geometric symbols on with fabric paint. I tape the symbol outlines with masking tape first; freehand paint on fabric wanders. Long blonde hair is partly braided at the sides and pinned behind the head, and pointed ear tips go on with skin-safe adhesive after a patch test. Golden shadow, defined brows and neutral lipstick, a delicate gold tiara, light foam shoulder armour and long gloves finish her top half. Carry a blue crystal or fantasy book instead of a weapon, and wear brown knee boots or gold flats.
15. Princess Leia Costume
Leia is one of the simplest princesses to put together, and the side buns carry almost all the recognition. Begin with a long white mock-neck dress or tunic with wide draped sleeves and a slim silver belt made from metallic fabric, craft foam or a repurposed fashion belt. For the buns, I wrap each one around a hair donut and pin it with plenty of U-pins; if your hair is short, a wig with the buns already set saves a lot of frustration. Brown liner, neutral shadow, peach blush and muted rose lips keep it clean. A painted cardboard communicator or white clutch, white flat boots and, for cold nights, thermal leggings and a white hooded cape complete her without hiding the shape.
16. Princess Fiona Costume
Fiona's emerald velvet gown is the easy part; the green face is where people need help. Wear a long emerald velvet or velour dress with fitted sleeves, gold trim and a square neck, a gold cord at the waist, and an auburn braid under a small crown. For the skin, I always patch-test green face paint on the inside of the wrist the day before, apply it thinly in layers with a damp sponge, then press translucent setting powder over it so it doesn't come off on every collar and hug. Shade darker green around the eyes, add warm blush and berry lipstick, and attach rounded ear tips. A sunflower, storybook or gingerbread purse, brown ankle boots and a green cape for cold weather finish her.
17. Princess Buttercup Costume
Buttercup is quieter than most princesses here, which suits anyone who hates big skirts. Choose a long red or burgundy dress with a high neck, fitted waist and flowing sleeves in a fabric that moves; a lightweight crepe drapes without needing any petticoat. Loose centre-parted blonde waves should look natural rather than set, with neutral eyes, subtle blush and a muted rose lip. A gold circlet or floral headband suits her better than a crown. Carry a fabric-covered storybook or a single buttercup flower and wear brown ballet flats or ankle boots. If red isn't your colour, her long pale blue medieval gown is just as recognisable to fans of the film.
18. Swan Princess Costume
Feather trim is the risk with a Swan Princess: too much and the bodice looks like a boa. I'd start with a white or pale blue gown with a fitted bodice and layered tulle skirt, and stitch soft white feather trim only along the neckline and shoulders, by hand, because glued feather trim sheds and leaves a trail. A smooth low bun or curled half-up style takes a silver crystal tiara and a few small feather pieces. Pearly shadow, a fine wing, pink blush and a glossy rose lip suit the palette. A white feather fan or swan clutch is the prop, with white flats or low satin heels. A sheer cape scattered with crystals suggests wings and is far easier to move in than rigid ones.
19. Princess And The Pea Costume
The Princess and the Pea is a clever one, and the joke only lands if the mattresses are visible. Wear a pastel nightgown or long puff-sleeve dress under a light robe, then attach narrow rectangles of quilted fabric around the skirt in a stack. I'd sew them as one long tiered band and attach it at the top edge only, so it swings instead of turning into stiff bulk. Tuck a large green pom-pom or felt pea between two layers. Loose bedtime curls with a small tilted crown, rosy cheeks, curled lashes and pink balm keep it sweet. Carry a tiny pillow or storybook, wear pastel slippers or flats, and push a moon-and-star sleep mask up into the hair like a headband.
20. Fairy Princess Costume
Wings are the whole problem with a fairy princess at a busy party, so I size them before anything else. Choose a pastel lavender, pink or mint dress with a fitted top and layered tulle skirt, then pick transparent wings that sit between the shoulder blades and stay inside the width of your shoulders, or they'll catch every doorframe and person you pass. Soft curls or a braided crown with small flowers and pearl pins sit under a floral tiara. Shimmery shadow, rosy blush, gloss and a few skin-safe face gems at the temples are enough. Carry a ribbon-wrapped star wand or a small bouquet, wear glittery flats or pastel boots, and add tights and a cropped cardigan under the straps outdoors.
21. Ice Princess Costume
An invented ice princess gives you more freedom than Elsa, and I'd use it to go colder and shinier. Layer a white satin dress under a sparkling blue tulle overskirt, add a silver belt, and hang a structured sheer cape with snowflake appliqués. White, silver or icy blue hair can go up in a braided high ponytail or down in long waves. Silver-blue shadow, bright highlighter, cool pink blush and berry lipstick fit the frost. The crown makes her original: clear plastic combs studded with rhinestones, set with a clear jewellery glue left to cure overnight rather than hot glue, which lets go of plastic. Carry an acrylic-topped wand, wear silver boots or white flats, and keep the gloves and crystal earrings light.
22. Woodland Princess Costume
A woodland princess is the one I'd send someone to a thrift shop for, because almost nothing here needs to match exactly. Start with a moss-green or brown maxi dress with flowing sleeves and a fitted waist, layer a shorter green overskirt, and add artificial leaves sparingly at the neckline and belt; a few leaves look intentional, a dozen look like a hedge. A loose side braid with tiny flowers, soft green shadow, warm blush and gold highlight keep it earthy. I make the twig crown by wrapping a plain headband in brown ribbon and wiring faux vines on, which survives far better than glue. A basket of flowers, pinecones and fabric mushrooms, brown lace-up boots and a dark green cape finish her.
23. Mermaid Princess Costume
An original mermaid princess solves Ariel's walking problem from the start: the skirt flares below the knee instead of binding the legs. Pair a fitted teal dress or top with a high-waisted blue-green skirt, then layer iridescent fabric or overlapping scale panels on top, leaving the lower skirt free to move. Long beachy waves with turquoise, purple or sea-green clip-in extensions avoid dye entirely. Shimmery aqua shadow, coral lipstick and a few pearl accents at the outer corners of the eyes keep it oceanic; I set those pearls with lash glue, which removes far more gently than craft glue. A shell crown, pearl necklace and cuffs, a treasure-box purse, metallic sandals and a sheer fin-shaped cape complete her.
24. Gothic Princess Costume
A gothic princess can be dark and still suit a family party if you keep it to lace and velvet rather than gore. Wear a floor-length black or deep plum gown with lace sleeves, a high neck and full skirt, then a burgundy velvet cape and a silver waist chain for contrast. Black, dark brown or silver hair in smooth waves or a braided updo takes a dark crystal tiara. Smoky grey shadow, precise liner, plum blush and deep berry lips are plenty without graphic effects. Dark lipstick wears off unevenly on a long night, so I line the whole lip first and carry the liner. A black rose bouquet or ornate hand mirror, black lace-up boots, sheer gloves and a rhinestone near each eye finish it.
25. Flower Princess Costume
The flower princess is a good way to rescue a plain pastel formal dress. Start with a pink, lilac, yellow or green gown with a fitted bodice and gently layered skirt, and attach artificial flowers at one shoulder, across the waist and near the hem. Balance matters: I cluster the flowers in odd numbers and pin them on first, then step back and look in a mirror before sewing anything. A braided crown woven with miniature blossoms and green ribbon, peach shadow, pink blush, gloss and a few floral face decals keep it fresh. A flower-covered tiara, a basket bouquet or floral wand, pastel flats or low block heels, and a sheer petal-scattered cape for warmth complete her.
26. Butterfly Princess Costume
Butterfly wings are lighter than fairy wings but just as easy to crush, so I fit them first and build the rest around them. Wear a fitted purple, blue or pink dress with a knee-length or maxi tulle skirt, and choose wings in a matching colour that sit high enough on the back to clear chairs. A curled ponytail or half-up braid holds butterfly clips around the crown. Blend bright shadow to echo the wings, then add a curved liner flick towards the temples instead of painting the whole face, which also means much less to remove later. A flower wand or butterfly purse, matching tights and glittery flats finish her, and a fitted cardigan slips under the wing straps if the room is cold.
27. Star Princess Costume
A star princess is celestial rather than spooky, which makes it a good pick for someone who wants to shine at a Halloween party without fangs. Choose a dark navy gown with a fitted bodice and glittery tulle, and scatter silver stars across the skirt, with a sheer cape covered in small celestial appliqués. Long waves or a high ponytail in silver, blonde or dark blue sit under a pointed crown cut from glitter card or thin foam and set with clear gems; I line glitter card with plain felt so it doesn't scratch the forehead or shed into the hair. Navy shadow, silver liner and berry-pink lips work, with a moon clutch or star wand, silver boots and star earrings.
28. Rainbow Princess Costume
Rainbow princess is the most forgiving costume on this list for kids and adults alike, because no shade has to be exact. Pair a white fitted top with a full tulle skirt in red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple layers, or use a pastel rainbow maxi for something softer. Loose curls with a few coloured clip-in extensions, or rainbow ribbons in a high ponytail, avoid dye. Pastel shadow, pink blush, gloss and small cloud decals keep the face cheerful. A gold crown with multicoloured gems and a ribbon-trailing star wand do the rest. This is the one princess where I'd happily wear white sneakers, and a pale blue cape with felt raindrops along the hem ties it together.
29. Medieval Princess Costume
A medieval princess is the most practical gown to make yourself, because the shapes are simple rectangles and trim. Choose a floor-length burgundy, forest-green or royal-blue gown with bell sleeves and a square neckline, then add gold trim at the cuffs, bodice and hem with ribbon or iron-on fabric tape. A corset-style belt worn over the dress gives shape without any restrictive lacing. Loose waves with two narrow side braids meeting at the back, warm neutral makeup and a metal-look circlet across the forehead fit the period feel. Carry a velvet pouch or ribboned scroll and wear brown boots or flats. I'd add a hooded cape for a cold evening; it's also the most authentic-looking layer here.
30. Pink Princess Costume
A plain pink princess is the answer for anyone who wants the gown and the tiara without being a specific character. Pick a blush, bubblegum or hot-pink gown with a fitted waist and full skirt, then add a tulle overskirt, puff sleeves or a short satin cape depending on how much drama you want. Polished curls, a high bun or a braided half-up style all suit the tiara. Pink shadow, defined lashes, rosy cheeks and glossy rose lips, plus a pearl necklace and elbow gloves, finish the face and arms. A heart wand or pink rose bouquet, then silver heels, ballet flats or clean white sneakers. Under any big skirt, I wear bike shorts; it makes sitting on the floor and climbing stairs worry-free.
Crowns and Wigs That Stay On Through the Dancing
The crown is usually the first thing to fall off, and a wig is usually the first thing to itch. Both are fixable before you leave the house.
Anchoring a tiara or crown
Tiaras with combs grip better if you tease a small section of hair at the root first, push the combs in against the direction of the tease, then cross two bobby pins through each side. For a tall crown, a thin elastic hidden under the hair at the back of the head stops it tipping forward. On a wig, pin into the wig cap rather than just the fibre, or the crown will slide off along with the top layer of hair.
Making a cheap wig wearable
Inexpensive synthetic wigs shed and tangle out of the bag. I shake mine out, brush gently from the ends upward with a wide-tooth comb and a little detangling spray, and trim the fringe a little shorter than looks right, because it always drops once it's on. Keep synthetic wigs away from curling irons, candles and heaters; the fibre frizzes or melts. A wig cap with your own hair flat-pinned under it stops the lumps that make a wig look fake.
Stairs, Cold Air and Bathroom Trips in a Big Skirt
A ball gown is a lot of fabric to move through a house party or a cold street, and the practical fixes are what let you enjoy the night instead of minding your hem.
- Lift the skirt from the front sides when you climb, never from the back, or you'll step on the front hem.
- Bike shorts or thermal leggings under the skirt solve both warmth and sitting on the floor.
- A cape or a fitted cardigan in the gown's colour keeps you warm outdoors without breaking the character. Black reads as a coat; matching reads as costume.
- Wear the shoes you'll actually walk in, and hem to those shoes. Flats under a floor-length skirt are invisible anyway.
- Set face makeup with translucent powder before you put the dress on, so nothing transfers to the neckline while you dress.
The Princess I'd Build for a First Halloween
From character gowns to fairy, woodland, celestial and medieval royalty, the princesses that work best are the ones you can still walk, sit and eat in. My order of work never changes: the dress or separates first, then hair and crown, then makeup, then the prop, then the shoes, because each step is what makes the next one read. Thrifted formalwear, ribbon, tulle, craft gems and artificial flowers do most of the transformation without any real sewing. If this is your first one, I'd start with Snow White or Anna; both read from colour alone, both work with flat shoes, and both take a cape, tights and boots when the party moves outside.
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