A princess costume can be grand or very simple, and the best version usually depends on the night you're planning and what's already hanging in your wardrobe. I've put together 35 here: storybook heroines, animated favourites, film royalty and a handful of original fantasy princesses that don't belong to any one story. Each one is planned from head to toe, so you'll find the dress or separates, hair, makeup, accessories, a prop and shoes you can walk in. Plenty of them start with a thrifted gown or an old formal dress, plus costume jewellery, ribbon and a few craft supplies. Building your own also lets you fix the things packaged sets get wrong, like a scratchy neckline or a skirt that's far too long for a pavement.
Turning a Prom or Bridesmaid Dress Into a Princess Gown
Secondhand formalwear is the best-kept secret of princess costumes. The bodice is already fitted, the skirt already has some fullness, and charity shops usually have racks of them after the spring dance season. The trick is knowing which one will take a costume makeover.
- Buy for colour and skirt shape first. A neckline is easy to change with a collar, sleeves or a shawl; a slim skirt can't become a ball gown without a petticoat underneath.
- Check the zip and the lining before anything else. A broken zip or a ripped lining turns a quick project into a weekend.
- Add sleeves without sewing them into the dress. Puff sleeves on an elastic band, slipped up the upper arm, turn a strapless gown into Snow White or Peach and come off again afterwards.
- Shorten from the waist, not the hem, if the skirt has beading or lace at the bottom. A tuck under a belt hides it, and the decorated edge stays intact.
A ribbon or fabric belt hides more than people think. It covers a waist seam you've taken in, a gap where two pieces meet, or a colour change between a blouse and skirt that don't quite match.
1. Cinderella Princess Costume With Blue Ball Gown
For Cinderella, a secondhand prom dress in pale blue is often the cheapest and best base you'll find. Look for a ball-gown skirt, then add a silver belt and an airy tulle overskirt; a layer of pale blue tulle gathered onto a ribbon waistband ties on over the top and softens a dress that's a shade too bright. Sheer elbow gloves, a black velvet choker and a crystal headband standing in for a tiara. A smooth high bun with curled face-framing pieces, or a wig in the same shape. Icy blue shadow, rosy blush and a glossy pink lip. Carry a small silver bag or a clear slipper prop, wear silver flats rather than glass-style heels, and add rhinestone earrings and a touch of shimmer on the collarbones.
2. Belle Princess Costume With Yellow Ball Gown
Belle needs a gold that looks warm, not mustard. Under streetlights and porch bulbs, a deep yellow turns muddy, so I'd go a step lighter than you think. An off-the-shoulder gown with a fitted bodice and full skirt is the base, and the swags along the skirt can be gathered from matching ribbon or fabric held on with removable clips. Long yellow gloves and simple gold drops. Brown hair half up in a twisted bun with soft curls and a gold ribbon. Warm neutral eyes, peach blush and a rose lip are enough. Carry a single red rose under a clear craft dome or a small old-looking book, and wear gold ballet flats. A small rhinestone comb in the hair adds a little sparkle.
3. Snow White Princess Costume With Blue Bodice
Snow White is the princess people guess first from the colours alone. A royal blue fitted top with short puff sleeves, a long yellow skirt and a high white collar. The red accents on the sleeves can be sewn on, but on a costume you'll wear once, fabric glue works fine if you let it cure overnight. A short black bob with curled ends, from a wig or your own hair, and a red bow headband. Defined lashes, rosy cheeks and a bright red lip. A small basket of silk flowers and a shiny artificial apple. Yellow flats, black Mary Janes or low red shoes all suit her. On a cold night, nude tights under the skirt make a real difference and nobody can see them.
4. Aurora Princess Costume With Pink Gown
Aurora is soft pink and long lines. Choose a floor-length pink gown with an off-the-shoulder neckline, a structured bodice and a gently flared skirt. The white pointed collar is what makes it her rather than any pink princess. I cut it from stiff white felt, which holds the points without any interfacing, and tack it at the shoulders. A simple gold crown and a fine gold necklace, and stop there. Loose blonde waves with curled bangs. Champagne shadow, light mascara, pink blush and a rosy lip. Carry a rose or a little spindle prop with a blunt, rounded end. Gold or pink ballet flats sit hidden under the hem.
5. Ariel Princess Costume With Pink Dinner Dress
Ariel's pink dinner dress is the Ariel for people who don't want to walk in a tail. A full-length rose-pink gown with puff sleeves, a fitted waist and a white panel at the neckline, plus a darker pink bow or a pearl barrette. The red hair is what tells people who you are. If yours is naturally red, a big side-swept wave set with hot rollers will do; otherwise, buy the best wig you can afford, since a thin one looks flat next to that full skirt. Sea-green liner, peach blush and a glossy pink lip. A silver fork prop is a fun nod to the film, or carry a shell-covered purse. White gloves are optional. Low pink pumps or cushioned flats get you through the evening.
6. Jasmine Princess Costume With Teal Pants
Jasmine is the princess for anyone who'd rather wear trousers. Loose teal harem trousers with a matching top, cropped or full-length depending on the coverage you want. A sheer overskirt or a hip scarf adds movement; I'd skip coin trim, which jingles with every step and snags on knit sweaters at a party. Long black hair in a segmented bubble ponytail held with turquoise bands. A gold headband with a big blue jewel, drop earrings and a wide necklace. Bronze shadow, winged liner, warm blush and a muted berry lip. A small gold lamp to hold, and gold pointed flats or soft slippers for walking and dancing.
7. Tiana Princess Costume With Green Petal Gown
Tiana's green gown is built like a flower. Start with a light green strapless or sleeveless dress and layer pointed petal panels of pale green tulle or satin around the skirt. Tulle petals are much more forgiving than satin for a first try, because tulle doesn't fray and needs no hem. A lighter overskirt adds volume and still lets you move. A sleek high bun topped with a small green tiara or floral band. Soft gold shadow, defined lashes, coral blush and a natural pink lip. A lily purse, a white silk flower or a little recipe book makes the prop. Pale green gloves if you want it formal, green or gold flats, and plain pearl earrings.
8. Rapunzel Princess Costume With Purple Lace-Up Dress
Rapunzel comes together surprisingly well from separates. A lavender peasant blouse under a deeper purple lace-up bodice, with a full lilac skirt edged in ribbon. The braid makes the silhouette. Style a long blonde wig into one thick braid and weave small artificial flowers through it, then tuck the end into the waistband or pin it up at the back so it doesn't drag across a damp lawn. Lavender shadow, pink cheeks, freckles and a glossy lip. A foam frying pan is the funny prop; a sun-emblem shoulder bag is the softer one. Purple ballet flats, ribbon bracelets and a floral clip finish her.
9. Elsa Princess Costume With Ice Blue Cape
Elsa starts with an ice-blue fitted dress covered in sequins, glitter mesh or crystal details, with a sheer pale blue cape attached at the shoulders. Keep the cape short of the ground; sheer fabric is light enough that you won't feel it catch under a heel until it tears. A loose platinum side braid with soft pieces at the face. Silver-blue shadow, cool pink blush, defined brows and a berry lip. Rhinestone pins and snowflake earrings. Carry a clear snowflake ornament or a crystal wand with rounded ends. Silver flats or low glitter boots work best on a cold night. Sequinned dresses are cold to wear, so thermal leggings underneath are worth it outdoors.
10. Anna Princess Costume With Black Embroidered Bodice
Anna's travelling outfit is the warmest princess here. A black fitted vest or embroidered bodice over a light blue long-sleeve blouse, a royal blue ankle-length skirt with floral fabric paint along the hem, and a magenta cape with dark trim. When I paint a hem, I slip a sheet of card inside the skirt so the paint doesn't soak through to the other layer. Two neat auburn braids, with a pale streak at the front from temporary hair wax or a clip-in piece. Light freckles, rosy cheeks, mascara and a soft pink lip. A small canvas satchel or a snowman plush. Black lace-up ankle boots, dark tights and a fitted undershirt keep her comfortable on a cool evening.
11. Merida Princess Costume With Dark Green Dress
Merida suits anyone who wants to be a princess with no glitter at all. A floor-length dark green dress with long sleeves, a modest neckline and gold trim at the cuffs, plus a brown faux-leather belt and a small tartan sash across one shoulder. The hair is most of the character. A big curly red wig works, or your own hair with a temporary colour and plenty of defined curls; never brush curls once they're set, just separate them with your fingers. Natural brows, freckles, peach blush and a tinted balm. Leave the bow at home and carry a round target-print purse, a braided cord or a small bear plush. Brown ankle boots and opaque tights.
12. Princess Peach Costume With Pink Gown
Princess Peach is bubblegum pink and bold. A pink gown with short puff sleeves, a fitted waist and a darker pink panel near the hem. Long white gloves, sapphire-blue earrings and a gold crown set with red and blue craft gems. A long blonde wig with face-framing pieces and softly curled ends. Pink shadow, strong lashes, rosy blush and a glossy berry-pink lip. Carry a star purse, a mushroom plush or a pink parasol with rounded tips. Heels are fine indoors, but for trick-or-treating I'd switch to matching ballet flats, since kerbs and dark steps catch people out. A supportive underskirt gives volume without a hoop.
13. Princess Zelda Costume With Purple Royal Dress
Zelda in a purple royal dress has a formal, ceremonial feel. A lavender or deep violet floor-length gown with structured shoulders, long gloves and gold edging. Layer a white apron-style panel over the front of the skirt and decorate it with geometric appliqués; I'd cut those from iron-on felt, which stays flat and won't curl at the corners like glued paper. Long blonde hair straight or softly waved, pointed ear cuffs and a jewelled gold tiara. Soft purple shadow, glowing skin, defined brows and a neutral rose lip. A blue crystal, a scroll or a gold-trimmed book instead of a weapon. Brown or gold knee-high boots, and a fitted cape or wrap for warmth.
14. Princess Leia Costume With White Hooded Dress
Leia's white costume is plain, which means the fit carries it. A long white mock-neck dress with loose sleeves and a silver belt at the natural waist. Can't find the dress? A white tunic over a matching maxi skirt works. The buns are where people struggle. I put a hair donut or a coil of padding inside each one so they come out even, and pin each bun with more pins than seems sensible. A pre-styled wig is easier if your hair is short. Clean makeup: brows, a little brown liner, light blush and a neutral lip. A silver clutch or a little communicator prop, with nothing weapon-like. White knee-high boots and white leggings underneath.
15. Fiona Princess Costume With Green Medieval Gown
Fiona's medieval gown is comfortable and a bit offbeat. A long forest-green velvet dress with fitted sleeves, gold trim and a square neck, with a narrow gold belt or braided cord at the waist. A long red wig in a thick side braid and a small gold crown near the hairline. Green face makeup is optional. If you do it, buy a water-activated paint made for skin, test it on your inner arm the day before, and apply it in thin layers with a damp sponge rather than one thick coat, which cracks as you talk. Soft brown eyes and a berry lip. A basket, a sunflower or a storybook. Brown flats or short boots, and green ears on a headband so they come off easily.
16. Princess Buttercup Costume With Red Riding Dress
Buttercup's red riding dress is all about restraint. A long red gown with fitted sleeves, a high waist and a simple flowing skirt, a narrow gold braided belt and a deep red cloak for outdoors. Long blonde waves with small twisted sections pinned back off the face. Natural, glowing makeup: soft brown shadow, peach blush and a rose lip. Carry a fabric-bound storybook or a silk posy tied with gold ribbon. Brown riding boots fit the countryside look and handle wet grass far better than heels. Tiny pearl earrings and a fine gold hair chain instead of a big crown keep her understated.
17. Mia Thermopolis Princess Costume With White Gown
Mia's royal makeover is the modern movie princess. A strapless or sleeveless white formal gown with a full skirt, long white gloves and a sparkling tiara. Brown hair in a polished updo with a few curled pieces left out. Defined lashes, pink blush, a little highlighter and a glossy rose lip. The oversized black sunglasses and wired headphones are what make people get it; without them, she's just a girl in a white gown. A silver clutch or an invitation envelope. White sneakers hide well under a floor-length skirt, or wear silver flats. A short faux-fur wrap keeps you warm outdoors. White gowns show every mark, so I'd do makeup before you put the dress on and keep a stain wipe in the clutch.
18. Anastasia Princess Costume With Blue Opera Gown
Anastasia's opera look has a lovely vintage feel. A fitted navy or sapphire gown with an off-the-shoulder neckline and a softly flared skirt, long blue gloves, a diamond-style choker and a matching tiara. Auburn hair in a low bun with curled pieces at the cheeks, or a short red wig in a period updo. Neutral smoky eyes, defined lashes, pink blush and a rich rose lip. A small jewelled bag or an ornate opera programme. Navy pumps look right, but cushioned blue flats are kinder. Off-the-shoulder necklines slip down over an evening; a strip of fashion tape at each shoulder keeps them in place. A satin capelet adds warmth.
19. Odette Swan Princess Costume With White Feather Dress
Odette mixes ballet with a white gown. A white fitted bodice and layered tulle skirt to the knee or ankle, with small feathers around the neckline and shoulders. Stitch them on, don't glue them, and keep them clear of the underarm so they don't rub. A smooth ballet bun with a silver tiara or a feathered band. Pearl shadow, a light wing, cool pink blush and a soft rose lip. A white feather fan or a swan purse. White ballet flats are the obvious shoe and they're comfortable. Sheer white tights and a cropped cardigan give extra coverage, and a few tiny rhinestones at the temples catch the light.
20. Kida Princess Costume With Blue Wrap Outfit
Kida is cool blue and geometric. A pale blue sleeveless tunic over matching shorts, leggings or a knee-length skirt, whatever coverage you like. A wide blue sash, gold armbands over fabric sleeves and a crystal pendant. A straight white wig with lift at the crown. Glowing skin, blue liner, silver highlights, defined brows and a neutral lip. A few simple blue markings in skin-safe cosmetic pencil, if you want them. Cosmetic pencil smudges with a touch, so I set the lines by pressing a little loose powder over them with a puff. The glowing crystal should be translucent plastic. Beige flat boots or sandals that stay on, and a pale blue cape for warmth.
21. Medieval Princess Costume With Burgundy Velvet Gown
A burgundy velvet gown makes a generic medieval princess look rich instead of generic. Floor length, with bell sleeves, a square neckline and gold ribbon trim. Add a corset-style belt over the dress and lace it loosely; a tight corset belt feels fine for a photo and miserable after dinner. Soft waves with two small braids meeting at the back under a gold circlet. Warm brown shadow, berry blush and a muted red lip. A rolled parchment invitation, a velvet drawstring bag or a bouquet. Brown ankle boots are hidden under the skirt and far steadier than slippers. A faux-fur shoulder cape, drop earrings and a few gold beads in the braids finish it.
22. Renaissance Princess Costume With Brocade Dress
The Renaissance princess is all layers. Start with a brocade gown in emerald, navy or plum over a cream underdress, with a square-neck bodice, a full skirt and detachable puff sleeves. A decorative belt with a hanging fabric panel gives the period shape without any complicated sewing. Brocade is stiff and can be scratchy at the seams, so I'd check the inside of the bodice before buying and line the armholes if needed. Long hair in a braided crown with a pearl net, a padded band or a small jewelled circlet. Warm matte makeup with flushed cheeks and a muted berry lip. A lace fan, a small purse or a banquet invitation. Low boots or dark flats, pearl earrings and a short velvet cape.
23. Fairy Princess Costume With Lavender Wings
A fairy princess needs a royal shape and light, floaty extras. A lavender tulle dress with a fitted bodice and a layered tea-length skirt, plus wings with rounded edges, a silver vine tiara and a narrow ribbon belt. Wings are what goes wrong: the elastic straps pull the neckline back. I stitch the wing base to a strip of ribbon and tie it under the bust, so the weight sits on the ribcage instead of the dress. Loose curls or a braided half-up style with tiny flowers. Lilac shadow, pearly highlighter, pink blush and a mauve gloss. Small cosmetic gems at the outer eye with skin-safe adhesive. A light flower wand, silver flats or lavender ankle boots, and tights or a cardigan if it's cold.
24. Ice Princess Costume With Silver Gown
An original ice princess lets you skip the character rules. A silver or frosty blue gown with a fitted bodice, long sheer sleeves and a flowing skirt, with a white faux-fur cape at the shoulders fastened by a crystal brooch. White, silver or pale blonde hair in a braided updo under a pointed rhinestone crown. Icy gray shadow, white liner, cool pink blush and a berry lip. A clear staff with rounded ends or a snowflake purse. Silver boots with some grip. Crystal earrings and shimmery tights. Body glitter migrates onto everything, so if you want it on the shoulders and cheekbones, pick a gel glitter rather than loose powder.
25. Woodland Princess Costume With Green Cape
A woodland princess begins with a simple dress. A moss-green or warm brown maxi with a fitted waist and a soft gathered skirt, a forest-green hooded cape and a braided faux-leather belt. The crown is artificial leaves and small flowers wired onto a plain headband. I wrap the wire ends in floral tape so they don't scratch the scalp. Loose waves with narrow braids at each side. Bronze shadow, peach blush, faux freckles and a natural berry lip. A small basket of silk greenery, pinecones and fabric mushrooms. Brown lace-up boots for outdoor ground, leaf earrings and textured tights. Real plants wilt within hours, stain fabric and can irritate skin, so leave them in the garden.
26. Ocean Princess Costume With Teal Gown
The ocean princess uses fabric to suggest water. A blue-green gown in layered chiffon with an uneven overskirt and a pearl-trimmed bodice. Chiffon frays the moment you cut it, so if you're shortening it, a rolled hem or a lick of fray-stop along the edge saves a lot of trouble. A shell crown in light craft materials and a sheer aqua cape. Blue, turquoise or dark wavy hair with pearl clips. Iridescent shadow, teal liner, coral blush and a glossy nude-pink lip. A shell purse or a clear orb dotted with faux pearls. Silver or teal flats, pearl earrings and a little shimmer on the collarbones. Sand any shell pieces smooth so they can't catch the chiffon.
27. Moon Princess Costume With Navy Star Gown
A navy gown scattered with silver stars makes a lovely moon princess. Floor length with a fitted bodice, sheer sleeves and a layered midnight skirt, a silver crescent brooch at the waist and a sheer cape dotted with tiny star appliqués. Silver, black or deep blue hair in a long ponytail or half up, under a crescent tiara. Navy shadow, silver at the inner corners, cool blush and a plum lip. A moon purse or a small glowing orb. Silver ankle boots peek out under the dark hem. Navy disappears at night, so the silver is doing more work than you'd think; I'd add a few extra stars near the neckline where faces look. Star earrings and a gem or two at the temples.
28. Sun Princess Costume With Gold Cape
The sun princess is gold and warm yellow. A golden maxi dress with a pleated or softly shimmering skirt, a short sunray cape, a wide metallic belt and a crown with rounded golden points. Blonde, copper or brown hair in a big braided updo. Champagne shadow, gold liner, bronzed blush and a warm coral lip. A round sun purse or a golden fan. Metallic flats or a low block heel. Amber earrings and gold cuffs over the sleeves. For the crown, I'd use craft foam rather than card; foam points give way if they bump someone, and card points poke.
29. Flower Princess Costume With Pink Petal Dress
A flower princess works for kids, teens and adults alike. Start with a blush or rose dress and add overlapping fabric petals around the skirt and neckline, with a green ribbon belt and a crown of soft artificial flowers. I cut the petals from felt in two pinks and stitch them on at the top edge only, so they lift and move as you walk. A loose curled updo with small blossoms pinned around the bun. Rosy shadow, pink blush, a few freckles and a matching lip. A plastic mini watering can or a floral basket. Green ballet flats, vine bracelets and pale pink tights. Fabric flowers stay fresh all night where real ones droop.
30. Rainbow Princess Costume With Tulle Skirt
The rainbow princess is the most fun to personalise. A white fitted top with a floor-length tulle skirt in red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple panels, a silver belt and a crystal tiara with multicoloured gems. To make the skirt, I cut each colour as a separate tulle rectangle and gather them all onto one elastic waistband, which is far simpler than piecing a single skirt. Curls, braids or a high ponytail with temporary pastel clip-ins. Softly blended rainbow shadow, pink blush and a clear gloss. A cloud purse or a ribbon wand. White sneakers let the skirt be the focus, and a pale blue cape adds a sky.
31. Gothic Princess Costume With Black Lace Gown
A Gothic princess can look dramatic without anything gory. A floor-length black lace gown with long sleeves, a fitted waist and a high neck, with a plum or dark red satin cape and a black rhinestone tiara. Black, silver or burgundy hair in polished waves or a braided crown. Charcoal shadow, defined liner, cool blush and a deep berry lip. A black rose bouquet, an ornate hand mirror or a velvet book purse. Black Victorian-style ankle boots, lace gloves and dark crystal earrings. Keep your skin natural rather than ghost-white. Black lace can look flat in photos, so a coloured slip underneath, in plum or red, makes the pattern show up.
32. Steampunk Princess Costume With Brown Bustle Skirt
A steampunk princess mixes royalty with brass and gears. A cream high-neck blouse under a brown or burgundy fitted vest, a long high-low bustle skirt over opaque leggings, and a tiny crown fixed to a brown mini top hat with gears, ribbon and goggles. Mini top hats sit on a comb or an elastic; I'd add both, since the hat tips forward as soon as you look down. A curled updo or a side ponytail with copper clips. Bronze shadow, winged liner, warm blush and a brick-red lip. A clock purse or a rolled map. Brown lace-up boots, fingerless gloves, a wide belt and a short fitted jacket when it gets cold.
33. Pink Princess Costume With Sparkly Cape
Want a princess who isn't any particular character? Go pink from head to toe. A rose, blush or hot-pink gown with a fitted bodice and a full tulle skirt, a sparkling sheer cape, a silver tiara, elbow gloves and a rhinestone necklace. Wear the hair in a high curled ponytail, a bun or soft waves, depending on the neckline. Pink shimmer shadow, defined lashes, rosy blush and a glossy lip. A heart purse or a light jewelled wand with a rounded top. Silver ballet flats stop it becoming a wall of pink and tie in with the jewellery. Add a petticoat for volume, but check the skirt still clears your toes on steps.
34. Warrior Princess Costume With Red Cape
A warrior princess can look strong through her clothes rather than a weapon. A burgundy tunic dress over black leggings and a fitted long-sleeve top, with a brown faux-leather corset belt, embossed cuffs worn over fabric and a red cape. A high braided ponytail or several side braids under a slim metal-look crown. Bronze eyes, defined brows, warm blush and a muted red lip. A shield-shaped purse or a soft-edged royal banner. Brown knee-high boots. A light foam shoulder guard and gold trim along the tunic make the royal part clear. Capes pull at the neck all night; I fasten mine at both shoulders instead of the throat.
35. Last-Minute Princess Costume With Closet Basics
A believable princess can come together in an hour from what you own. Any maxi dress, bridesmaid gown, or matching blouse and long skirt in a rich jewel colour. A metallic belt at the waist, costume jewellery, long gloves and a cheap tiara. A smooth bun, half-up curls or a simple braid with ribbon. Matched eyeshadow, rosy blush, highlighter and a polished lip make it look planned. A clutch, a flower or a handwritten royal invitation. Flats, ankle boots or clean sneakers under the hem. A sheer curtain panel makes a good cape if you hem the cut edge and clip it at the shoulders.
Tiaras, Long Skirts and a Cold October Night
A princess costume is built for a ballroom, and Halloween night is usually a damp pavement. A few changes keep it pretty without making you miserable.
Making a tiara stay on
Most costume tiaras are a thin comb at each end and nothing else. I slide two bobby pins through each comb, crossing them in an X into the hair underneath, which holds even on a windy street. On a wig, pin through the wig and into a braid underneath, not just into the wig fibre.
Hems and puddles
A floor-length skirt soaks up water fast and gets heavy. For walking door to door, pin the hem up a few inches with safety pins hidden on the inside, or tie a ribbon under the skirt to lift the front. Take the pins out when you arrive.
Warmth that stays out of sight
Thermal leggings and a long-sleeve base layer vanish under most of these gowns. For bare shoulders, a faux-fur stole or a cape in the gown's colour looks like part of the costume instead of a coat thrown over it. Little ones especially will keep a costume on longer if they aren't cold.
Royal for One Night and Comfortable for All of It
The princess worth wearing is the one you can still enjoy at the end of the night. Start with colours people know and a base that's comfortable, then let the hair, face, jewellery and one clear prop say who you are. Thrifted formalwear, closet basics, trim from the craft shop and accessories you'll reuse can do as well as any boxed costume. Change the neckline, skirt length, shoes and layers to suit your age, body, the weather and the party. Classic animation, a modern film, medieval or something you made up: every look above can be shaped to fit you.
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