Few rom-coms hand a stylist as much to work with as 13 Going on 30. The 2004 film swings between playful 1980s kid clothes and glossy early-2000s grown-up fashion, and that split is what makes it such a good costume theme. Jenna Rink's rainbow-striped party dress is the one everyone asks for, but her pajamas, floral dresses and office outfits are just as easy to read once you add the right prop. Lucy, Matt, the Six Chicks and the Poise team open it up for couples and groups. I've written each idea with clothes, hair, makeup, accessories, a prop and shoes, and almost all of it can come from a thrift rack or your own wardrobe. Use them for a 30th birthday, a throwback party or Halloween.
Making a Rainbow Dress When You Can't Buy One
The striped party dress is the most requested look, and the hardest to find second-hand. The good news is that it's a simple shape: a fitted, sleeveless mini with bold diagonal stripes. If you can sew a straight seam, you can fake it convincingly.
- Start with a plain fitted stretch mini in one of the stripe colours, ideally a cotton-spandex knit that won't pucker when you stitch onto it.
- Lay it flat and mark diagonal lines with tailor's chalk, all running the same direction across the front and back so they meet at the side seams.
- Cut bands of stretch knit in the other colours, with the stretch running along the band, and pin them between the lines.
- Sew the bands on with a narrow zigzag or a stretch stitch. A straight stitch on a stretch dress will pop the first time you sit down.
- Try it on before the last band goes on. Stripes drift as the fabric stretches over the body, and it's easier to adjust one band than to unpick five.
If you don't sew, fabric paint with masking tape for the lines works on a cotton dress, though it stiffens the fabric and cracks over a curve. I'd keep paint to a looser fit. Either way, the stripes should be wide and the colours loud; thin pastel stripes look like a different dress entirely.
1. Jenna Rink Rainbow Dress Costume
This is the dress people mean when they say the movie. Look for a fitted mini with diagonal stripes in turquoise, lime, purple, pink and brown; the diagonal direction matters more than the exact colours, because horizontal stripes just read as a generic rainbow. If you can't find one, I'd layer a bright green camisole under the closest striped dress you can get. The butterfly necklace, a pink shoulder bag, bracelets and metallic teal or silver heels finish the outfit. Wear long brown hair straight with two small front sections pinned back at the crown. Pale blue eyeshadow and glossy pink lips are the face. A homemade Poise magazine under your arm explains the character before you even start dancing.
2. Jenna Rink Pink Slip Dress Costume
Jenna's confused first morning as a 30-year-old is a comfortable costume that fans still catch quickly. A knee-length pink satin slip or soft nightgown with narrow straps is the base, with a light robe if you want coverage. A colourful sleep mask pushed up on the forehead does a lot of the storytelling. Carry a cordless phone, a pillow or a fashion magazine. Keep the hair loose and a bit tousled, and the makeup sleepy: light concealer, soft blush, mascara and tinted balm. Fuzzy pink slippers or flat satin mules finish it. Satin slips are thin and cling to static, so I'd wear a smooth full slip underneath and add a cardigan if the party is anywhere chilly.
3. Jenna Rink Blue Pajama Costume
The blue pajama look is a cosy swap for the famous dress. A pale blue pajama set with a sleeveless or short-sleeved top and relaxed trousers is the base. The bright pink-and-orange fringed cardigan on top is the detail that makes it Jenna, because it shows her treating adult clothes like a dress-up box. Keep the hair loose and straight with a side part, and the makeup light. Carry a small handbag, keys or a rolled magazine. Flat mules or clean slippers suit an indoor event. Don't worry about matching; I'd actually push the clash a little further, since a mismatched, kid-picked feel is the point of this outfit.
4. Jenna Rink Green Floral Dress Costume
A green floral dress suits the softer, more thoughtful Jenna from later in the film. Choose a fitted or gently flared dress with a green ground and a colourful flower print, then tie a narrow pink ribbon at the waist or in the hair. A smooth half-up style with face-framing pieces looks right. Fresh makeup with rosy cheeks, pale shimmer on the lids and pink gloss keeps it gentle. Add a pastel handbag, the butterfly necklace and a Poise folder. Pink kitten heels or plain pumps work. On its own a floral dress can read as just a nice dress, so this one leans hard on the accessories; I wouldn't leave the necklace or magazine at home.
5. Jenna Rink Red Floral Top Costume
You don't need a special dress for a casual Jenna. A fitted red floral blouse or camisole with mid-wash bootcut jeans gets you there, plus a narrow belt, a colourful shoulder bag and a small butterfly or heart necklace. Bootcut is the important part; skinny jeans pull the look straight into the wrong decade. Wear the hair straight with a side part, or half-up. Blue-grey shadow, rosy blush and shiny pink lips give the early-2000s face. A bag of fruit candy or a handmade Poise magazine is the prop, and pointed kitten heels, platform sandals or ankle boots finish the outfit.
6. Jenna Rink Pink Office Costume
Jenna's career at the magazine gives you a polished pink office look. A fitted pink blazer over a matching blouse or camisole, with a knee-length skirt or tailored trousers, is the core. A structured shoulder bag, colourful necklace, slim watch and a folder marked "Poise" set the scene. Give the hair a smooth blowout with soft volume at the ends. Frosted eyeshadow and glossy rose lipstick are the era signals I'd never skip. Pointed pumps or kitten heels in pink, cream or silver suit it, and a press pass makes a good second prop. It's an easy pick for an office Halloween, since nothing about it breaks a dress code.
7. Jenna Rink Camel Jacket Costume
The camel jacket and playful updo make a costume fewer people think of. A fitted tan faux-leather jacket goes over a colourful blouse, with dark tailored pants or a pencil skirt. Twist the hair into a messy bun and push decorative hair sticks through it; I anchor the bun with an elastic first so the sticks have something to grip. Bronze shadow, peach blush and pink gloss suit the warm jacket. Add a compact shoulder bag, oversized sunglasses, hoop earrings and a stack of magazines. Pointed brown boots or neutral heels finish it. That mix of grown-up jacket and teenage hair is the whole character in one outfit.
8. Jenna Rink Black Office Suit Costume
A fitted black suit gives you a sleek magazine-office Jenna. Choose a single-button blazer with matching trousers or a pencil skirt, and put a colourful satin camisole underneath. The bright accessories are what keep it from looking like plain workwear: a butterfly necklace, a pink shoulder bag and narrow tinted sunglasses. Wear the hair straight with a polished side part, with subtle blue shadow and pink gloss. Carry a mock Poise magazine or a folder of pretend layouts, and finish with pointed pumps or ankle boots. This is the warmest of the Jenna office looks for a cold night, and it slots into a bigger Poise group easily.
9. Jenna Rink White Blouse Costume
A crisp white blouse is the simplest base for a DIY office Jenna. Tuck a fitted button-front blouse into a colourful knee-length skirt or black trousers, then add a wide belt, a short necklace, a bright handbag and small early-2000s sunglasses. Keep the hair smooth and bouncy, down or in a neat ponytail. Soft shimmer on the eyes, pink blush and a glossy neutral lip are enough. A binder marked "Poise Redesign" or a few handmade covers is what turns plain office clothes into the movie. Kitten heels or tall boots depending on the weather. I'd choose the colourful skirt over black trousers here; without colour, nobody will get the reference.
10. Jenna Rink Green Corset Costume
An olive or green corset-style top over a fitted blouse makes a bolder office Jenna. Pair it with a knee-length skirt or tailored trousers so it stays comfortable, and add a cropped jacket for coverage. A structured updo with hair sticks or a sleek high ponytail suits the shape. Neutral green shadow, rosy blush and pink gloss keep the face balanced. Accessorise with a colourful bag, a pendant necklace, an editorial folder and narrow sunglasses, then pointed boots or pumps. A corset top worn over a blouse is far easier to sit in all evening than one worn alone, and it lets you choose how fitted to go.
11. Young Jenna Birthday Costume
Thirteen-year-old Jenna at her birthday gives you a sweet 1980s party outfit. A floral or pastel dress with puffed sleeves, a fitted waist and a knee-length skirt is the base, with white ankle socks, flats and a friendship bracelet. A handmade "30, Flirty and Thriving" magazine page is the prop that makes the reference land. Give the hair fluffy volume, curled bangs and a scrunchie or ribbon. Keep the makeup to light blush and tinted balm. A decorated invitation, a little box of wishing dust or a dollhouse are good extra props. It's a lovely choice for teens and family events, and most charity shops have a puff-sleeve dress somewhere.
12. Young Jenna School Costume
Young Jenna's school clothes make a simple, comfortable costume. A colourful patterned sweater or knit vest over a collared shirt, with high-waisted jeans or a pleated knee-length skirt, white socks and sneakers, is the base. A high side ponytail with a scrunchie and softly curled bangs is the key hair cue; I set bangs with a round brush and a little hairspray rather than a hot iron if the wearer is young. Keep the makeup natural. A binder covered in magazine clippings, a bag of colourful candy and a friendship bracelet from Matt tell the story. It should feel slightly awkward and very 1987, which is exactly what makes it fun.
13. Young Matt Flamhaff Costume
Young Matt is easy and comfortable: a striped sweater, plaid button-down or casual windbreaker with relaxed jeans, white athletic socks and retro sneakers. Keep short hair neat but not too tidy, and skip makeup beyond the basics. The main prop is a homemade camera, a friendship bracelet or a miniature dollhouse, since the dream house is his big gesture in the film. A school backpack with a few patches adds period detail. It suits men, teens or anyone who wants to stay casual. I'd always pair him with a young Jenna if you can; on his own, he can pass for any 1980s kid.
14. Adult Matt Photographer Costume
Adult Matt's photographer look is understated on purpose. A neutral button-down under a brown, olive or charcoal jacket, straight dark jeans or casual trousers, and brown boots or clean sneakers make the outfit. Keep the hair a little tousled and the makeup invisible. The camera around the neck is non-negotiable; a vintage-style strap helps. A messenger bag, a photo envelope or a small model house adds another link to the story. Keep bright patterns out of it entirely. He works best next to Jenna, where his quiet palette makes her colours look even louder.
15. Lucy Black Party Dress Costume
Lucy's black party outfit is a sharper alternative to Jenna's rainbow dress. A fitted black cocktail dress or a black two-piece with lace sleeves or textured panels is the base, with sleek heels, a compact clutch, silver earrings and a slim bracelet. A smooth blowout or elegant updo in dark blonde or light brown suits her. Her makeup should look more polished than Jenna's: charcoal liner, defined lashes, sculpted blush and berry lipstick. A Poise magazine or an event badge shows her role. This is a good pick for anyone who prefers neutrals but still wants to join the dance scene. Black lace shows lint and pet hair badly, so I'd pack a lint roller.
16. Lucy Green Satin Costume
Rich green satin suits Lucy's controlled, competitive style. Wear a fitted green camisole dress, or a satin top with a matching midi skirt, and add a tailored black blazer for warmth. Black pointed heels, a structured bag, fine jewellery and narrow sunglasses keep it sharp. Style the hair in a smooth side-parted blowout, with defined brows, brown liner and muted berry lips. A mock Poise issue with Lucy's name on the editor page is a clever prop. Satin shows every water mark and sweat patch, so I'd pick a matte-backed or crepe-back satin if you can. Next to Jenna's colourful mix, this makes a strong contrast.
17. Lucy Camel Jacket Costume
Lucy's camel jacket look is early-2000s office fashion with a slightly intimidating edge. A fitted tan jacket goes over a black camisole, with a slim pencil skirt or tailored trousers, dark pointed boots, a structured handbag, gold earrings and tinted sunglasses. A straight blowout or low twist suits her. Defined liner, matte foundation and neutral rose lips keep the face cool. Carry pretend layouts or a rival magazine cover. Keep the palette tight: camel, black and gold. It's comfortable enough for work, and if a friend wears Jenna's camel jacket version, the two of you make a quietly funny rival pair.
18. Young Tom-Tom Costume
Young Tom-Tom needs to look more confident and on-trend than shy young Jenna, which makes sense once you remember she grows up to be Lucy. A colourful cropped jacket or patterned sweater with a high-waisted denim skirt and bright leggings is the base, plus scrunched socks, white sneakers, plastic bracelets and bold clip-on earrings. A high side ponytail with teased volume and a big scrunchie is her signature. Keep makeup to light blush and tinted balm. A notebook marked "Six Chicks" or a decorated invitation is the prop. I'd coordinate her colours more tightly than Jenna's, since she's the one who has it all worked out.
19. Six Chicks Group Costume
Six friends make a great Six Chicks group, and it's one of the easiest group costumes to pull from home. Everyone mixes patterned sweaters, denim skirts, leggings, oversized jackets, bright socks and white sneakers in their own way. What makes it a group is the repeated pieces: matching friendship bracelets, scrunchies and notebooks with the group name. Hair can be side ponytails, curled bangs or teased half-up looks. Keep the makeup playful but light. Put Tom-Tom in the middle with the birthday invitation. When I style a group like this, I give each person one shared colour, so even very different outfits read together in photos.
20. Jenna And Lucy Party Costume
Jenna and Lucy make a strong duo because their party clothes say everything about them. Jenna wears the diagonal-striped mini, butterfly necklace, pink bag and metallic heels, with pinned-back front sections and bright blue eye makeup. Lucy wears a fitted black lace cocktail dress, black pumps and a sleek clutch, with smooth hair, defined liner and berry lips. Both can carry Poise event passes. I'd practise one short synchronised dance pose for photos rather than bringing extra props. The contrast does the work: one bright and sweet, one dark and sharp, so best friends at a party read as these two straight away.
21. Jenna And Matt Couple Costume
For a romantic couple, put Jenna's party dress next to Matt's quiet photographer clothes. Jenna wears the rainbow-striped mini, butterfly necklace, pink shoulder bag, glossy makeup and teal or silver heels, with straight hair and the front pinned back. Matt wears a neutral button-down, brown jacket, dark trousers and casual boots, with a camera round his neck. He can carry photos or a small dream house; she holds a Poise magazine. Their opposite palettes make the roles obvious. Have him pose as if he's taking her picture, which gives you a sweet photo without any scenery.
22. Young Jenna And Young Matt Costume
The young Jenna and Matt pairing is about friendship rather than party glamour. Jenna wears a pastel floral dress or colourful sweater with a knee-length skirt, ankle socks and flats, with curled bangs and a bright scrunchie. Matt wears a striped sweater, relaxed jeans and retro sneakers, with short, slightly tousled hair. Keep both faces natural. She carries a magazine clipping and a decorated invitation; he holds a handmade dollhouse, a camera or a friendship bracelet. A little jar labelled "wishing dust" connects the two. It suits couples, siblings or best friends, and almost all of it comes from thrifted clothes and a craft drawer.
23. Jenna And Matt Wedding Costume
The wedding at the end gives couples a romantic, less obvious option. Jenna wears a simple sleeveless white or ivory dress with a softly flared skirt, fine jewellery, natural pink makeup and a smooth half-up style or loose curls. White pumps or ballet flats and a small pastel bouquet finish her. Matt wears a dark suit, white shirt, understated tie and polished shoes. On its own this reads as any bride and groom, so the props carry the reference: his camera or a miniature house, and a small bag of colourful candy in her hand. I'd keep the dress short of floor length so nobody steps on it at a party.
24. Poise Magazine Editors Group Costume
The Poise office makes a flexible group costume for any number of people. Each person wears a different early-2000s editor outfit: fitted blazers, satin camisoles, pencil skirts, tailored trousers, colourful dresses and pointed shoes. Jenna stands out in pink or stripes, and Lucy in black, green or camel. Smooth blowouts, sleek updos, clips or hair sticks cover the hair, with glossy lips, frosted shadow and defined lashes. Everyone carries handmade Poise issues, clipboards or press passes. I'd print one magazine cover design and give everyone a copy, since a shared prop is what turns a room of office outfits into one office.
25. Jenna Rink Slumber Party Costume
The slumber-party mood makes a cosy, colourful Jenna. Wear a matching pajama set in pink, blue or a cheerful print, with a fuzzy cardigan or light robe, fluffy slippers, bright socks and a sleep mask on the forehead. Loose waves, casual braids or a messy ponytail work for the hair, with pink blush, mascara and gloss. A bowl of colourful candy, a magazine, a bottle of nail polish or a pillow is the prop. Plain pajamas look like plain pajamas, so I'd coordinate two or three colours across the set, cardigan and slippers. It's best indoors, and it's easy to turn into a group with friends in matching sets.
26. Thriller Dance Group Costume
The "Thriller" dance is one of the film's best scenes, and it works as a group costume without anything scary. Put Jenna in the middle in the rainbow dress, butterfly necklace, pink bag and metallic heels. Everyone else wears early-2000s party clothes: black lace dresses, satin tops, fitted suits, colourful shirts and polished shoes. Glossy blowouts, smooth updos and neat short cuts suit the room, with shimmer, defined lashes and bright lips; no face paint. Everyone can carry a Poise event pass, then pocket it to dance. I'd rehearse the group's raised-arm pose once before the party, because a pose done together is what makes people recognise the scene.
27. Thirty Flirty And Thriving Costume
Jenna's wish to be "30, flirty and thriving" is made for a 30th birthday. Wear a bright pink mini or midi with a fitted waist, then add metallic heels, the butterfly necklace, colourful bracelets and a sparkly shoulder bag. Style long brown hair in a smooth blowout with two small sections pinned back. Blue shimmer shadow, rosy cheeks and pink gloss suit the era. Carry a handmade magazine with the slogan on the cover, or wear a birthday sash with the phrase. A jar of wishing dust is a sweet extra. I like that this one still works as a flattering party outfit, so the birthday person isn't stuck in a costume all night.
28. Poise Magazine Cover Costume
Turn yourself into a walking Poise cover with a glam editor outfit and a light handmade frame. A pink or turquoise fitted cocktail dress, matching heels, a bright handbag and chunky Y2K jewellery make the outfit, with a voluminous blowout or a half-up style. Frosted shadow and glossy lips finish the face. Cut the frame from foam board rather than corrugated cardboard; it's lighter, it doesn't soften if a drink spills and it holds clean lettering. Add the Poise title and a few short made-up cover lines. Hold it around your upper body so the outfit still shows. It reads clearly in photos and gives Jenna's job the attention it deserves.
29. Wishing Dust Jenna Costume
A jar of wishing dust can carry a whole young Jenna costume. Wear a pastel floral birthday dress with puffed sleeves, white socks and flats. Give the hair curled bangs, fluffy volume and a pink ribbon or scrunchie, and keep makeup to blush and tinted balm. The jar should be clear plastic, filled with silver paper confetti and labelled "wishing dust". I'd glue the lid on or tape it shut, because loose glitter-style confetti ends up in carpets and drinks within minutes. A handmade Poise clipping and a friendship bracelet add story. It's subtler than the rainbow dress, but fans spot the jar fast.
30. Razzles Candy Costume
Jenna's favourite candy turns into a fun costume. Wear a bright red or pink T-shirt with a handmade fruit-candy logo, a colourful pleated skirt or relaxed jeans, a cropped blue jacket, striped socks and white sneakers. A high ponytail with a multicoloured scrunchie and shiny berry gloss keep it cheerful. Carry an oversized cardboard candy packet, or pin a few clean empty wrappers to a small bag. Keep the logo hand-drawn rather than buying a mascot suit. Iron-on transfer paper gives a cleaner logo than marker on a T-shirt, and it survives a wash if you want to wear the shirt again. It's funniest next to young Jenna or Matt.
31. Jenna Rink Dream House Costume
This one points to the dream house Matt made, so it's the most sentimental Jenna. Wear a soft green floral dress with a pink waist ribbon, a matching cardigan and comfortable pink or neutral heels, plus the butterfly necklace and a small pastel bag. A smooth half-up style with light curls at the ends suits it, with rosy makeup and pink gloss. The prop is a small painted cardboard house with bright windows and a little porch. I'd keep it small enough to hold in one hand and add a ribbon loop to carry it by, so it doesn't crush in a crowd. A friendship bracelet tied on the loop is a sweet extra.
32. Y2K Fashion Editor Costume
If you'd rather capture Jenna's general style than one scene, build a Y2K editor from thrifted pieces. A fitted satin camisole under a cropped blazer, with bootcut trousers or a colourful knee-length skirt, is the base. Pointed kitten heels, a small shoulder bag, tinted sunglasses and a chunky butterfly pendant carry the era. Wear the hair straight with flipped ends, or pin back two front sections. Frosted blue shadow, thin liner and high-shine pink gloss finish it. A mock magazine and a flip phone are great props. I'd add one bright colour (pink, turquoise, lime or purple) so it reads as Jenna rather than any office worker.
33. 1980s Birthday Party Costume
This broader look borrows from Jenna's 1987 birthday party, for guests who don't want one exact character. Wear a pastel party dress or a colourful sweater with a full knee-length skirt, bright tights and white flats. Plastic bracelets, clip-on earrings, a friendship pin and a big scrunchie say 1980s straight away. Curled bangs with a side ponytail or a teased half-up style suit it. Keep makeup to pastel blue shadow, pink blush and balm. A decorated invitation, a little gift box or a sealed jar of wishing dust is the prop. It's a safe pick for school or community events, and every piece is easy to find second-hand.
34. Jenna Rink Closet Montage Costume
Jenna's thrill at discovering her grown-up closet makes a deliberately colourful costume. A bright satin camisole with a patterned mini or midi skirt and a cropped cardigan in a contrasting colour is the base, plus the butterfly necklace, stacked bracelets, tinted sunglasses, a sparkly bag and metallic heels. Wear the hair straight with small clips. Pale blue shadow, strong pink blush and gloss suit the energy. Carry a few light hangers with scarves draped over them, or a garment bag labelled "Poise Party". With this many accessories, I'd keep them to two or three colours so it looks like enthusiasm, not chaos.
35. 13 Going On 30 Family Costume
A family can tell the whole story of the film at once. One adult wears Jenna's rainbow dress, butterfly necklace, half-up hair and metallic heels; another plays Matt in a neutral jacket, button-down, dark trousers, boots and a camera. A teen or child becomes young Jenna in a pastel birthday dress, curled bangs, scrunchie, socks and flats, and someone else wears young Matt's striped sweater, jeans and backpack. Share props between you: the dream house, Poise magazines, candy packets and a sealed wishing-dust jar. Keep the makeup bright and light on the kids. I'd stand the young and grown-up versions side by side in photos, since that pairing is what makes the transformation obvious.
Getting the Early-2000s Face and Hair Right
Half the costumes on this list share their clothes with ordinary wardrobes, so the hair and makeup do a lot of the dating. Today's soft, blended looks will quietly move a Jenna costume into the wrong decade.
For the grown-up Jenna and Lucy looks
- Frosted or shimmery eyeshadow in pale blue, silver or lilac, swept across the whole lid rather than blended into a crease.
- Thin, defined brows and a fine line of liner on the upper lash line only.
- High-shine gloss instead of matte lipstick. This one change does more than anything else.
- Straight, smooth hair with two small front sections pinned back at the crown, or flipped-out ends.
For the 1987 looks
Kids and teens need almost no makeup; the hair carries it. Curled bangs, side ponytails and big scrunchies are the signals. I'd use velcro rollers or a round brush with a cool setting for the bangs, which gives volume without heat damage. For younger wearers, check any glitter or shimmer is labelled cosmetic, and keep it away from the eyes.
Props You Can Make in One Evening
Almost every look here leans on one of four props, and none of them needs special tools. A Poise magazine is a printed cover glued onto an old magazine of the same size, so it has real weight and pages. The wishing dust is a small plastic jar of silver paper confetti with the lid sealed shut. The dream house is a shoebox-sized cardboard house, painted and given cut-out windows. The candy packet is a cereal-box panel covered in hand-drawn graphics.
Make the props a day early so glue and paint can dry fully; wet paint transfers onto a white dress or a pale blazer faster than you'd expect. If you're going as a group, make the props together and share them between characters, which saves time and keeps everyone's references consistent.
Start With the Dress, or Start With the Props
The best costumes from this film pair colourful clothes with one small story detail. Jenna's rainbow dress always gets a reaction, but her pajamas, florals, office looks and 1980s birthday outfits are just as charming. Lucy, Matt, the Six Chicks and the Poise staff let the theme stretch to couples, friends and families. Aim for a clear silhouette, era-right hair, playful makeup, comfortable shoes and one meaningful prop. Most of the clothes can be thrifted, and the magazines, wishing dust, candy and dream house are all evening crafts. If you're short on time, I'd make the Poise cover first; it turns almost any outfit on this list into the movie.
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