Ella of Frell is a kind character to dress as, because she was never a glittering princess. She's a stubborn country girl in long skirts, laced bodices and sensible boots, which means most of her looks can be pulled together from a thrift rail and a ribbon drawer. Below are 35 ways to wear her, from the plain village dress to royal gowns, plus a few seasonal and colour variations for when blue isn't your shade. I've written each one head to toe, with hair, makeup, a prop and shoes, and I've noted where a skirt length or a sleeve will cause trouble at a party.
Why the Book Matters More Than the Gown
Ella isn't a character people know by one famous dress, the way they know some princesses. What makes her read as Ella is a combination: long dark hair, a medieval country silhouette with a laced bodice and long skirt, sensible boots and a book. That book is a nod to Benny, the enchanted book that shows Ella what she needs to see, and it's the single prop I'd never leave home without for this character.
Because of that, I spend more effort on the shape and the props than on finding an exact screen match. A plain blue skirt and a laced vest with a battered hardback in hand gets a nod of recognition at a party. A perfect satin gown with no book often gets you mistaken for Cinderella.
- Hair: long, dark and loose or braided. If your hair is lighter, a long brunette wig with a natural centre parting is worth it.
- Silhouette: fitted at the waist, long in the skirt, with sleeves that have some fullness.
- Prop: a small old book, ideally with a cloth or leather-look cover.
- Feet: flat boots or flats. Ella walks everywhere, and heels look wrong with the village dresses.
1. Classic Blue Ella Enchanted Costume
This is the version I'd point most people to first. A soft blue dress with a fitted bodice and a square neck, worn over a cream underdress with bell sleeves, gives you Ella's shape in two pieces. Pick linen-blend or cotton over theatrical satin; it breathes, and it creases in a way that looks lived-in rather than cheap. Loose brunette waves with the front sections pinned back, rosy cheeks and a pink lip keep the face fresh. A small old book in your hand does more character work than any tiara. Brown lace-up ankle boots, a pendant and a fabric belt tied at the waist finish it.
2. Ella Enchanted Village Dress Costume
The village look is built from separates, so it's forgiving to fit. Start with a dusty blue peasant blouse and a matching full skirt, then lace a slate-blue vest over the top with ribbon. When I lace a vest like this, I thread it loosely first and only tighten once it's on, because ribbon grips and won't slide back. A narrow brown belt can carry a drawstring pouch, and a woven basket of fabric produce weighs almost nothing. Wear long hair in a loose braid, keep makeup to peach blush and tinted balm, and finish with opaque tights and flat brown boots you can actually walk in.
3. Ella Enchanted Blue Travel Costume
Ella spends much of her story on the road, and a travel costume suits anyone who hates fuss. A long blue skirt, cream blouse, fitted teal vest and a short hooded cape in weathered navy layer easily. Short is the key word on that cape: one that stops at the hip won't tangle with a crossbody satchel. Choose soft fabrics that move, braid your hair low with a blue ribbon, and add a touch of windswept colour to the cheeks. A rolled map or a small book is plenty to carry. Dark leggings and sturdy lace-up boots make it a sensible pick for cool outdoor evenings.
4. Ella Enchanted Fairy Gift Dress Costume
The fairy gift dress is where you can get a little magical. Pale blue chiffon, tulle or soft satin over a fitted bodice, with flared sleeves and a layered floor-length skirt, gives the airy shape. I attach rhinestones or tiny fabric butterflies with a few hand stitches rather than glue, because glue shows through sheer fabric as a dark spot. Silver ribbon at the waist and a sparkly hair comb are enough decoration. Polished curls, cool shimmer on the lids and a glossy pink lip suit the dress. Hide silver ballet flats under the hem, and carry one glittering flower so your hands have something to do in photos.
5. Ella Enchanted Royal Ball Costume
For a ball, go richer: sapphire satin or velvet with pale blue panels, silver embroidery or ribbon trim, and a full skirt. Long draped sleeves give coverage on a cold night and a graceful line when you move your arms. A slim crystal headband sits better than a big crown with a half-up curled style; heavy crowns slide backward as the evening goes on. Defined lashes, champagne eyeshadow and a rose lip can go a step more polished than the village looks. Carry a folded fan or an embroidered pouch, and pick low silver heels or cushioned flats, since a full skirt means nobody sees your shoes anyway.
6. Ella Enchanted Wedding Dress Costume
Ella's bridal look is an ivory medieval gown with a fitted waist, a flowing skirt and long sheer sleeves. A little silver or pale blue embroidery at the neckline ties it back to her usual colours. The veil is the part I fuss over: attach it to a tiara with combs on both sides, not just one, or it drags the whole headpiece sideways. Wear hair half-up with loose curls down the back, and keep makeup soft with pearl shadow and a neutral pink lip. A compact bouquet of white and blue artificial flowers, pearl earrings and ivory flats or low block heels are all you need beyond that.
7. Ella Enchanted Coronation Costume
Picture Ella crowned. A deep blue square-neck gown with long sleeves and silver trim carries the formality, and a removable navy cape does the drama. Line the cape in pale blue so the colour flashes when you turn, and fasten it at the shoulders with decorative clasps sewn to a sturdy strip of ribbon; clasps pinned straight into thin fabric tear it within an hour. A braided low bun takes a slender crown well. Softly defined eyes, cool pink blush and a berry lip suit it. A scroll in hand and grey or blue flats under the skirt are all it needs, and it reads clearly in full-length photos.
8. Ella Enchanted Castle Costume
A castle-day Ella sits between the village girl and the royal. Wear a cornflower-blue gown with a laced bodice, cream bell sleeves and a gathered skirt, then add a narrow silver chain belt with a velvet pouch hanging from it. Loose curls with a thin braid across the crown look formal but survive a long evening without repinning. I'd keep makeup to blue-grey shadow and sheer pink lipstick here so the dress stays the focus. A sealed invitation or an old book makes a simple prop. Pointed flats in silver or navy and pearl drops finish it, and it handles an indoor party or a stage role equally well.
9. Ella Enchanted Cottage Costume
The cottage version is the cheapest Ella in the list, and one of my favourites for that reason. An oatmeal blouse under a faded blue pinafore, with an ankle-length skirt full enough to stride in, gives you the shape. Add a worn brown belt, a fabric pouch and, if you like, a cream apron. Let the braid be a little messy. Makeup should barely show: concealer, warm blush and balm. A small basket of folded cloths or artificial herbs tells the story without getting in your way. Brown tights and flat boots finish it, and almost every piece can be thrifted and worn again afterward.
10. Ella Enchanted Market Day Costume
Market day lets Ella wear a bit of pattern. A powder-blue blouse, a darker blue corset-style vest and a full teal skirt make the base, and a striped or floral apron on top adds the fun. Wrap a side braid with narrow blue ribbon. Coin charms on a belt pouch are a sweet detail, but test them first; metal charms clink with every step and get annoying by the second hour. Fresh makeup, a basket of artificial bread or flowers, cream socks and brown ankle boots keep it cheerful. It's a good daytime choice for school celebrations and family events.
11. Ella Enchanted Forest Costume
Mixing Ella's blue with woodland colours gives you a forest journey costume. A muted blue maxi dress under an olive hooded cape or a short brown vest is the start, with a braided belt, a leaf pendant and a canvas crossbody pouch for texture. Pin the front of loose waves back with small artificial leaves or blue flowers. If you carry a walking branch, sand the tips and wrap them in ribbon; anything pointed is a problem in a crowd. Earthy shadow, peach blush and a rose lip suit the palette. Dark leggings and rugged boots let you handle grass and uneven paths at an outdoor festival.
12. Ella Enchanted Rainy Journey Costume
Rain is a real costume problem, so this version plans for it. Keep the skirt knee- or ankle-length so the hem stays out of puddles, add charcoal leggings underneath and top it all with a cropped navy cape with a proper hood. A cream blouse with gathered sleeves keeps the medieval reference. A low braid stays tidy under the hood. I'd use waterproof mascara and cream blush, which hold up to damp air better than powder. A closed umbrella with a curved wooden-look handle is both prop and shelter, and a weather-resistant satchel holds your phone. Waterproof brown ankle boots are the one thing not to skip.
13. Ella Enchanted Winter Costume
For a cold night, start warm and build Ella on top. A long-sleeved velvet dress goes over thermal leggings, and a fitted navy cape with faux fur along the hood and front edges adds the storybook part. Keep the fur trim narrow; wide trim is heavy and pulls the cape off your shoulders. A braided crown or low bun stops your hair tangling in the hood. Cool pink blush, a hint of silver on the lids and a berry lip look right against velvet. Knitted fingerless gloves let you hold a ribboned book, and warm socks in flat brown boots matter more than anything else on a parade route.
14. Ella Enchanted Summer Costume
Summer Ella has to drop layers without losing the fairytale line. A breathable light blue cotton dress with a square neck, short puff sleeves and a midi skirt does that, especially with a lace-up waist panel or a wide ribbon belt for structure. Put your hair up in a loose braided updo to keep it off your neck. Makeup should be light: skin tint, peach blush, waterproof mascara and balm. A woven basket or small book, a floral hairpin and a simple pendant are enough detail. Cream ankle socks and tan ballet flats keep you cool at a warm convention or a summer party.
15. Ella Enchanted Red Banquet Costume
Blue is Ella's colour, but a red banquet gown can still read as her if you keep one tie back to the usual wardrobe. Go for a cranberry gown with a square neck, fitted bodice and medieval sleeves, and add narrow blue or silver trim at the cuffs and waist. That trim is doing real work, so don't drop it. Glossy curls with the sides twisted back under a metallic comb, rose eyeshadow and a berry lip suit the stronger colour. Carry a gold-toned fan or an invitation, and wear low burgundy heels or cushioned metallic flats for a long evening on your feet.
16. Ella Enchanted Teal Velvet Costume
Teal velvet keeps you close to Ella's blues while adding depth. A long dress with a laced bodice, flared sleeves and a sweeping skirt, layered over a pale grey or cream underdress, gives visible contrast at the neck and cuffs. One thing I always warn people about: velvet marks easily, so steam it from the inside and never press it flat with an iron, or you'll crush the pile into shiny patches. Loose waves with a small braid on each side, a hint of emerald-grey shadow and a muted pink lip suit it. A velvet pouch, a silver chain belt and dark ankle boots are all the extras it needs.
17. Ella Enchanted Lavender Dress Costume
Lavender is a softer route for anyone who doesn't wear blue well. A lilac gown with a fitted waist, a modest square neck and sheer flowing sleeves still reads as Ella if you lace pale blue ribbon through the bodice and add a silver sash. Gather loose curls into a half-up twist with tiny lavender flowers tucked in. Keep makeup cool and gentle with taupe shadow and a mauve-tinted lip. A small storybook or a pouch of flowers is plenty in your hands. Grey or silver ballet flats finish it, and it's modest enough for school dress-up days as well as fantasy parties.
18. Ella Enchanted Pink Fairytale Costume
A pink Ella works best in dusty rose, not bright princess pink. Look for a fitted bodice, a softly gathered skirt and cream undersleeves, then add blue ribbon trim at the neck and cuffs so the character link stays clear. Wear hair in a low curled ponytail with a small rose comb. Rosy cheeks, neutral shimmer and a pink gloss keep it light. A miniature book or a small bouquet of blue and pink flowers gives your hands a job. A slender silver belt, studs and comfortable blush flats are enough; this one looks best when it isn't overloaded.
19. Ella Enchanted Green Woodland Costume
Sage green over a pale blue blouse is a gentle way to go off-palette. A brown lace-up waistcoat and a braided belt give the medieval structure without a restrictive corset, and an ankle-length skirt walks well outdoors. Tie a loose side braid with small green ribbons. Earthy taupe shadow, peach blush and rose balm match the softer colours. I like a canvas satchel with a rolled map poking out for this one; it suggests a journey without anything to hold. Brown tights and lace-up boots make it practical for grass and cool weather, and it gives you a fresh take if your friends are all in blue.
20. Ella Enchanted Blue Cape Costume
Here the cape is the costume, not an accessory, so choose it carefully. It should fall between knee and ankle, have a hood that doesn't pull your head back and close with a clasp that stays shut. Underneath, a cream blouse, a fitted sky-blue bodice and a long navy skirt keep the colours in Ella's family. Wear simple loose waves so your hair shows when the hood is down. Natural makeup with a berry lip suits it. A bound journal or rolled parchment in a crossbody satchel, a silver pendant and a slim belt finish the layers, with dark tights and brown boots for cold weather.
21. Ella Enchanted Hooded Cloak Costume
A hooded cloak gives you a storybook outline from very ordinary pieces. Wear a light blue peasant dress, or a blouse and skirt, under a charcoal-blue cloak fastened with a leaf or circle clasp. A low fishtail braid sits flat under the hood without lumping. Soft brown eyeliner, peach blush and rose-tinted balm keep the face natural. A canvas shoulder bag, a paper map and one artificial flower are useful traveller details. Dark leggings under the skirt add warmth and let you take big steps, and flat brown riding boots finish it. If you want coverage and comfort more than a gown, this is the one I'd pick.
22. Ella Enchanted Peasant Blouse Costume
A cream peasant blouse is the cheapest way into Ella, but it needs the rest of the outfit to carry it. Look for gathered sleeves or flared cuffs, since straight sleeves read modern. Add a dusty blue ankle-length skirt, a fitted teal vest, a braided belt and a small brown pouch. A relaxed half-up style tied with blue ribbon, flushed cheeks and defined brows keep the face simple. A basket holding a folded map and artificial wildflowers points to the village traveller. Cream socks and brown ankle boots finish it, and because each piece can come from your closet or a thrift store, it's a solid last-minute plan.
23. Ella Enchanted Corset Dress Costume
A corset-look bodice gives the medieval shape without the squeeze, and I'd always choose that over real boning for a party. Layer a blue lace-up vest over a white or cream blouse with long flowing sleeves, add a full teal maxi skirt and hang a small pouch from a soft brown belt. Sit down in the vest before you commit to it; if the lacing digs in when you sit, loosen it, because you'll be sitting a lot. Defined waves with two small front braids pinned back, blue-grey shadow and a muted rose lip suit it. Carry a storybook, and wear flat lace-up boots in brown or charcoal.
24. Ella Enchanted Royal Blue Gown Costume
Royal blue is for anyone who wants Ella's colour to be seen from across the room. A floor-length gown with a square neck, a fitted waist and silver-trimmed bell sleeves gives the shape, and a lightly gathered skirt is far easier to walk in than layered petticoats. Big curls with a braided section across the back, silver-blue shimmer and a berry lip match the stronger colour. Add a crystal headband, small drops and a silver waist chain, and carry a rolled invitation tied with pale ribbon. Check the hem in your actual shoes: it should show the toe of your silver flats or low heels, or you'll step on it on stairs.
25. Ella Enchanted Silver Blue Costume
This one is all about the layering. A silver-grey underdress under a translucent pale blue overdress gives a cool shimmer that changes as you move. Look for chiffon sleeves, an embroidered bodice and a fluid ankle-length skirt. If you add rhinestones at the neckline, space them evenly and keep them few; a heavy row drags sheer fabric down at the front. A curled low bun with a silver comb, luminous base, pearl shadow and a sheer rose lip give a magical finish without face paint. Carry a crystal-look flower or a small book-shaped clutch, and wear cushioned silver flats.
26. Ella Enchanted Blue And Gold Costume
Gold warms Ella's blue into something more regal. A deep blue gown with gold ribbon at the square neck, waist and cuffs, plus a muted gold underskirt showing through a front opening, looks rich without being fussy. Use ribbon rather than metallic paint for the trim; paint cracks wherever the fabric folds. A half-up braided style with tiny gold leaves pinned in, champagne shadow and a soft berry lip tie in with the trim. Carry a scroll tied with blue ribbon and wear a small gold pendant. Low gold flats or dark blue shoes that stay put on your feet are the right finish.
27. Ella Enchanted Masquerade Costume
A masquerade Ella is a fun twist for a dance. Wear a midnight-blue gown with silver trim, a fitted bodice, long sheer sleeves and subtle star-like beading on the skirt. Choose a small eye mask held on a stick or ribbon, not one tied on all night; masks narrow your side vision, and you'll want to drop it to talk and eat. A polished curled updo with a slim silver headband, cool shimmer and a mauve-pink lip suit the darker gown. Carry the mask with a folded invitation, add small earrings and a velvet pouch, and wear silver flats or low navy heels.
28. Ella Enchanted Flower Festival Costume
The flower festival version is bright, daytime Ella. A cornflower-blue dress with short puff sleeves and a midi or ankle-length skirt, an embroidered waistcoat and a cream underskirt give it bounce. Wire small artificial flowers into a crown braid with fine florist wire or bobby pins pushed through the stems; glued flowers pop off after a few hours. Peach blush, a little mascara and a glossy rose lip keep it fresh. A small flower basket or a floral wrist garland is easier than a big prop. Tan ballet flats and cream socks finish it for spring festivals and outdoor parties.
29. Ella Enchanted Giant Wedding Guest Costume
The giants' wedding is one of the more memorable stops in Ella's journey, and a guest outfit for it can play with scale. Wear a flowing teal gown with wide sleeves, ribbon lacing and a layered skirt, then add one oversized fabric flower brooch or a slightly too-big bow. One oversized piece is a joke people get; three just look messy. Loose curls with a braided half-up section, rosy makeup and lavender-grey shadow keep the face soft. A huge paper invitation makes a funny, light prop. A silver pendant, a decorative belt and teal flats or brown boots finish it.
30. Ella Enchanted Elf Town Costume
For an elf-town take, keep Ella herself in blue and let the green go on the accessories. A light blue dress with a fitted waist and bell sleeves, a cropped moss-green vest, a leaf-patterned belt and a crossbody pouch tell the story. I'd skip pointed ears here, since Ella is a human visitor among the elves, and the ears turn her into a different character. A loose braid wrapped in green and blue ribbon, warm blush and a rose lip keep it natural. Carry a rolled map or a small hand-lettered sign naming a travel stop, and wear textured green tights with flat brown ankle boots.
31. Easy DIY Ella Enchanted Costume
No time? A thrifted blue maxi dress over a cream long-sleeved blouse is your base. Fake the bodice by threading contrasting cord through a fabric panel and tying a wide ribbon at the waist. You don't need to sew: fashion tape or safety pins placed inside the garment will hold temporary trim for an evening. Wrap an old hardback in plain blue paper and tie it with ribbon for the book. Loose waves with the sides pinned back, rosy blush, mascara and lip balm are quick. A small pendant, a brown belt if you have one and comfortable ankle boots finish it from what's already in your closet.
32. Last-Minute Ella Enchanted Costume
Last-minute costumes look deliberate when the colours agree. Any long blue dress or blue skirt with a white blouse will do, as long as you define the waist with a brown belt or wide blue ribbon. A large plain scarf makes a short cape; knot it at one shoulder or pin it to your blouse straps so it doesn't slide. A low braid tied with ribbon is a five-minute style. Tinted moisturiser, pink blush, mascara and a neutral lip are enough makeup. Slip a paperback into a handmade cover drawn with a simple fairytale design, and add brown flats or ankle boots.
33. Plus-Size Ella Enchanted Costume
For a plus-size Ella, I look for shaping that adjusts rather than shaping that restricts. A blue wrap-style maxi dress or an elastic-backed medieval gown with flowing sleeves gives you a defined waist you can loosen after dinner. If you want more structure, add a soft lace-up vest and keep the lacing decorative. Loose curls or a side braid with blue ribbon, luminous skin, rosy cheeks and a pink or berry lip suit it. Carry a small book or rolled map rather than a basket that hides the outfit. A pendant, a stretch belt and supportive boots or cushioned silver flats let you wear it all night.
34. Teen Ella Enchanted Costume
Teens usually want Ella without anything that feels like a costume-shop gown, so keep it light. A light blue midi dress over a cream blouse with puffed or flared sleeves, a simple lace-up waist belt, a short navy cape and a small crossbody pouch look sweet and age-appropriate. Beachy waves or a loose side braid with thin ribbon suit it. Makeup can be optional, just blush and balm. Let them carry a favourite book in a removable blue cover, which also gives a shy teen something to hold. Opaque tights add warmth for a school event, with flat boots or ballet flats underneath.
35. Kids Ella Enchanted Costume
Kids pull off anything itchy, so soft fabric comes first. A light blue cotton or jersey dress with an elastic waist, puff sleeves and an ankle-length skirt that doesn't touch the floor gives a child Ella's shape. A removable cream capelet or a soft fabric vest is better than any stiff bodice. Braid their hair with soft elastics rather than sharp pins, and use child-safe shimmer only if they want it. A foam-covered storybook or a fabric flower basket is light enough to carry for a whole parade. Leggings and secure boots or flats with non-slip soles keep them steady on steps.
Faking Bodice Lacing on a Plain Dress
Many of these looks depend on a laced front, and most thrifted dresses don't have one. You can add it in an afternoon without touching a sewing machine, and it comes off cleanly afterward.
- Cut a panel of sturdy fabric, felt or a cut-down vest front about as wide as your hand and long enough to cover from neckline to waist.
- Mark pairs of holes down both long edges, roughly two fingers apart. Set eyelets with a cheap eyelet kit, or punch small holes and reinforce the backs with fabric glue or iron-on interfacing so the cord can't tear through.
- Lace cord or narrow ribbon criss-cross through the holes, and tie the bow at the top or the bottom, whichever looks better on you.
- Fix the panel to the dress front with safety pins from the inside or a few loose hand stitches. Both remove in seconds.
- Try it on and sit down. If the panel bows out, add a pin at the waist to hold it flat.
Satin ribbon looks pretty but slides loose as you move. Cotton cord or a flat shoelace grips better and keeps the cross pattern even all night.
Long Skirts, Sleeves and Stairs at a Party
Floor-length skirts and bell sleeves are what make Ella look medieval, and they're also what cause trouble once you're out. The fixes are small, but they're easier made at home than in a crowded hallway.
Hem the skirt to your actual shoes, with the toe just showing. Too long and you'll step on it on stairs or catch it in a car door; too short and the line looks modern. If you're borrowing a gown that's long, pin it up from the inside rather than cutting it. For bell sleeves, I fold the lower edge back and pin it at the wrist before eating; long sleeves drag through food and candle flames find loose fabric fast. On a big skirt, a wrist loop sewn inside the hem lets you lift it with one hand on steps. And if your outfit has a cape, practise sitting in it once, since you'll want to swing it to one side so you're not pinned to the chair.
The Ella I'd Build for a First Party
If you're dressing as Ella for the first time, I'd start with the blue village dress: a laced vest, a long skirt, a braid and a book. Every other look on this list is a variation on that base, with a cape for cold weather, velvet or satin for a ball, or a change of colour when blue doesn't suit you. Fit the hem to your real shoes, test any lacing sitting down and choose fabrics for the weather you'll actually be in. Ella spent her whole story walking somewhere, so the version that lets you move freely is the right one.
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