A princess costume doesn't have to mean a rented ball gown. The thirty looks below run from the classic animated heroines to modern royals, fantasy queens and a few originals you can make entirely your own, and many of them start with a thrifted dress or separates already in your closet. For each one I've given you a base, hair, makeup, shoes and a prop. My advice before you pick is to be honest about the evening. A floor-length gown is lovely at a sit-down party and a chore on a long walk, so swap in flats, add a layer, and shape every silhouette around your own body and comfort.
Turning a Thrifted Formal Dress Into a Gown
Half the gowns on this list start life as a prom dress, a bridesmaid dress or a secondhand wedding gown. These are the checks I make in the shop and the changes I make at home.
In the shop
- Sit down in it. A bodice that fits standing can dig in hard once you sit, and you'll spend part of the evening on a chair.
- Lift your arms above your head. If the whole dress rides up or the straps cut in, it will fight you every time you reach for a drink or pose for a photo.
- Look at the inside seams. Sequin and beaded dresses often have scratchy raw seams that rub your skin sore by the end of the night unless you cover them with tape or a lining.
At home
- Add sleeves, collars and panels with safety pins or a few loose hand stitches rather than glue, so the dress can go back to normal or be resold.
- Shorten a hem by pinning it up first and walking around in the shoes you'll actually wear. Tulle and chiffon can be cut and left raw, while satin and taffeta need a folded hem or they fray.
- Change the color of the trim, not the dress. Polyester formalwear barely takes ordinary fabric dye, so buy the base in the right color and dye only ribbons or cotton add-ons.
1. Cinderella Princess Costume With Blue Ball Gown
Cinderella is all about the blue. A floor-length gown with a fitted bodice, a full skirt and sheer or puffed sleeves gives you the shape, and a blue prom dress does the job if you don't own a theatrical gown. Pin your hair into a high bun with a pale blue headband, and keep makeup to silver shadow, rosy blush and a soft pink lip. White opera gloves, a black ribbon choker and a small silver tiara handle the top half. Skip anything glass-like on your feet; clear flats or low rhinestone heels give the same sparkle without the risk. A sparkly pumpkin purse or a small clock makes a sweet prop that people get straight away.
2. Snow White Princess Costume With Yellow Skirt
Snow White reads from her primary colors alone: a royal-blue fitted top with short puffed sleeves and red ribbon accents, over a flowing yellow maxi skirt. The tall white collar is the fiddly part. I cut it from stiff felt and hold it with fashion tape, but on a warm night tape loosens against skin, so a couple of hand stitches into the neckline are safer. A short black bob wig with a red bow headband, or your own hair curled under, gives you the hair, with defined lashes, rosy cheeks and red lipstick. Yellow flats, red ballet shoes or low black Mary Janes handle the walking. For the apple basket, use light foam fruit fixed inside, since loose fruit rolls away at a crowded party.
3. Belle Princess Costume With Gold Ball Gown
Belle's ball look is a romantic gold or yellow gown with an off-the-shoulder neckline, a fitted bodice and a full skirt. If all you have is a plain yellow maxi dress, gathered tulle, gold ribbon and a detachable drape around the hips will build it up. Off-the-shoulder necklines slide on most people, so a strip of fashion tape along the inside edge keeps it in place while you move your arms. Hair goes half-up in loose curls with a gold bow or jeweled clip. Gold shadow, a little liner, peach blush and a rose lip suit the color. Add elbow-length gold gloves, pearl studs and low gold heels or flats, plus a single faux rose under a light clear dome, and you're dressed for a formal fairytale party.
4. Belle Village Princess Costume With Blue Dress
Belle's blue village dress is the one I suggest if you want to be comfortable all night. Layer a white puff-sleeve blouse under a blue midi dress or jumper, tie on a crisp white apron, and make sure the skirt moves enough for walking or dancing. A low ponytail with a blue ribbon, brown mascara, pink blush and tinted balm keep it simple. Wear black flats, brown loafers or sturdy ankle boots depending on the weather. A wicker basket and an old-looking book do the identifying. Because it feels like a real outfit, it holds up at work parties and daytime events where a gown would look out of place.
5. Ariel Mermaid Princess Costume With Green Skirt
No tail needed. Pair a fitted lavender top with a high-waisted green sequin maxi skirt that flares near the hem, and choose one with stretch, because a non-stretch sequin skirt cut tight at the knee shortens your stride to a shuffle. The long wavy red wig is the strongest cue. Temporary red hair color works too, though it can rub off onto collars. Aqua shimmer, peach blush and glossy coral lips give the ocean finish. Shell earrings, a pearl clip and a small flower, green flats or low metallic sandals, and a stuffed fish, shell bag or light fork prop. You can walk, sit and dance in this, which a real tail never allows.
6. Ariel Blue Dress Princess Costume
Ariel's blue town dress gives you a modest, traditional version that suits cooler nights. Wear a long-sleeved white blouse under a navy or medium-blue ankle-length dress, with a black fitted bodice or wide belt creating the layered shape. The big blue bow in the hair is a detail people spot quickly, so make it generous. Style a long red wig in soft waves with a few loose pieces around the face, then add defined lashes, light blue shadow and rosy lipstick. Black flats or short brown boots and a small book, woven bag or plush sea friend finish her. The sleeves and long skirt make this the warmer choice over the mermaid look.
7. Aurora Pink Princess Costume With Crown
For Aurora in pink, look for a floor-length pale or bright pink gown with an off-the-shoulder neckline and a structured white collar. A plain dress can get the triangular waist panel and white felt neckline added with removable fashion tape. The long blonde wig should hang in loose curls, with a small gold crown above the bangs held by hidden bobby pins. Pink shadow, soft liner, a glowing blush and a rose lip are plenty, and a gold necklace with studs is enough jewelry. Pink flats or low gold heels finish the gown. If you carry a spindle, make it from light cardboard; anything with a real point is a bad idea in a crowd, and a single faux rose works just as well.
8. Aurora Blue Princess Costume With Gold Tiara
The blue Aurora is less expected and a good pick if pink isn't your color. Go for powder or cornflower blue, floor-length, with a fitted waist and full skirt, then add a white angular collar and matching cuffs to echo the animated shape. Long blonde curls are non-negotiable, whether from a wig, extensions or your own hair, topped with a slim gold tiara. Icy blue shadow, rosy blush and a berry-pink lip. Keep the jewelry small so it doesn't fight the collar, and wear blue flats or low metallic heels. A faux rose, a little crown purse or a storybook makes the prop.
9. Jasmine Princess Costume With Turquoise Pants
Jasmine is the comfort winner among the princesses. A turquoise two-piece is the base, with a cropped or full-length top with draped sleeves and high-waisted harem pants, plus a modest bodysuit underneath if you want coverage. Her segmented ponytail is easier than it looks: tie long black hair with turquoise bands every few inches, then add a jeweled headband or small crown. Black liner, gold shadow and full lashes make the eyes, with warm blush and a neutral lip. Gold earrings, stacked cuffs and a blue gemstone necklace go on next, then turquoise flats, pointed slippers or low gold sandals. Carry a lamp-shaped purse or a plush tiger. The loose pants mean you can sit cross-legged on a sofa all night.
10. Tiana Princess Costume With Green Gown
Tiana's lily gown is built in layers. Start with a strapless or sleeveless light green dress and add darker green panels around the waist and skirt so they overlap like leaves. I cut those petals from a fabric that doesn't fray, such as felt or scuba knit, so the edges stay clean without hemming. A pale yellow underskirt adds depth. Hair goes up in a smooth high bun with a small green tiara or lily clip at the front. Gold shadow, soft liner, warm blush and berry lipstick, plus opera gloves in pale green or cream. Gold flats or low green heels let you move under the long skirt, and an artificial water lily, frog purse or tiny recipe book is the prop.
11. Rapunzel Princess Costume With Purple Dress
The braid is Rapunzel. Wear a lavender corset-style top over a light pink puff-sleeve blouse with a full purple maxi skirt trimmed in ribbon or lace, or use one purple dress and lace pink ribbon across the bodice. Braid a long blonde wig loosely over one shoulder and tuck small pink, yellow and white silk flowers into it. Very long braids get heavy, so pin the top of the braid to the wig cap at the nape, or it will drag the whole wig backward through the evening. Lilac shadow, light blush, faux freckles and a rosy lip. She's barefoot in the film, and purple flats or barefoot-look sandals give the nod without cold feet. A foam frying pan, small paint palette or plush chameleon keeps the prop safe.
12. Elsa Ice Princess Costume With Blue Cape
Elsa starts with a fitted blue gown covered in sequins or glitter. A side slit is fine only if it stays put when you sit. Attach a sheer pale-blue cape at the shoulders so it falls behind you without touching the floor, because a cape that drags gets stepped on and the tug lands on your shoulder seams. Style a platinum wig in a thick side braid with the front swept back softly. Silver-blue shadow, black mascara, cool pink blush and berry lipstick, plus crystal earrings and snowflake clips. Silver flats or low block heels are safer than delicate pumps at a busy event. Carry a clear snowflake wand or acrylic clutch; the icy colors and the braid carry her without complicated construction.
13. Anna Princess Costume With Black Bodice
Anna is the one to wear outdoors when it's cold. Start with a pale blue blouse under a black fitted vest or embroidered bodice, then a full royal-blue midi or maxi skirt with floral ribbon near the hem. The magenta cape is her boldest detail and doubles as real warmth. Put auburn hair or a wig into two braids, with one subtle light streak if you like, and keep makeup to freckles, pink blush, mascara and berry balm. Black boots suit her and keep your feet dry on wet sidewalks, while patterned mittens and a small pendant suit colder nights. A plush snowman or a rolled map is the prop.
14. Moana Island Princess Costume With Red Skirt
Moana should feel adventurous and comfortable, and clearly based on the film character rather than a general cultural costume. Pair a textured cream top with a red patterned wrap skirt over a beige underskirt, and add the character's geometric details with printed fabric or fabric markers. Once the marker is dry, heat-set it with an iron on the reverse, or the lines can smudge onto your hands. Long dark hair goes in natural waves with a small faux tropical flower behind one ear. Bronzer, soft brows, brown mascara and coral lips. Her blue-green pendant can be costume jewelry or painted clay. Secure tan sandals or brown flats, a small woven bag or plush rooster, and light layers keep this one cool at warm-weather parties.
15. Merida Princess Costume With Green Dress
Merida is a less glittery choice, recognized through color and hair. Wear a long dark green dress with full sleeves and a simple fitted waist, with gold ribbon or fabric tape around the neckline and cuffs, a small gold pendant and a brown belt. The hair is where you spend the effort. A big curly red wig tangles fast if you brush it dry, so finger-separate the curls and mist them with water when they start to frizz. Freckles, soft brown liner, peach blush and a neutral lip. Dark brown boots go under the gown. Instead of character equipment, carry a family crest, tartan pouch or small plush bear. She gives you full coverage and a sturdier, outdoorsy princess.
16. Raya Warrior Princess Costume With Cape
Raya can look adventurous without any weapon. Layer a mustard-yellow tunic over dark brown fitted pants with a long burgundy vest or cape, wrap a wide brown belt at the waist, and add soft arm cuffs in faux leather or felt. Hair goes in a loose side braid, or use a straight dark wig with a little texture. Keep makeup neutral with defined brows, brown liner, bronzed cheeks and muted rose lips. The wide conical hat is the piece that makes people get it. Build it from a cone of poster board covered in fabric and thread an elastic under the chin, because a wide brim catches any breeze. Tall or supportive ankle boots, and a glowing blue stone prop, a rolled map or a plush dragon.
17. Princess Leia White Gown Costume
Leia swaps the fairytale gown for something clean and futuristic. A long white dress with a high neck, wide sleeves and a softly belted waist is the base, and a plain white maxi can get temporary fabric panels added to the arms. The side buns need volume, so I wrap each one around a bun form, or use a wig, and pin them at ear level. Polished makeup with defined lashes, arched brows, peach blush and a neutral pink lip. A slim silver belt, minimal jewelry and white ankle or flat knee-high boots keep the line simple. A small silver clutch or a painted-cardboard communicator finishes her, and the whole thing is modest and easy to put together.
18. Princess Peach Costume With Pink Dress
Princess Peach is pink with blue accents. Choose a floor-length pink gown with puffed sleeves and a full skirt, then add darker pink panels at the hips or hem for her layered colors. Wear a long blonde wig with curled ends and side-swept bangs, topped by a tall gold crown with colorful faux gems held on with a headband or pins. Pink shadow, black mascara, rosy blush and glossy pink lips. The round blue earrings and blue pendant at the neckline matter more than they seem, since without them a pink gown with a crown could be anyone. Pink pumps, flats or block heels, and a star purse, pink parasol or plush mushroom.
19. Princess Daisy Costume With Yellow Dress
Daisy is a cheerful break from the pink princesses. Look for a sunny yellow gown with short puffed sleeves, a fitted waist and orange trim at the neckline or hem, and add white petal shapes around the collar for more detail. Her hair is a medium-length auburn wig with flipped ends and side bangs. Flipped ends drop in humid weather, so set them with a light hold spray before you go. Top it with a small gold crown with green and orange stones, and wear warm brown shadow, peach blush, mascara and coral lips. Green flower earrings and a matching brooch bring in the last colors. Orange flats, low yellow heels or white sneakers hide under the skirt, and a daisy bouquet or parasol is the prop.
20. Princess Zelda Costume With Purple Gown
Zelda mixes royal and fantasy. Start with a long purple or white gown with a fitted bodice, flared sleeves and gold edging, then add a front panel from printed fabric or painted felt. A long blonde wig, straight or partly braided, pointed ear tips if you like, and a gold tiara with a central faux gem. Lavender shadow, precise liner, luminous blush and pink lipstick. Shoulder pieces and cuffs cut from flexible craft foam are light and easy to paint, but seal the foam first with a primer or a thin glue coat, or the paint soaks in and cracks when the foam bends. White or gold ankle boots beat delicate shoes for a long event, and a glowing triangle prop or fantasy book completes her.
21. Fiona Princess Costume With Green Dress
Fiona is funny and still pretty. A long emerald or forest-green dress with gold trim, fitted sleeves and a square neckline gets cinched with a gold belt or patterned ribbon. A long auburn wig in a loose braid sits under a small gold crown at the hairline. For her ogre side, apply green face and body paint evenly to the face, neck and any visible hands. Patch-test it on your inner wrist the day before, set it with translucent powder so it doesn't transfer onto the neckline, and allow real time to remove it at the end of the night. Light rounded ears, brown liner, warm blush and a berry lip. Dark green flats or brown boots, and a storybook, plush donkey or faux sunflower for a storybook group party.
22. Buttercup Princess Costume With Red Dress
Buttercup's red gown is romantic without sparkle. Choose long, flowing sleeves, a fitted waist and a modest neckline, in jersey, velvet or crepe so it drapes and moves. Jersey is the comfiest of the three but shows every line underneath, so wear smooth underlayers. A long blonde wig in loose waves with the front sections twisted back, natural makeup and a delicate gold circlet instead of a tall crown. Brown ankle boots or gold flats under the dress. Carry a rolled storybook, a single faux flower or an embroidered pouch at the waist. Go for her if you'd rather wear a classic medieval line than a big ball skirt.
23. Mia Thermopolis Princess Costume With White Dress
Mia Thermopolis is modern and easy. Start with a strapless or sleeveless white midi dress, layered over a fitted white top for more coverage, then long white gloves and a sparkling tiara. Hair can be a sleek straight blowout, or her earlier big curls if you want the joke. Glossy lips, rosy cheeks, light shadow and tidy brows. White pumps, silver flats or low heels keep it all white. The accessories carry this one: oversized sunglasses and black over-ear headphones, plus a small silver bag or a handwritten royal diary. Nearly every piece goes back into your wardrobe after Halloween.
24. Giselle Princess Costume With White Wedding Gown
Giselle needs volume, and a secondhand wedding dress is the cheapest way to get it, with puffed sleeves, tulle layers, lace trim or an oversized skirt. Add a light petticoat if it needs more fullness, but keep the hem just off the ground. Wedding gowns are often hemmed for heels, so try it on in your flats before deciding whether to shorten it. Long auburn curls with small white flowers and ribbon, pink blush, fluttery lashes, champagne shadow and a rosy lip. White ballet flats under that skirt, a silver tiara or floral crown with pearl studs, and a bouquet of faux flowers or a small stuffed woodland animal. It's sweet, big and family-friendly.
25. Swan Princess Costume With White Gown
The Swan Princess is a white gown with feather details. Pick a flowing floor-length dress with sheer sleeves and a fitted silver or white bodice. Feather trim sheds, so I sew it on by hand rather than gluing it, and shake it out outdoors before wearing to lose the loose strands. Long blonde hair goes half-up with curled ends under a delicate silver crown or crystal headband. Pearl shadow, fine black liner, cool pink blush and a mauve lip, with crystal earrings and a thin silver necklace. White flats or low silver heels, and a white feather fan or swan clutch. She's a refined choice for formal parties if you're tired of bright gowns.
26. Medieval Princess Costume With Burgundy Gown
This medieval princess runs on deep jewel tones. Choose a burgundy velvet maxi dress with bell sleeves, a square neckline and a fitted waist, add gold ribbon at the cuffs and neckline, and attach a removable brocade panel down the front of the skirt. Velvet crushes wherever it's pressed, so never iron the pile directly; steam it from the back. Long brown or auburn waves with two small side braids and a gold chain circlet across the forehead. Bronze shadow, lashes, warm blush and berry lipstick. A pendant, a fabric belt with a pouch, brown lace-up boots and a rolled proclamation or faux jewel box finish it, with no particular character to live up to.
27. Ice Princess Costume With Silver Dress
An ice princess is easy to make from a silver evening dress covered in sequins, metallic embroidery or crystal-like beading. Layer a sheer white cape over the shoulders and stitch snowflake appliqués along its edge; glued appliqués tend to peel off sheer fabric because there's so little for the glue to grip. A platinum, silver or pale-blue wig goes in a braided crown or sleek waves. Icy white shadow, silver liner, cool pink blush and a glossy berry lip, plus a crystal tiara, rhinestone earrings and shimmery gloves. Silver ankle boots or metallic flats, and a clear snowflake wand or mirrored clutch. With no character to match, every choice is yours.
28. Woodland Princess Costume With Green Cape
The woodland princess is earthy rather than sparkly. Wear a long moss-green, brown or muted gold dress with a softly fitted bodice, and a green hooded cape over it for warmth and movement. Wavy brown or red hair gets small side braids, faux leaves and tiny flowers. Bronze shadow, flushed cheeks, defined brows and a rose-tinted lip. A branch-shaped crown, leaf earrings and a narrow braided belt go on next. Choose silk-style leaves over real ones, because real foliage wilts and drops bits within hours. Brown ankle boots handle grass and sidewalks, and a basket of faux flowers or a plush woodland animal suits her. She looks best photographed outdoors in daylight.
29. Celestial Princess Costume With Navy Gown
A star-covered navy gown makes a celestial princess. Look for silver dots, sequins or embroidered constellations, then add a sheer navy cape with light silver stars. Dark hair goes in a high braided bun or long waves, or use a midnight-blue wig, with tiny star clips and a silver moon tiara. Navy shadow, a little silver highlight, lashes and a plum-pink lip, with silver earrings and a slim metallic belt to lift the dark palette. Silver flats or navy ankle boots. If you carry a light-up orb or wand, use soft battery LEDs and tuck the battery pack where you can reach the switch. Dark navy disappears at night, so the lights help people actually see the stars.
30. Pink Fairytale Princess Costume With Tulle Skirt
This pink fairytale princess is yours to design. Pair a blush corset-style top with a layered pink tulle maxi skirt, or find a full-length prom dress in the same palette, then add detachable puff sleeves or a short sheer cape. Hair can go up in a curled high ponytail or down in long waves, and a rhinestone tiara does the princess signaling. Rose-gold shadow, mascara, glowing blush and glossy pink lips, with pearl earrings, satin gloves and a small heart necklace. Pink flats or rhinestone sneakers keep you comfortable, and a star wand or little castle purse is the prop. With no character to copy, you can adjust everything to your own style, size and budget.
Anchoring a Crown or Tiara for Hours
Almost every look here has a crown, and most crowns start slipping by the second hour. Tiaras with small combs at each end hold best. Slide the combs in against the direction your hair falls, then cross two bobby pins over each comb. For a crown on a wig, put a wig grip band or a velvet headband underneath first, since slippery synthetic fiber gives pins nothing to hold.
Tall crowns like Peach's are top-heavy. Sew a thin clear elastic between the two sides and run it under your hair at the back of the head, where it disappears. If a headpiece starts to ache above the ears, move the pins further back rather than tightening it.
Living in a Floor-Length Skirt for a Night
Long gowns are where a costume goes from fun to tiring. A few habits make them easier to live in.
- On stairs, lift the front of the skirt with one hand and keep the other on the rail. Going down is the risky direction, because you can't see your feet.
- For cold walks outdoors, thermal leggings and a long-sleeved base layer vanish under a full skirt, with a cape or wrap over the top. Nobody can see what's under all that tulle.
- Carry a few safety pins and a short length of thread. A heel caught in a hem is a common way for a gown to tear, and a pin fixes it in a minute.
- Practice using the bathroom in the gown before the night. It sounds silly, but full petticoats need a plan, and it's the first thing friends ask about.
Color First, Crown Second
Thirty princesses leave plenty of room, from a full blue ball gown to a character built from separates or an original pieced together from thrifted formalwear and craft-store trims. Start with the signature colors and a clear shape, then add hair, makeup, crown, prop and shoes you can walk in. The small details usually decide whether a plain dress reads as a princess. Try on long hems, capes, wigs and headpieces at home and walk around in them first. Then pick the princess who feels most like you.
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