Junie B. Jones is a gift on Book Character Day, because her look is made almost entirely of clothes kids already wear. A bright pink cardigan, a purple skirt, white or patterned socks, black Mary Janes, short brown hair and one oversized bow, and teachers know exactly who walked in. She's just as good for Halloween, spirit week or a reading party. Below are 35 versions for kids, adults and teachers, for cold and warm days, and for the morning you find out costume day is tomorrow. Most of them come together from thrift finds, comfortable shoes, a homemade prop or two and whatever is already in the closet.
Tying a Bow That Looks Big From the Back of the Classroom
Almost every version below depends on the bow, and most store-bought hair bows are too small and too floppy to read as Junie. Making one takes ten minutes. I use pink grosgrain or wire-edged ribbon about two to three inches wide; grosgrain holds its loops on its own, and wire-edged ribbon lets you puff the loops back out after a child has squashed them under a hood.
- Cut about a yard of ribbon. Fold it into two loops and two tails, like a shoelace bow, but flat.
- Pinch the middle tightly and wrap it with thread or a thin elastic band.
- Cover the pinch with a short piece of ribbon wrapped around and glued or stitched at the back.
- Fix the bow to a fabric-covered headband, not a clip. Clips slide out of fine, short hair in under an hour.
- Cut the tails on a slant so they don't fray.
Set the bow a little off-center rather than perfectly on top. Junie never looks done up, and a slightly crooked bow says that better than any other detail.
1. Classic Junie B. Jones Costume
The classic is a bright pink button-front cardigan over a simple white shirt, with a full purple skirt. White knee-high socks and black Mary Janes give the schoolgirl finish and stay comfortable all day. Short brown hair with slightly messy ends, or a chin-length brunette wig, is right; she's never tidy. Put an oversized pink bow near the crown. Rosy cheeks, a few freckles and clear lip balm are all the makeup she needs. Carry a Junie B. Jones book and a small notebook labeled 'Top Secret Personal Beeswax' and every grown-up in the building will smile. If I only have time to get one thing right, I make it the bow, because it's the first thing people look for.
2. Junie B. Jones Costume With Striped Tights
Striped tights add a burst of storybook color. Put a raspberry-pink cardigan over a white Peter Pan collar shirt and a knee-length purple skater skirt, then choose orange-and-purple striped tights or another bright pattern that goes with the clothes without matching too neatly. Black ballet flats or low Mary Janes are easy to walk in. Tousle the short brown hair and set a big pink bow slightly off-center. Rosy blush, a few soft freckles and natural lips are enough. A paperback, a child-sized backpack and a handmade bus pass in the cardigan pocket finish it. I always buy tights a size up for kids; striped ones run small and the stripes stretch thin and pale at the knee.
3. Junie B. Jones Book Character Day Costume
For Book Character Day, comfort for the whole school day comes first. Layer a pink crewneck cardigan over a light white T-shirt with a soft purple jersey skirt, and choose white knee socks with cushioned black Mary Janes that handle recess and long hallways. A big pink bow on a headband, not clips, means it comes off quickly when it starts to bother them at their desk. Bouncy, slightly untidy short brown hair suits Junie's energy. Skip heavy makeup and use washable freckles and a little pink on the cheeks. Carry one book from the series with the cover facing out, plus a decorated composition notebook and two oversized pencils.
4. Easy DIY Junie B. Jones Costume
Almost all of this one comes from everyday clothes. Any bright pink sweater and a purple pleated, circle or A-line skirt make the base. If the sweater has no fun buttons, stick on gold paper stars or circles with fashion tape. White crew socks and black flats, loafers or school shoes from the closet are fine. A tiny side ponytail on short hair works, or tuck longer hair under a bob wig. Make the oversized bow from pink ribbon fixed to a plain headband, and add rosy cheeks and soft washable freckles. A homemade 'Top Secret Personal Beeswax' notebook and a colorful backpack bring it home. Paper stars curl when they get damp, so felt is worth it if you have some.
5. Last-Minute Junie B. Jones Costume
Costume day sprung on you at breakfast? You need a pink top and something purple underneath. A cardigan is best, but a sweatshirt, a long-sleeve tee or a button-up shirt will do. Pair it with a purple skirt, skort or loose shorts over white tights, plus white socks and black sneakers or flats. Tie a wide pink ribbon around a basic headband and wear it over messy brown hair. An eyebrow pencil makes light freckles across the nose, with pink blush on the cheeks. Write a secret-journal label on a school notebook and grab a favorite book. The pink-and-purple pairing and the big bow carry the whole costume, so don't worry about the rest.
6. Junie B. Jones Costume With Purple Tutu
A purple tutu is for kids who want to twirl. Put it over opaque purple leggings or bike shorts so it stays school-appropriate on the playground, and add a hot-pink cardigan over a white cotton shirt. White knee socks and black Mary Janes balance the fluffy skirt with plain school-day details. A tousled bob, mini pigtails or a short wig with a large pink bow all work. Rosy cheeks, light freckles and a big grin are her face. Carry a light picture book and a small personalized journal. I pick a soft tulle with little or no glitter, because scratchy, glittery tutus get tugged at all morning and leave sparkles all over the classroom carpet.
7. Junie B. Jones Costume With Yellow Cardigan
Swapping the sweater color keeps the mismatched look but feels fresh. Wear a sunny yellow cardigan over a pink collared shirt with a purple circle skirt. Purple-and-orange tights make it extra bright, though plain white knee socks are fine for a simpler version. Black buckle shoes or ballet flats work, with a big pink or yellow bow on short, messy brown hair. A light wash of pink blush and small freckles is plenty. Carry a purple notebook, a chunky pencil and a bright mini backpack. Without the pink cardigan, the bow and the purple skirt have to do more, so keep them large and strong in color.
8. Junie B. Jones Costume With Pink Sweater Vest
A pink sweater vest is cooler than a cardigan for a warm classroom. Layer it over a crisp white short-sleeve blouse with a purple box-pleat skirt, white knee socks and polished black Mary Janes. On a cold day, a thin long-sleeve shirt under the blouse or nude thermal tights under the socks keep them warm. A short brunette bob with flipped-out ends and an oversized pink bow above one ear suits it. Peachy cheeks, faint freckles and clear lip balm keep the face playful. Carry a composition notebook, two pencils and a lunch bag decorated with removable stars. Vests ride up when kids raise their hands, so tuck the blouse in well.
9. Junie B. Jones Costume With Denim Jumper
The denim jumper version is sturdy enough for a day of crawling around on the reading rug. Wear a pink-and-white striped shirt under a knee-length denim pinafore and add a purple cardigan for the signature colors. Bright patterned tights bring back the mismatch, while black Mary Janes keep it grounded. Add a big pink bow to tousled brown hair or a short brunette wig. Rosy blush and a few soft freckles give an animated face without heavy makeup. Carry a Junie B. Jones book, a handmade name tag and a small backpack covered in removable paper stars. Jumper buckles can pinch, so check the straps sit flat over the cardigan.
10. Junie B. Jones First Grader Costume
First-grade Junie is a touch more grown-up. Pair a bright pink cardigan with a white collared blouse and a purple plaid skirt instead of a plain circle skirt, then add white ankle socks and black loafers or Mary Janes. Give the short brown hair a soft, messy texture and choose a medium pink bow rather than an enormous one. Pink cheeks, freckles and natural lips are enough. A small notebook, a pencil case and a chapter book are easy props to carry, and a paper 'Room One' badge on the cardigan is a nice touch for fans. It suits elementary students and teachers equally.
11. Junie B. Jones Kindergarten Costume
Kindergarten Junie is the brightest and silliest version. Start with a bubblegum-pink cardigan, a white T-shirt and a soft purple suspender skirt, with striped knee socks and black hook-and-loop shoes so little ones can do them up themselves. Two small uneven pigtails suit her, or a short wig held comfortably under a pink bow headband. Skip makeup for very young kids, or use just a little washable cheek color. Carry a mini backpack, an oversized pencil and a laminated school bus pass. A visible Junie B. Jones book helps teachers and classmates get it straight away. Stretch fabrics and a cardigan that comes off easily matter more at this age than any detail.
12. Junie B. Jones School Bus Costume
Junie's school-bus troubles make a fun prop costume. Wear a pink cardigan, purple skirt, white knee socks and black Mary Janes, with orange-and-purple striped tights under the socks if it's cool. Messy short brown hair and a large pink bow finish the character. Rosy blush, light freckles and raised brows give her that funny, uncertain look. Turn a small cardboard box into a yellow wearable bus with paint, paper wheels and wide shoulder straps, leaving it open at the top. I size the box so it ends at the hips, since anything longer bangs the knees with every step and won't fit through a classroom door sideways. A book or bus pass finishes the story.
13. Junie B. Jones Secret Journal Costume
Here Junie's secret journal is the star. Begin with a magenta cardigan, white blouse, full purple skirt and white knee-high socks, with black Mary Janes or cushioned flats. A chin-length brown wig with deliberately tousled bangs and an oversized pink bow suit it. Pink cheeks and freckles are enough makeup. Make a big foam-board journal labeled 'Top Secret Personal Beeswax' and hang it from elastic shoulder straps like a light sign, with a chunky pencil tied on by ribbon. Foam board is stiff enough to stay flat but light enough for a child to wear for an hour. It reads clearly from across a gym, which helps in a parade.
14. Junie B. Jones Toothless Costume
Junie's missing tooth is a funny detail for fans of the first-grade books. Wear the pink cardigan and purple skirt with a white collared shirt, patterned tights and black Mary Janes, with slightly uneven short brown hair and a large bow to one side. Keep makeup to rosy cheeks and a few freckles. If you want the gap, use a removable tooth-blackout product made for costumes and follow its directions, and never color real teeth with anything else. A hand mirror, a foam tooth prop and a Junie B. Jones book finish it. The outfit reads fine without the gap, so skip it for little kids or anyone who hates things in their mouth.
15. Junie B. Jones Pajama Day Costume
Pajama day turns Junie's colors into sleepwear. Choose purple pajama pants with stars, dots or stripes and a bright pink button-front pajama top, with a white T-shirt underneath at school. Fuzzy purple socks inside black slip-on sneakers are safer on hallway floors than slippers. Tousle the short brown hair and add a soft bow headband that doesn't pinch. Rosy cheeks and a few freckles are enough. Carry a stuffed animal, a colorful book and a handmade secret journal. Long pajama legs catch under sneakers, so roll them once or pick a cuffed pair.
16. Junie B. Jones Rainy Day Costume
A clear or yellow raincoat saves the costume on a wet morning. Underneath, wear the pink cardigan, white shirt and purple skirt with opaque leggings, plus purple or black rain boots with bright striped socks peeking over the top. Put a pink bow headband on short brown hair and make sure the bow shows once the hood is down. If you use makeup, keep it to rosy cheeks and freckles from waterproof products. Carry a child-sized umbrella and a book in a plastic sleeve, with a small school backpack. A clear raincoat is the better choice if you can find one, since everyone can still see the pink and purple through it.
17. Junie B. Jones Winter Costume
Cold weather doesn't have to bury the character. Start with a pink wool-blend cardigan over a white turtleneck and a thermal undershirt, and add a purple corduroy skirt over thick orange-and-purple tights. Black ankle boots are warmer than flats and still look like school shoes. Wear a short brown wig or style natural hair in a tousled bob, with a large pink bow on a knitted headband. Pink cheeks and soft freckles finish the face. Purple gloves, a bright scarf, a small backpack and a light book or journal round it out. Keep the coat open at the front for photos, because the cardigan is what people need to see.
18. Junie B. Jones Summer Costume
In warm weather, keep the colors and lose the layers. Wear a short-sleeve pink cardigan or collared knit top with a light purple cotton skort, plus white ankle socks and black canvas Mary Jane sneakers, which are cooler and more supportive than dress shoes. Loose, messy short brown hair with a large pink bow on a fabric headband suits it. A little cream blush, washable freckles and lip balm are enough. Carry a small paperback, a compact notebook and a pencil instead of big props. I'd skip the wig on a hot day; kids pull it off within an hour and it ends up in the backpack anyway.
19. Junie B. Jones Teacher Costume
Teachers can wear Junie through a full day of teaching. Put a fitted pink cardigan over a white blouse with a knee-length purple A-line skirt, patterned tights and supportive black loafers or low Mary Jane pumps. A slightly tousled bob, or longer hair pinned under to look shorter, is right with an oversized pink bow headband, rosy cheeks and light freckles. Carry a Junie B. Jones book during lessons and decorate a composition notebook as her secret journal, with a name tag and an oversized pencil. The kids will want to read the journal, so write something funny inside. It stays modest and easy to move in from the first bell to the last.
20. Plus-Size Junie B. Jones Costume
This version is about comfort, movement and Junie's cheerful colors. Choose a soft pink cardigan that closes without pulling and layer it over a breathable white scoop-neck top. A flowing purple midi or a stretch skater skirt, depending on the length you like, pairs with opaque striped tights and cushioned black flats, loafers or wide-fit Mary Janes. Short brown hair with tousled volume and a big bow on a flexible headband suit it, with rosy blush, freckles and a natural lip. Carry a decorated journal and a favorite book from the series. Stretch fabrics and a headband that bends rather than squeezes keep it comfortable for hours.
21. Adult Junie B. Jones Costume
An adult Junie can look playful on purpose rather than babyish. Combine a cropped pink cardigan with a white button-down and a high-waisted purple pleated skirt, then add orange-and-purple tights and black loafers or low block-heel Mary Janes. A short brown bob with textured ends and an oversized bow above the crown suit it. Pink blush, faux freckles, defined brows and a natural lip tint keep the face fresh. Carry a big composition notebook marked as a secret journal, a paperback and a bright schoolbag. The trick for grown-ups is to keep the clothes well-fitted and let the props and bow be the oversized, childlike part.
22. Junie B. Jones Costume With Pink Dress
A plain pink dress can stand in for the cardigan and skirt. Choose a knee-length pink shirt dress or fit-and-flare dress and layer a purple cardigan over it, so the colors swap places. White knee socks and black Mary Janes pull it back to school-day Junie. If the dress feels plain, stick removable gold paper stars near the buttons or collar. Short brown hair with flipped ends and a big pink bow suit it, with rosy cheeks, light freckles and clear gloss. Carry a purple journal, an oversized pencil and a chapter book with the cover showing. It's the fastest version to dress a wriggly child in, since it's one piece plus a cardigan.
23. Junie B. Jones Costume With Purple Overalls
Purple overalls make an active Junie for kids who'd rather wear pants. Put short or full-length overalls over a bright pink striped shirt and add a light cardigan if it's cool. Roll the cuffs a little and add white socks with black canvas sneakers or sturdy Mary Janes. A short brown bob with messy bangs and an oversized pink bow suit it, with peachy-pink cheeks and scattered freckles. Tuck a chunky pencil, a folded bus pass and a small notebook into the overall pockets, and carry a Junie B. Jones book cover-out. Overall clips come undone during play, so a small safety pin behind each clip keeps the bib up.
24. Junie B. Jones Costume With Plaid Skirt
A purple plaid skirt adds pattern without losing her colors. Pair it with a raspberry cardigan and a white Peter Pan collar blouse, and choose plain white knee socks since the skirt is already busy, with black Mary Janes or penny loafers. An uneven, bouncy short bob with a big bow near the crown and rosy blush, light freckles and natural brows capture her expression. Carry a bright backpack, a secret notebook and a well-loved book. A paper name tag pinned to the cardigan helps anyone who isn't sure. It's neat enough for a teacher and fun enough for a child.
25. Junie B. Jones Costume With Polka-Dot Bow
An enormous polka-dot bow can be the main event. Wear a hot-pink cardigan with gold-tone buttons, a white shirt and a solid purple circle skirt, with purple-and-orange striped tights and black ballet flats. Short brown hair with tousled bangs and a wide pink-and-white polka-dot bow on a comfortable headband suit it. Keep makeup to rosy cheeks and freckles so the bow stays the focus. Carry a secret journal, a pencil and a bright book bag. Repeat the dots on the socks or notebook only if you want; Junie's charm is that nothing matches quite right, and too many dots make her look coordinated.
26. Junie B. Jones Costume With Gold Stars
Gold stars turn a cheap pink cardigan into something storybook. Stick felt or paper stars on with removable fashion tape, then pair the cardigan with a white collared top, a purple skater skirt, striped tights and black Mary Janes. Short brown hair with textured ends and a bow slightly off-center suit it, with soft pink blush and freckles across the cheeks and nose. Carry a star-decorated notebook, a colorful pencil case and a Junie B. Jones book. Keep the stars small and flat; big ones peel at the points every time the cardigan is hugged or folded. It's a good project for a kid who likes crafts but doesn't want to sew.
27. No-Sew Junie B. Jones Costume
No needle or glue gun needed for this one. Wear a store-bought pink cardigan, a white T-shirt and a purple elastic-waist skirt, and use removable fabric tape to add gold felt shapes to the sweater and a ribbon band around the skirt. White knee socks and black flats or sneakers finish the outfit. Clip a large pink bow to a plain headband or fasten it with a reusable strip. Tousle the short brown hair, then add rosy cheeks and washable freckles. Cover an ordinary notebook in purple paper and write a secret-journal label across the front. Fabric tape grips best on smooth knits, so if the cardigan is fuzzy, pin the felt shapes from the inside instead.
28. Thrifted Junie B. Jones Costume
Thrift stores are great for Junie, because her pieces are supposed to clash a little. Look for a bright pink cardigan, a white blouse and a purple knee-length skirt and don't worry about matching shades. Secondhand patterned tights or clean white socks and comfortable black flats finish the outfit. Style natural brown hair into a messy bob, or trim a cheap brunette costume wig into shape. A thrifted scarf makes a wide ribbon bow. Blush and freckles do the makeup. An old composition notebook becomes the secret journal, and a used Junie B. Jones book is the main prop. I wash any secondhand wig before a child wears it.
29. Junie B. Jones Costume With Sneakers
Black sneakers are the answer for kids who need proper support. Pair them with white crew socks, a purple jersey skirt, a white cotton top and a bright pink cardigan. Pick plain sneakers without big contrasting logos so they blend into the costume. Short brown hair with tousled texture and a soft oversized bow headband suit it, with washable blush and a few freckles across the nose. A light backpack, a colorful notebook and a paperback are the clues. Kids can run, climb and stand in line in this one without anyone asking to change shoes at lunchtime.
30. Junie B. Jones Costume With Leggings
Leggings make a practical pants version. Put purple leggings under a pink tunic cardigan or a sweater dress, and add a white collar with a blouse, a removable collar or a layered polo. Orange-and-purple striped socks over the leggings, with black Mary Jane sneakers or slip-on flats, keep the mismatch. A lively, imperfect bob with a big bow to one side and pink blush and faux freckles finish her. Carry a secret notebook, a pencil and a Junie B. Jones book. For kids who are sensitive to tags, seams or scratchy fabric, this is the version I'd reach for first, since every piece is soft and familiar.
31. Junie B. Jones Spirit Week Costume
Spirit week is the time to turn up the mismatch. Layer a hot-pink cardigan over a yellow collared shirt with a purple pleated skirt, then add one striped sock and one polka-dot sock in colors that go together, with black sneakers. Give short brown hair extra volume and wear an extra-large pink bow headband. Rosy cheeks, freckles and expressive brows suit it. Carry a decorated journal, an oversized pencil and a backpack covered in removable paper stars. Pin a large name tag to the cardigan so classmates get it right away. The odd socks are the part kids love most, and they cost nothing.
32. Junie B. Jones Library Costume
A library event calls for a tidier Junie that keeps the books front and center. Wear a rose-pink cardigan over a white blouse with a purple A-line skirt, white knee socks and quiet black loafers or cushioned Mary Janes. Gently messy short brown hair and a large pink bow are enough. Keep makeup to rosy cheeks, a few freckles and natural lips. Carry two or three light Junie B. Jones books tied with a removable ribbon, a decorated library card and a small secret journal. Leave the big props at home, since they bump shelves and other readers. Soft soles matter here; tapping shoes in a quiet library get noticed fast.
33. Junie B. Jones Costume With School Backpack
A decorated school backpack can carry a simple outfit. Wear a pink pullover sweater with a purple skort, white knee socks and black Mary Jane sneakers, and add a detachable white collar if the sweater's neckline is plain. A short brunette bob with tousled bangs and a big bow above one ear suit it, with a little blush and washable freckles. Decorate the backpack with removable stars, paper pencils and a large name tag, and put a Junie B. Jones book and the secret journal in an open outer pocket so both show. On a nice backpack I use painter's tape for the stars, because it peels off clean the next day.
34. Junie B. Jones Graphic Novel Costume
This version borrows the crisp look of the illustrations: strong colors and clean lines. Choose a saturated pink cardigan with large gold buttons, a bright white blouse and a vivid purple skater skirt, with clean white knee socks and shiny black Mary Janes for contrast. A smooth chin-length brown bob with a few flipped sections and an oversized solid-pink bow suit it. Evenly blended pink cheeks, small freckles and well-defined brows keep the face expressive. Carry a bright journal and an oversized pencil cut in simple shapes. Every piece is plain clothing, so it all gets worn again after costume day.
35. Junie B. Jones Costume With Homemade Book Cover
A homemade cover frame turns the costume into a page from the book. Start with the classic pink cardigan, white top, purple skirt, striped tights and black Mary Janes, plus a short tousled brunette wig, an oversized bow, rosy cheeks and freckles. Cut a large rectangular frame from light foam board, decorate it with bright borders and a playful title, and attach wide shoulder straps at the back. Make the opening big enough that the child can see their feet and move their arms. Hold the secret journal or an oversized pencil inside the frame as if posing for an illustration. It's a hit at photo booths and book parades, though it's one to take off for the classroom.
Turning Long Hair Into Junie's Short Bob, No Scissors
Plenty of kids who want to be Junie have hair down to their shoulder blades and no interest in a wig. You can fake her short brown bob in a few minutes. Brush the hair, split it into two low sections behind the ears, and roll each one under and up toward the nape. Pin each roll flat with two crossed bobby pins, then pull a few pieces loose around the face and ruffle the top with your fingers. From the front it reads as chin length.
If your child hates pins, a fabric headband worn low across the back of the head holds the rolls instead. And skip wigs for kids who complain about itchy tags; a cheap costume wig sheds, slides and gets hot, and most young children have it off before morning recess.
Recess, Lunch and the Bus Ride Home in Costume
A costume for a school day has to survive things a party costume never sees. Before they leave the house, have them sit cross-legged on the floor, bend to pick something up, and put a backpack on and off. If the skirt rides up, add bike shorts underneath. If the cardigan buttons pop, button it lower. Washable freckles drawn with a brown eyebrow pencil hold up through lunch better than face paint, and a quick swipe of baby wipe takes them off. Send a plain sweater in the backpack too, because a cold playground is where most costumes come off.
Pink Cardigan, Purple Skirt and a Bow Big Enough to See
Junie comes down to bold color, school-day clothes and a little deliberate mismatch. A pink sweater, a purple skirt or pants, black shoes, short brown hair and an oversized bow do most of the work. Books, notebooks, bus passes, backpacks, striped tights and handmade props make it yours. There's a version above for kids, adults and teachers, for hot days and cold ones, and for the night before costume day. Whatever you pick, make sure it fits and lets them move, especially at school. Add freckles, a secret journal and a bit of Junie's attitude, and even a closet outfit becomes her.
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