Make Your Own Classic Alice in Wonderland Halloween Costume

Ever since Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass came out, girls young and old have wanted to dress up like Alice. Whether you know John Tenniel's original Alice illustrations, the Disney version of 1951, or Tim Burton's dark version due out in spring 2010, there's an Alice outfit for you. The cornerstone of the Alice look is the long hair held back with a headband, actually referred to as an "Alice Band" by some people. Here's a step by step description of all you need to complete your Alice in Wonderland Halloween costume.

Some years ago, I had the opportunity to see Tenniel's illustrations for Alice in Wonderland at the Newberry Library in Chicago. They are in black and white, although one colorized version I've seen has Alice dressed in orange! Since 1951's Disney movie, however, Alice has been dressed in blue. Look in the bridesmaid and prom sections of your favorite secondhand store, or on eBay in the square dance dress section for a full-skirted, puffy-sleeved dress in medium blue in your preferred length from mid-calf up to mid-thigh, depending on whether you want to be a traditional Alice in Wonderland or something a little sexier and more modern.

Alice wears a white pinafore over the top of her dress. You may be able to find a white 1950's hostess apron in a vintage shop or repurpose one from a French maid outfit. If you're handy at sewing, try this pattern from Jan at Craftygal. To create a Victorian silhouette wear a crinoline under the skirt.

Alice's signature look is her long blonde hair, left loose in back and held back from the face with a ribbon. Complete your Alice in Wonderland costume with a blonde wig and a blue hairband. As Alice is a young girl, she wears the standard Victorian girl's underpinnings of white stockings and black Mary Janes. You have the option of high black stiletto Mary Janes if you want something a little more enticing. Minimal makeup is required, just a little natural powder foundation and rosy blush.

Finish up with some fun Alice in Wonderland accessories. You can bring along a white rabbit hand puppet, a couple of chess pieces in red and white, or a deck of playing cards. Find a vintage bottle and handwrite a label on it reading "Drink Me." If you want to go all out, collect some lawn flamingos and small stuffed hedgehogs and have a game of croquet. Enjoy your visit to Wonderland, and keep a good head on your shoulders. Happy Halloween!

Alice in Wonderland (1951) Internet Movie Data Base

Alice in Wonderland (2010) official movie website

Jan, "Dressing for Kitchen Success," craftygal.com